93.33% HOTEL CIPRIANI

Venice Italy

Venice institution on the Giudecca, at one remove from the hordes. Private launch ferries guests between hotel and St Mark's Square.

ROOMS 104 in three buildings, with the best suites (51 and 61) in Palazzo Vendramin, or Mansard Suite in Palazzetto Nani Barbaro. Marble bathrooms

FOOD Informal Italian (Cip's Club), to gourmet, via easy poolside dining

SERVICE Great concierge

FACILITIES The best in Venice, with Olympic-size outdoor pool. New Casanova Spa features sauna, steam and treatment rooms; red-clay tennis court

COST Doubles from €499

Giudecca 10, Venice, Italy (00 39 041 520 7744; fax: 520 3930; www.hotelcipriani.com)