Review: Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What’s the vibe? 
From its prime position on the eastern tip of the Giudecca island, Belmond Cipriani exudes an air of dolce vita–style glamour. Whether you pull up directly at the private dock, or hop on the hotel launch at Piazza San Marco for the journey across the lagoon, the super-attentive service, manicured greenery, and air of sophistication combine into a pampered world all its own.

What’s the backstory? 
Created by Giuseppe Cipriani—of Harry’s Bar fame—in 1958, the Cipriani has remained the essence of Venetian luxe through its various rebrandings. Now under the Belmond flag, it has added the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant to its gamut of glamourous offerings.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? 
Most hotels in central Venice have been maneuvered into the tight confines of historic buildings, hawkishly watched over by heritage bodies. Not so at the custom-built Cipriani, where every unit in the main building has its own water- or garden-facing balcony, and where even the humblest (it’s all relative) rooms are blissfully spacious. But if Venice doesn’t seem right unless your dwelling is ancient, never fear: The splendid Palazzetto annex dates back to the 15th century, and comes with catering facilities and a private butler. With Fortuny light fittings, antique furniture, and color schemes that match the glimmering lagoon, every inch of the interior is seriously indulgent.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? 
Free Wi-Fi.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? 
There’s the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant, with a glimmering Adam Tihany–designed interior, the less formal Cip’s Club on a deck by the water, and the Giudecca 10 trattoria, with tables arranged along a waterside terrace. And that’s just for starters. You can snack by the pool at Porticciolo, sip Cipriani’s famous Bellini cocktail at the Gabbiano bar, and take cooking lessons with Michelin-starred chef Davide Bisetto.

And the service? 
Staff is approachable, welcoming, and used to household-name guests with privacy issues. You can bank on hugely professional, discreet service.

What type of travelers will you find here? 
Come around film festival time (late August and early September) and you’ll rub shoulders with A-list stars, directors, and producers. But the vibe is monied and self-assured year-round, with splashes of international color, from entertainers to royalty.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? 
Venice remains a shimmering vision across the water—conceptually very close, but physically very far. The only obvious way of exiting is by boat; for many guests, that’s the Cipriani’s unique value proposition.

Any other hotel features worth noting? 
The list of facilities and services is staggering: central Venice’s only pool—and an Olympic-sized one, at that—a sumptuous spa, children’s activities, cooking classes, tailored tours and boat trips, gorgeous gardens, art classes, tennis courts, and more.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? 
If 360-degree indulgence is what you’re after, the Cipriani is your ideal Venice perch.