The Hotel Excelsior was built at the turn of the century, the realised desire of visionary entrepreneur Nicolo Spada and world-class architect Giovanni Sardi. It opened on July 21st 1908 to great acclaim, with a lavish oceanfront party for over 3,000 guests from around the globe. Its creators aimed to transform Venice Lido into a fashionable, glamorous destination for the discerning traveller both national and international, utilising its unique beach setting, ample space and breath-taking views to maximum effect. After 18 months of building work, their dream resort was complete: a grand, Belle Epoque style palazzo featuring elaborate Moorish design elements, with manicured gardens, an immaculate sandy beach and endless rows of private cabanas on one side and the emerald waters of the Venice Lagoon to the other.The hotel quickly became a Lido landmark, the must visit destination for the rich, famous and often royal.