Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

Character and identity

Perched on the eastern tip of Giudecca, the Cipriani occupies a walled garden estate that feels improbably rural for Venice, separated from San Marco by a stretch of lagoon and a 24-hour private launch. The 95 rooms span a custom-built main building (where even entry categories run generously sized, with water or garden balconies) and the 15th-century Palazzetto Vendramin annex, where 16 units come with private butler service. Interiors lean on Fortuny lighting, Murano glass and Rubelli fabrics. Dining covers Michelin-starred Oro, waterside Cip's Club, the Giudecca 10 trattoria, and the Gabbiano bar. Service is polished, discreet, and used to high-profile guests.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets the Cipriani apart is the estate itself: gardens, pool, tennis courts and full resort infrastructure on an island ten minutes from Piazza San Marco, with the cooking and service to match. Book a Palazzetto Vendramin room with butler service if you want the historic Venice fabric; book a lagoon-facing balcony in the main building for space and views. Aim for shoulder season unless you want film-festival company.