Review: Marco Polo Club, Venice Airport

marco polo club

This lounge shares its name with the airport itself, named after the Medieval Venetian explorer, this relatively modern facility opened in 2002. On the outside, the airport embodies the red brick of Venice itself, whilst inside, the lounge offers a spacious (if occasionally busy!) spot to relax, enjoy a glass or two of Italian wine and admire the views across the runway and the surrounding marshland.

marco polo club

Access & location

The Marco Polo Club is the only lounge available at Venice Airport, and therefore caters to premium and status customers flying on virtually all airlines. This includes long-haul airlines such as Emirates, American Airlines and Air Canada, who all fly here due to the city’s importance as a tourist destination. It is located before passport control.

marco polo club

Finding the lounge is easy thanks to the relatively small terminal. Once you exit duty free, simply walk around the circular central section, past the passport control for non-Schengen flights and head up the escalators to the first floor. The Marco Polo Club is just 10 metres down a corridor, where you’ll be greeted by the reception attendants.


Seating & space

The Marco Polo Club is a surprisingly large facility, although given it is the only lounge available, it does make sense. It was refurbished and extended in 2017 to accommodate more passengers and benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows across its entire length.

marco polo club

marco polo club

At the centre of the lounge, you’ll find a mixture of more casual sofas, whilst a dining area with restaurant-style seating is towards the right. This is also where you’ll find the buffet and bar.

marco polo club

marco polo club

Coming off the main area you have a number of smaller sections, including cosier (and darker) lounge areas in circular rooms. These were less popular, probably because they are darker and further away from the windows.

marco polo club

marco polo club

Meanwhile, on the far left, the lounge has been extended into a neighbouring room and appears to offer an overflow area during busier times. There are also a range of booths designed for business travellers, with plenty of electrical outlets throughout the space.

marco polo club

Food & drink

The selection of food and beverages are pretty basic in the Marco Polo Club. There is a small selection of snacks including sandwiches, focaccia and böreks, as well as small portions of lasagne.

marco polo club

marco polo club

A selection of mini desserts are also available. It is all very carb heavy.

marco polo club

When it comes to drinks, you’ll need to ask for these at the staffed bar. A small selection of Italian wines and prosecco are available free of charge, as are hot and soft drinks.

marco polo club

marco polo clubs

Other amenities

Unique features of the Marco Polo Club include the large wintergarden filled with lush planting as well as a (non-smoking) outdoor terrace, with views across the lagoon all the way to St Mark’s Campanile in Venice itself!

marco polo club

You’ll also find a media lounge with eight individual TVs equipped with headphones, in case you want to catch up with live TV.

marco polo club

Check out Rhys’ other lounge reviews for The Clubrooms Gatwick North, Sala VIP Joan Miro and Vienna Lounge.

* Lounge review commissioned by Priority Pass, written and photographed by Rhys Jones, Head for Points. All details correct at time of visit on 23rd March 2023.