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Hotel Cipriani: Shimmering Elegance in Venice

Sporting mesmerizing views on the Venetian waters, Hotel Cipriani is one of the most celebrated icons of Italian luxury. Discover the antique charm of this exclusive hideaway, house of history and sophistication.

Set in an exclusive corner of Giudecca Island, with enviable views of the Venetian Lagoon, Hotel Cipriani is a majestic icon of luxury and historical splendor. Its strong personality and golden past made it Venice’s most fabled hideaway, surrounded by blue waters and breathtaking views and yet located just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square.

Much more a haven of peace than a city hotel, the palace hosts an exquisite selection of antiques and local artifacts that whisk you back in time and every inch of this iconic hideaway is guaranteed to enchant. Here the guest can breathe a unique air of romance and antique sophistication, surrounded by the beauties and the refurbished opulence of this 15th century Palazzo.

The story of Hotel Cipriani began in 1956, when Giuseppe Cipriani – founder of the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice – decided to build a haven for jet-setting travelers, as close as possible to St Mark’s Square, yet away from the city bustle. Today a symbol of Italian Dolce Vita, the hotel hosted many glamorous guests from across the globe: affluent Americans, French nobles, English aristocrats, actors and artistsused to flock in large numbers to enjoy the relaxing, private atmosphere, the luxury service and the majestic heritage of artworks and local design pieces.

Today, Hotel Cipriani may look quite different from its early days, featuring many additions such as the magnificent Palazzo Vendramin and the Michelin-star restaurant Oro, but it keeps its original charm and Giuseppe Cipriani’s aspiration: to provide an indulgent sanctuary away from the city bustle, yet a stone’s throw from its historical center. The hotel is still imbued in this same spirit and here the guest can truly feel it, enjoying some of the most spectacular views of the city while sipping a glass of Bellini, a famous Italian cocktail invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1948 and here prepared according to his original recipe.

Inside the hotel it seems the time has stopped: opulent interiors furnished with Venetian handcrafted antiques, rich fabrics and sparkling Murano décor are framed by floor to roof windows across the shimmering waters of the blue lagoon with striking views on the theatrical city backdrop and enchanting manicured gardens.

Characterized by a decadent 18th century charm, the suites feature exquisite design pieces and original artworks placed into palatial spaces and ornated with the most precious details. Everything contributes to create a unique atmosphere: from the sophisticated fabrics and decorated tapestry to the use of prestigious wood for the hand-engraved cabinets and the marble floors.

Casanova Gardens surround the property, making Hotel Cipriani a real oasis of peace surrounded by nature. These lush gardens encompass some of the most beautiful greenery in the whole of Venice, marked by arches of roses and cypress and pomegranate trees. Here the guest can pause on a bench surrounded by the sound of chirping birds and the scents of fresh blooms from the vegetable garden. Here a real jewel is hidden: the historic vineyard where the Vite Corona is grown.

Outside the hotel is also located the official “social hub” of Hotel Cipriani: a magnificent Olympic-sized pool. Heated and filtered with seawater, when it was installed, an architectural mix-up between feet and meters resulted in an unusually large pool: a happy mistake that makes it one of the most famous spots in the city.

To complete the luxury experience, timeless glamour meets modern culinary artistry at the Michelin-starred restaurant Oro. Recently relaunched under Executive Chef Riccardo Canella, Oro has an ethereal energy that captures the spirit of La Serenissima. Here the beautiful interiors and golden details frame exquisite dishes of local cuisine, perfectly prepared with local ingredients. All around the palace the guest can find many more “tasting spots” such as the Cip’s Club, where breathtaking panoramas offer the setting for one of the most romantic places in Venice.