Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste: Coastal Luxury & History

“When history whispers and the sea sparkles, magic happens.”

Joelle Machia upon our arrival

Some hotels make you feel at home; others make you feel transformed. And then there are the rare few that somehow do both. The Savoia Excelsior Palace in Trieste, Italy, is one of those rare gems. An opulent neoclassical beauty perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, it exudes the regal confidence of its imperial roots while offering the warmth and refinement of modern Italian hospitality.

From its sweeping marble staircase to its sea-facing balconies, the Savoia Excelsior Palace delivers a masterclass in historical preservation, elegance, and luxury. Here, you don’t just stay, you are transported. With its enviable location steps from Piazza Unità d’Italia and its rich Austro-Hungarian legacy, this hotel invites guests to savor Trieste’s overlooked beauty in style and comfort.

A Legacy Built for Emperors

The Savoia Excelsior Palace was inaugurated in 1911, at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s power. At the time, Trieste was the empire’s most important seaport and gateway to the world, and it demanded a hotel that would reflect its global significance. Designed by architect Ladislaus Fiedler, the hotel was commissioned to host Habsburg dignitaries and naval brass attending the launch of the empire’s battleship, Viribus Unitis.

Constructed over three years, the hotel was an architectural marvel: its neoclassical façade faced the sea, while its interior offered the latest luxuries of the time, electric lighting, hydraulic elevators, and suites designed for visiting royalty. The hotel’s prestige only grew, welcoming the likes of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who occupied a suite so regal that it still bears his name.

But as history unfolded, the hotel found itself in the center of Europe’s upheavals. World War I led to the fall of the empire. Trieste passed to Italy. In World War II, the hotel was repurposed for military use and damaged in air raids. Following the war and a brief period of Allied administration, it returned to civilian life.

It wasn’t until the 2009 restoration by Starhotels Collezione that the Savoia Excelsior truly reclaimed its imperial legacy. The restoration preserved historic elements like the original chandeliers and stucco details while integrating the comforts of a modern five-star hotel. What emerged is not a museum, but a living palace, a place that honors its past while embracing the needs of today’s traveler.

Part of a Collection of Italian Elegance

One of the things we appreciate as travelers is knowing that certain hotel groups consistently deliver exceptional service, design, and authenticity. The Savoia Excelsior Palace is part of Starhotels Collezione, a family-owned Italian hospitality brand known for its emphasis on distinctive heritage, Italian craftsmanship, and local immersion.

Each Collezione property is one-of-a-kind, be it a palazzo in Florence, a grand dame in Rome, or this waterfront palace in Trieste. Still, all share a commitment to timeless elegance and heartfelt hospitality. What stood out to us was how this hotel didn’t feel like part of a chain; it felt deeply personal, yet clearly benefited from the polish and professionalism of a seasoned luxury brand.

Knowing it belongs to the same group as properties like Helvetia & Bristol in Florence and Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome made us eager to explore more of the Starhotels portfolio in the future.

Our Arrival at the Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste

We arrived in Trieste by car, winding down coastal roads that slowly gave way to the city’s neoclassical grandeur. As we pulled up to the entrance of the Savoia Excelsior Palace, we were greeted by the stately façade facing the Adriatic. The valet was immediately there to help with our bags, welcoming us as though we were returning rather than arriving. The moment we stepped through the grand doors, we were struck by the cool marble floors, the soaring ceilings, and a serenity that seemed to hush the outside world.

Our Room: A Front-Row Seat to the Adriatic

We stayed in a Deluxe Double with Sea View Balcony, and to call it a room would be underselling the experience. The space was generous and meticulously detailed. High ceilings, elegant moldings, and a soft palette of ivory, navy, and gold created an atmosphere of calm refinement.

The balcony was the showstopper: overlooking the shimmering Gulf of Trieste, with sailboats dotting the horizon and the occasional sea breeze lifting the linen curtains. We enjoyed early morning espressos and sunset aperitivos here, watching the city come to life and wind down.

Inside, the bed was dressed in crisp linens and a down comforter that made it hard to leave each morning. The marble bathroom was a haven of its own, featuring a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rain shower, and Acqua di Parma bath products that brought a whiff of Italian luxury to every moment.

Other thoughtful touches included:

• A curated minibar with local wines and snacks
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
• A large smart TV discreetly mounted in an ornate armoire
• Robes and slippers plush enough to nap in
• Soundproofed windows for a silent night’s sleep
• Upgraded amenities

For those seeking something genuinely regal, the Franz Joseph Suite offers over 1,000 square feet of opulence, with a drawing room, dining area, and wraparound balcony facing the sea.

Dining at the Savoia Excelsior: A Triestine Feast

Italy is synonymous with food, but Trieste has a culinary identity all its own, one shaped by centuries of cultural blending. Here, Slavic, Germanic, and Mediterranean influences merge into dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. The hotel’s Savoy Restaurant by Eataly beautifully celebrates that legacy.

Breakfast is a ritual. Served in a gilded dining room with sea-facing windows, it includes:

• Flaky croissants and apple strudel (a nod to the city’s Austro-Hungarian past)
• Local cured meats and cheeses
• Fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola
• Made-to-order omelets
• Espresso, cappuccinos, and herbal teas

The highlight for us was dinner. The restaurant’s à la carte menu leans heavily on local ingredients, including:

• Scampi alla busara, a spicy tomato-based seafood dish native to the northern Adriatic
• Jota, a comforting soup of beans, sauerkraut, and pork
• Risotto with squid ink, striking in presentation and rich in umami
• Grilled Branzino, served with roasted fennel and citrus emulsion

Wines come from Friuli Venezia Giulia’s esteemed vineyards—Collio whites like Friulano and Ribolla Gialla pair beautifully with seafood, while reds like Refosco complement meatier fare.

For dessert, don’t miss the Rigo Jansci, a chocolate sponge layered with whipped cream, or a scoop of grappa-infused gelato.

A Lounge for Every Mood

After a day exploring the city, we retreated to the Le Rive Lounge Bar, a sultry, moody space of velvet banquettes, crystal glassware, and old-world glamour. Here, the bartenders are artists. Our favorite cocktail was the Negroni Savoia, featuring local vermouth and a house-aged gin. They also have a rotating list of signature drinks inspired by local legends and writers.

In the adjoining reading room, you’ll find plush chairs, antique globes, and shelves filled with books in multiple languages. It’s a place to write, sip, and dream.

Service That Went Above and Beyond

What impressed us most was the staff’s thoughtfulness. When we mentioned our interest in regional cuisine, the concierge didn’t just list restaurants; he made a call, secured us a perfect seaside table, and even arranged a tasting menu highlighting local specialties. The next day, he remembered to ask how we liked the meal. It’s rare to find such personal attention in even the finest hotels, and it made us feel genuinely seen and cared for.

A Base for Exploring Trieste and Beyond

The location couldn’t be more ideal. Within a five-minute walk, you’ll find:

• Piazza Unita d’Italia, Europe’s largest seafront square
• Caffè degli Specchi, a historic café perfect for people-watching
• Teatro Verdi, an opera house dating to 1801
• Canal Grande, dotted with literary statues and Venetian-style bridges

A short taxi or bus ride away:

• Castello di Miramare, the 19th-century palace of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico
• Museo Revoltella, a museum of modern art in a neoclassical mansion
• Risiera di San Sabba, a WWII concentration camp and powerful memorial site
• Carso Plateau, offering hiking and wine tasting just minutes outside the city

Miramare Castle: A Fairytale by the Sea

No trip to Trieste would be complete without visiting Castello di Miramare, one of the region’s most iconic and enchanting landmarks. Located just a short drive from the Savoia Excelsior Palace, the white stone castle sits dramatically on a rocky promontory above the Adriatic, surrounded by lush botanical gardens.

Built in the mid-19th century for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, the castle’s design reflects both imperial grandeur and personal touches that speak to their love of the sea. The rooms inside remain mainly preserved as they were when the couple lived there, filled with original furnishings, nautical maps, and opulent tapestries.

Walking through Miramare’s halls and terraces offers a captivating glimpse into royal life, and the panoramic sea views alone are worth the visit. We spent an afternoon wandering the manicured grounds, following forested paths, and watching the sun dip low across the horizon. It was peaceful, romantic, and altogether unforgettable.

Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic soul, or simply in search of beauty, Miramare is a must-see during your stay.

Trieste is not so under the radar that many travelers miss it. Yet, those who make their way here are rewarded with a cultural richness, culinary complexity, and history that rival any destination in the country. Staying at the Savoia Excelsior Palace made us appreciate Trieste even more—it placed us at the very heart of its elegance and charm.

If You Go

Savoia Excelsior Palace – Starhotels Collezione
Riva del Mandracchio, 4, Trieste, Italy
Website: https://collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/savoia-excelsior-palace-trieste/
Phone: +39 040 77941

• Rates: Starting at €180/night. Suites begin around €350, depending on the season.
• Getting There:
  • Trieste Airport (TRS): 35 minutes by taxi
  • Trieste Centrale train station: 10-minute walk
• Amenities: Fitness center, library, restaurant, bar, meeting rooms
• Parking: Valet and garage parking available
• Family Friendly: Cribs, extra beds, and kids’ menus available
• Pet Policy: Small pets welcome upon request

Final Reflections on Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste

The Savoia Excelsior Palace is more than a hotel; it’s a gateway into Trieste’s complex past and cosmopolitan present. It evokes the elegance of an imperial past while serving up the warmth and comfort of Italian hospitality. From the marble corridors once walked by emperors to balconies where travelers like us now sip espresso, this is a place where every corner tells a story.

We arrived curious about Trieste and left enamored, not just with the city but also with this exceptional hotel that captures its soul. In fact, we are returning for another stay in May.

If you crave grandeur with personality, culture with class, and views that will linger in your memory long after check-out, the Savoia Excelsior Palace should top your travel list.

© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

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