My 4 favorite things about using Hilton points to stay on an island in Venice at the Hilton Molino Stucky
I recently had the chance to stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, a gorgeous hotel located on the island of Giudecca in a restored flour mill building — and it's a hotel you definitely want to have on your radar.
My stay here was provided as part of a broader media trip through Italy with Adventures by Disney (more on that to come soon), but I wanted to share a few quick points about this hotel — and why you might want to consider a stay here too, as it was a pretty great property that you can book starting at around only 55,000 Hilton points per night.
Here's what to know about the Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, along with a reel if you'd rather watch what the pool and rooftop drinks look like rather than read about them.
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Related: These are the best ways to earn Hilton points
The location is fun, but only accessible by water
If you're planning a trip to Venice, remember that it is the city of canals, and as such, water abounds. But while there are canals and bridges all over, the Hilton Molino Stucky isn't just a hop over a small bridge from the famous sights. Instead, it sits on an island that is not accessible from the main city by foot. You can only get there by boat, such as a water taxi, ferry or similar.
Thus, the downside of this location is that you will have to plan a bit more to experience sights like St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and more — though the hotel does have a handy boat all its own to help with getting back and forth across the lagoon.
However, on the flip side, Giudecca is very calm, peaceful and enjoyable for an evening eating by the water or a nice stroll without the crowds you will find in some other parts of the city.
There are recently-renovated rooms
After spending a few nights in Italy in other hotels that were certainly nice, but not necessarily always the most modern, walking into the recently renovated rooms at the Hilton Molino Stucky was a breath of the freshest air.
The rooms here were beautiful, functional, stylish and still managed to retain that unique sense of place, with wood ceilings and Italian-inspired details.
My family of four had connecting rooms (something Hilton is very good at). Throughout both spaces, we found that there were plenty of outlets for our devices, the air conditioning worked really well and the rooms had all the modern, homey comforts we could possibly have wanted for our stay.
The rooftop pool is awesome, with a great spot for drinks
Five words: Rooftop pool access in Venice.
I'm not sure I need to say much more, but this was an exceptional way to cool off while in Venice — and it was a great place to enjoy the view at the same time. If you needed one more good reason to use (or earn) Hilton points at the Hilton Molino Stucky, this is what puts it over the top for me.
In addition to the pool, there's a rooftop bar and restaurant that is absolutely worth mentioning. The appropriately named Skyline Rooftop Bar is said to be the highest bar in Venice and an excellent spot to take in the view, especially as day turns to dusk.
I suggest making a reservation just to be on the safe side.
When it came time to order, our group decided to just try one of everything on the food menu. The cicchetti, hummus and chips, and charcuterie plate were standouts items for me, but it was all enjoyable.
The hotel has a great breakfast buffet that you can enjoy with Hilton status
Last but not least, let's talk about one of the top breakfast buffets I've enjoyed in Europe.
At its dedicated breakfast restaurant Il Molino, the Hilton Molino Stucky has an entire high-ceiling room devoted to a large buffet spread stocked with everything from exquisite pastries, an array of fruits, made-to-order waffles and pancakes, a honeycomb, a candy bar, salads, fruit and so much more.
As I mentioned, we were at this hotel as part of a broader tour across Italy that included breakfast — but it would have also been included by virtue of Hilton Gold status or higher, which you can get by having a card such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required) or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Checking out
While there would have been some logistical benefits to staying somewhere in a more central part of Venice, such as at the St. Regis Venice or Gritti Palace Venice, both bookable with Marriott Rewards points, I actually loved the relative peace and quiet that came from being on an island away from the heart of it all.
From the rooftop pool and bar to the impressive breakfast buffet and those gorgeous, recently renovated rooms, there's no doubt that if I'm lucky enough to find myself in Venice again, I'd be checking the points price for a repeat stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky.
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