Hotel Cipriani: A Venetian Affair

Even if Carnival came to its end, there is always a good excuse to visit Venice. The city has always been a centre for architecture, the fine arts and the world's most exquisite crafts. The history of La Serenissima is a story best told by the lives of two of its' most well known citizens; Marco Polo, the merchant and explorer of the 13th century; and Giacomo Casanova, the seducer and lover of 18th century Venice. One used his mastery to explore the world and trade in the most precious goods, thus creating a great wealth. Whilst the other one worshipped all that is beautiful and romantic. Together, these two forces of industry and art have over many centuries created a truly magical city.

Having found the perfect hotel guarantees your pleasant and beautiful stay in Venice. It was in 1956 when Giuseppe Cipriani presented his project for a new hotel to his partners. His idea was to build a small palazzo very near to St. Mark Square, but at the same time distant enough to maintain privacy. The result was an amazing palazzo in the Giudecca island in Venice. Created to provide the very best of Venetian hospitality, Hotel Cipriani incorporates the most luxurious accommodation, the best service and the finest cuisine in an atmosphere of calm and seclusion.

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Hotel Cipriani offers a wide choice of suites and rooms, with views of the gardens, the lagoon, and St. Mark's Square. Palazzo Vendramin and the connecting Palazzetto are two 15th century buildings linked to the Hotel Cipriani. For the guests of these two palazzi, a private butler service is available.

The Hotel operates a free boat service to and from its private landing stage at St. Mark Square. Furthermore, the harbour of the hotel has docking facilities for yachts and boats up to 70 feet. In the hotel you can also find the Casanova Beauty & Wellness Centre where you can try the world’s most exclusive beauty treatments. The beauty centre is named after the legendary lover who once held clandestine trysts in the gardens of the Hotel Cipriani .

Cipriani-style food is simple, fresh and perfectly prepared: pasta and pastries are made in the hotel daily, as well as the breakfast croissants. Indeed a cuisine that meets international standards of excellence. The chef, Renato Piccolotto works in the hotel since 1970. His philosophy is to offer his guests authentic Venetian dishes in which the flavour of the ingredients is given pride of place. I do recommend the Ravioli filled with Eggplant and Mozzarella with Tomato and Fresh Oregano Sauce, and the Roast Rack of Lamb in a Crust of Herbs.

Julia Roberts, Martin Scorsese, Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, and Donatella Versace are some of the people that stayed in the Hotel Cipriani.

Hotel Cipriani is an experience that few should miss. Just few hotels can match the splendour of this hotel.

© Orient-Express Hotels