Meet Donna Silver | Co-Owner – Aliza Hotel Venice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Silver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by spaces that tell stories — places that feel lived-in, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. My inspiration comes from so many places: the quiet elegance of old European hotels, handwritten letters, vintage records, timeless design, and my years spent studying and living in Italy. I originally thought I’d open a restaurant — I went to culinary school in Florence and later returned to Milan to study hospitality management. But over time, I realized I was most inspired by the full experience — how design, scent, light, and service all work together to make someone feel something.

The Aliza Hotel was born from that inspiration. It’s a love letter to the Westside, the city my brother and I grew up in, and it’s also a deeply personal family project. The hotel is family owned and every member has been involved — from the remodel to the day-to-day experience. I’ve poured myself into the creative direction — curating everything from the interiors and finishes to our signature candle and scent, and building food & beverage partnerships that reflect our values.

At the heart of it all, I’m inspired by intention — by the idea that when you care deeply about the details, guests can feel it. That’s what I strive to create: spaces and experiences that leave an emotional imprint.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Aliza is a family-owned boutique hotel in the heart of Venice, and when we say family-owned, we truly mean it — when you check in, one of us is here to greet you. When you call, it’s us picking up the phone. We’re involved in every aspect and wouldn’t want it any other way.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. My Iranian-born father lost virtually everything he had during the 1979 Revolution. But determined to create a better life for us, he and my mother made tremendous sacrifices to save what they could, and slowly started investing in real estate over the years.

After undergrad, I studied hospitality management in Milan while my brother Daniel went to law school at Georgetown. We both grew up in Santa Monica, surrounded by design, creativity, and the spirit of reinvention. So when the opportunity to open a hotel came, it was like all the puzzle pieces came together — our family’s story, our individual paths, our love for this neighborhood — and The Aliza was born out of that.

We want guests to feel like they’ve been let in on a hidden gem, something soulful and real.
We’re not a big corporate hotel — we’re a space built with love and intention. Every detail has been touched by someone in our family, from the design to the scent in the rooms.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that when you lead with care and stay true to your vision, people feel it. The Aliza is more than a business — it’s a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe hospitality should feel like.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question — and one we get asked frequently by our guests.The Aliza is located right on Rose Avenue, which makes it the perfect base for exploring some of my absolute favorite spots in LA.

🗓 Day 1: Ease into Venice
Start the day with coffee and a breakfast burrito from Groundwork Coffee, just steps from the hotel. They’re one of our local partners and a perfect intro to the neighborhood. Then, stroll Abbott Kinney for shopping and people-watching. I love Burro for thoughtful gifts.
For dinner, tacos at Great White — laid back, delicious, and quintessential Venice atmosphere.

🗓 Day 2: A Santa Monica Day
Walk or bike the beach path into Santa Monica. Head to Montana Avenue for some window shopping and LA’s best ice cream at Rori’s (try the Brown Sugar Banana!). For lunch, R+D Kitchen or Hillstone are local favorites.

Dinner at Rustic Canyon, which is especially sentimental for me — it’s where me and my husband have celebrated many milestones in our relationship.

🗓 Day 3: A Day on Rose
Spend the whole day exploring Rose Avenue and the little side streets around it.
Pop into Tiny Bandit — a woman-owned apothecary shop just off Rose and the creator of our hotel’s signature scent. Then shop at Big Brother and Parachute, both neighborhood staples.
Lunch or dinner at Café Gratitude (our hotel’s exclusive dining partner) to close out the day on a nourishing note.

🗓 Day 4: Malibu Escape
Head up the coast to Malibu Farm for brunch on the pier, then hike at Solstice Canyon or relax at El Matador Beach.
On the way back, stop at Broad Street Oyster Company for a lobster roll.

🗓 Day 5: Design + Culture
Visit the Getty Villa for a little architecture and inspiration.
In the afternoon, stop by General Store on Lincoln for beautifully curated home goods and thoughtful design.
Dinner at Gjusta or Felix Trattoria — two of LA’s most beloved dinner destinations.

🗓 Day 6: Reset + Rituals
Start the day with yoga at Light on Lotus, a beautiful studio that brings such joy and clarity.
Later, happy hour at Beethoven Market — an under-the-radar neighborhood spot with great wine and a relaxed vibe.
Then head back to the hotel to hang in the lobby and listen to records — some of the best evenings happen just like that.

🗓 Day 7: Slow Sunday Sendoff
One last morning walk along the canals, coffee in hand, and a final brunch at Café Gratitude before heading out — a full-circle moment to wrap up the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My brother and hotel co-owner, Daniel Galdjie. The Aliza simply wouldn’t exist without him. He found the property, saw the potential, and had the vision long before there was anything concrete in place. From the very beginning, he’s been hands-on with everything, from guest experience to the remodel. Daniel worked closely on the design and construction process, shaping much of the space alongside our team.

Today, he’s at the hotel daily — greeting guests and making sure every detail feels right. His energy, leadership, and belief in what this space could be laid the foundation for everything we’ve built. I feel incredibly lucky to be doing this with him.

Website: https://www.aliza-hotel.com

Instagram: alizahotelvenice

Image Credits
Rachelle Beatty for hotel photos.
Portrait by Dominique Desage