Massimiliano Perversi is the general manager of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, where he leads all aspects of hotel operations, from marketing and administration to guest experience and service excellence.
With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Perversi brings a wealth of expertise from leadership roles to the five-star Venetian property. Prior to joining Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Perversi was general manager at Aleph Rome Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and COO at HLH Collection, based between New York and Milan. He has also previously held general manager and senior management positions at Baglioni Hotels, the Ferragamo group and Four Seasons.
Passionate about luxury hospitality and strategic growth, Perversi is dedicated to elevating guest experiences at one of Venice’s most iconic hotels. We caught up with him to find out more about his career, the hotel and how guests can best enjoy a stay at his property and the wider city beyond.
Massimiliano Perversi brings a wealth of expertise from leadership roles to the five-star Venetian property
What makes Hilton Molino Stucky Venice stand out from other properties you have worked at?
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is unique because of its combination of history, location and the variety of experiences we can offer for our guests. Every property has its own character, but I particularly enjoy the balance between our business and leisure guests. Personally, I have always been drawn to the leisure side of hospitality, where we can create memorable experiences around discovery, relaxation and the destination itself.
Our location on Giudecca is also incredibly special. Guests are just a short boat ride from the heart of Venice, but can retreat from the crowds and enjoy a sense of space and tranquility. That balance is difficult to replicate and is a big part of what makes the Molino Stucky so distinctive.
Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamed of? What advice would you give to aspiring hoteliers?
I have been fortunate to spend 30 years in hospitality, with the opportunity to work across different properties, departments and markets. What has always attracted me is the people element – creating memorable experiences and making someone’s stay genuinely special.
My advice to anyone starting out is to be flexible, curious and open to every opportunity. Hospitality is incredibly dynamic, so never stop learning or challenging yourself. Every experience can teach you something, even if it does not immediately seem relevant to your career path.
Most importantly, remember that hospitality is about people. Passion, empathy, teamwork and making others feel valued are just as important as technical skills.
Guests are just a short boat ride from the heart of Venice, but can retreat from the crowds and enjoy a sense of space and tranquillity. Image credit: Andrea Sarti
Venice is famously known as the Floating City. What are the biggest advantages and challenges of operating in a city with limited cars?
One aspect that makes Venice so magical is the absence of cars. Exploring the city on foot, crossing its beautiful bridges and discovering its narrow, winding streets without the noise and congestion of traffic creates an atmosphere that is truly unique.
The city’s unique character, pace and connection to its waterways are treasures worth preserving. Embracing and protecting this extraordinary way of life is an important part of what makes working and living in Venice such a rewarding experience.
What is the one dish that guests have to try when staying at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice?
I would recommend the Glacier 51 (Toothfish) at Aromi. It is a real highlight of our gastronomic restaurant and perfectly represents our approach to contemporary Italian dining.
Served with sweet garlic and salted lemon, it combines delicate flavours with freshness and acidity, creating a dish that is both elegant and memorable. Aromi focuses on exceptional ingredients and refined, unexpected combinations, and I think the Glacier 51 captures that philosophy beautifully.
Resident restaurant Aromi focuses on exceptional ingredients and refined, unexpected combinations
What do you believe sets Hilton Molino Stucky Venice apart from other luxury hotels in Venice?
For me, it is the combination of our views, service, history and location. The Molino Stucky is a former flour mill and an important part of Venice’s industrial heritage, so the building has a character and story of its own.
Being on Giudecca also gives guests incredible views across the lagoon and Venetian skyline, while offering a welcome escape from the crowds of the historic centre. But ultimately, it is our people who make the biggest difference. Beautiful surroundings create an impression, but thoughtful, personalised service is what creates a lasting memory.
If you could plan a one-day itinerary for guests looking to explore Venice, where would you send them?
I would encourage guests to explore beyond the traditional sights. I would start with Murano to see the famous glassmaking, followed by Burano and, of course, St. Mark’s Square.
Depending on the timing of their visit, I would also recommend the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Biennale. Beyond the historic centre, the Venetian Lagoon offers wonderful experiences, from boat trips to San Giorgio Maggiore and Sant’Erasmo to cycling around Punta Sabbioni and Treporti.
For something particularly memorable, a sunset catamaran cruise with live jazz is a wonderful way to experience Venice from the water.
The new Presidential Suite at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the highest and largest suite in town with private access to the hotel’s rooftop. Image credit: AndreaSarti
Do you have any advice for guests visiting the Venice Film Festival for the first time this September?
The Venice Film Festival is such a special time to experience the city and my advice is to embrace the glamour of the festival while also making time to enjoy Venice itself. Planning ahead is important, particularly around transportation and festival events, but I would also leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
At Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, we are creating a number of experiences to make the festival particularly memorable. Guests can get red-carpet ready with treatments at eforea Spa, enjoy our special ‘Shades of Cinema’ cocktails at Skyline Rooftop Bar, or join us for our Rooftop Movie Night on 12th September, combining dinner, cocktails and a screening of The Favourite under the stars.
And after a busy day at the festival, Giudecca offers the perfect retreat – close to the action, but with a little more space and tranquillity and some of the best views across Venice.
What can guests expect from Hilton Molino Stucky Venice in 2027?
2027 will be a particularly special year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. We want to mark the occasion throughout the year with a programme of events, experiences and seasonal moments celebrating the hotel’s history, people and evolution.
It will also be an opportunity to look ahead. We are constantly developing our rooms, dining, experiences and approach to personalised service, so the anniversary will be about celebrating our heritage while continuing to innovate.
Most importantly, we want our guests and team to be part of the celebrations and experience the Molino Stucky in new and memorable ways throughout the year.
Rooms and suites combine modern elegance with a genuine sense of place. Image credit: Andrea Sarti
Your hotel has 379 rooms. Which is your favourite and why?
Of course our Presidential Suite is extremely special but my favourite room at the hotel is one of our recently redesigned Executive Suites with a view. It was newly created as part of the refurbishment and sits on the corner of the building, offering a particularly beautiful perspective over Venice.
It has a frontal view across the lagoon and skyline, as well as a unique glimpse of the Molino’s original clock on the façade. I love that combination of contemporary comfort and connection to the building’s history.
For me, it perfectly represents what the Molino Stucky does so well: combining modern elegance with a genuine sense of place.
Factbox
Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice begin at €240 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included. Molino Suites start from €590 per night. For more information or to book visit hilton.com/en/hotels/vcehihi-hilton-molino-stucky-venice/.
