"The intimacy of other area hotels is countered by the spaciousness of Belmond Hotel Cipriani, where every room has garden or water views. Those who prefer to sleep somewhere that’s at least four centuries old can head to its annex, set inside a 15th-century palace on Giudecca Island. From its prime position on the eastern tip of the island, it 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. 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." - Sarah James, Anne Hanley
