Last Updated on May 29, 2025
If you stay in Venice, where you stay matters. In my experience, the hotels overlooking the lagoon provide the basis for a magical Venetian experience. I remember seeing Hotel Cipriani from the vaporetto (water bus) and thinking how beautiful the structure was and how it was a perfect iconic piece of Venice.
The hotel was established in 1958 by Guiseppe Cipriani, also the founder of the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice.
Now, in partnership with famed architect and interior designer Peter Marino, Hotel Cipriani officially re-opened on May 27, 2025. Entrusted to perpetuate the cultural significance and incomparable legacy of this iconic Venetian hotel, Marino reimagined the aesthetic experience, preserving its sophisticated allure, while re-interpreting its fabled Dolce Vita spirit.
A World Apart: The Glamorous Cultural Haven of Venice
Set on the tranquil tip of Giudecca Island facing St. Mark’s Square, Hotel Cipriani enjoys an unrivaled location with 270-degree panoramic views over the Venetian Lagoon. Amidst verdant gardens and a magnificent saltwater pool, this legendary hotel offers an oasis of serenity, moments from the heart of Venice.
Venice has long stood at the crossroads of cultures, from the ancient Silk Road to the vibrant Biennales and Mostra of today. This enduring cultural eclecticism, dialogue of eras, and wealth of craftsmanship has been woven into the fabric of Hotel Cipriani’s design and décor.
“Since its opening, Hotel Cipriani has been a stage for the Italian ‘Dolce Vita’, a place where timeless glamour meets relaxed luxury. I am honored to redesign the future of this unique Hotel, a place of fond personal memories. The world’s great artists, actors, singers and society all mingled at this very special place and my goal is to rekindle that magic,” said Peter Marin.
The design, he says, is founded on three artistic eras.
- References to Old Venice convey the city’s magnificence and historical charm. As Chairman of Venetian Heritage Foundation, Marino’s understanding of Venice embraces its mystery and grandeur. Venetian refinement is expressed through architectural details, local savoir faire and a curated selection of collectible objects d’art.
- The late Fifties and Sixties when the Hotel Cipriani opened, fusing cultural entertainment and modern Dolce Vita lifestyle, are revived through a knowledgeable selection of artworks that echo the dynamic spirit of the mid- century Biennales.
- Contemporary Art and Design will capture the spirit of our time, breathing new life into the modern relevance that has long characterized Hotel Cipriani. Art will infuse the hotel with contemporary creativity. A home for the inspired art collector, Hotel Cipriani will perpetuate its legacy as a beacon of artistic sophistication.
The hotel’s renovation features a light-filled double-height lobby and refined redesign of 13 rooms, marking the first phase and chapter one of the renovation. The rooms include two master suites each designed as a Venetian apartment, complete with a dining room, library and salon. Named Serenissima and Laguna, each offers expansive views over the lagoon, along with 11 enchanting Suites and Junior Suites with private balconies overlooking the Casanova Gardens.
The elegant hotel features a total of 96 rooms and suites and along with its stunning pool offers a world-renowned wellness center and spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Oro and other waterfront bars and eateries.
“Our team is thrilled with the visionary work of Peter Marino, whose timeless elegance, contemporary design, and masterful curation of artwork will seamlessly blend classic sophistication with modern comfort, ensuring our guests continue to experience the unparalleled service and ambiance for which Hotel Cipriani is renowned,” said Thomas Schwall, General Manager of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice.
He added, “This renovation marks a significant milestone for our Venetian icon and we look forward to this exciting new chapter that will set the tone for decades to come.”
My Tips on When to Visit Venice
One of the world’s beloved destinations, Venice has been experiencing immense over-crowding on the tourist front.
As a frequent traveler to Europe and one who lived in Italy for almost four years, here are some things you should consider:
July and August are the hottest and most humid months. The average temperature is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and can skyrocket to 95 with oppressive humidity. This is also a busy time for tourism. If you want to avoid the crowds, high prices, and yes, the smelly canals, don’t come in the summer.
Venice is best visited during the shoulder seasons, from April to May or September to November. The weather is mild, crowds much smaller and prices on hotels and airfare are much better. Winter can be cold and rainy, but, not always. It’s a much more peaceful time to visit but during the 10 days of Carnevale between late January and mid-February, you’ll definitely see more people celebrating in the streets.
If you don’t have to fight the crowds and the heat index, I guarantee you’ll find a lot more joy in exploring this magnificent city of canals.
