Story of Venice V Hotel
Listen close, can you hear the walls talking? Our landmark location is packed with history, colored by tales of Hollywood tenants and Venice lore.
The Crown Jewel of Venice
The V is set in a 1915 historic building (originally called The Waldorf), dubbed “the Crown Jewel of Venice” for its modern amenities like steam heat electricity and a telephone in each room. Over the last century, the Venice V has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood films and has been home to early A-List stars, many who lived long-term in our penthouse bungalows.
Live Like a Venetian
The present-day Venice V embraces the building’s historic foundation, with a dedication to preserving many of its special original period details including exposed interior riveted steel beams, a central grand staircase, and a carefully restored elevator with etched bronze doors, mahogany, and brass interior. Unique details are around every corner, from the curated local art in every guest room to the striking lobby mural of Venice visionary Abbot Kinney, constructed entirely of skateboard wheels.
History Runs Deep
The V’s original Otis elevator was at one time rumored to be the oldest operating elevator West of the Mississippi (you can still find its original controller and doors in our basement, reimagined as parts of our speakeasy theatre).
A few of the V’s early A-list tenants include Charlie Chaplin, Clara Bow, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and Wallace Berry.
The V has been the setting for many filming locations, including “Cobra” starring Stylvester Stallone (shot in Penthouse 7), “Falcon and the Snowman,” “Once Upon a Time in Venice” starring Bruce Willis, and more.
Legend has it, at the time of its 1965 restoration, the Waldorf housed 8 Hells’ Angels and three paying guests.
