Summer in Italy.
Contributed by Nicole Mitchell.
The charms of Venice are lengendary.
A magical place that enthrais the visitors. So much beauty calls for an adequate residence and If you ever want to spend a night next to George Clooney you can do it here. Hotel Cipriani in Venice.
The Hotel Cipriani in Venice is not located on San Marco or on the Grand Canal, its located on Giudecca Island, a 5-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.
The place has been an idyllic sanctuary since it opened in 1958.
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the Hotel Cipriani. That location is on Giudecca Island facing San Marco, amid a sea of quiet streets, sprawling gardens, and that giant saltwater pool. The full glory of Venice is suddenly yours — you can actually imagine being here when the city was a world power of its own.
You can even go “to bed” with George Clooney, nit personal but with “his” drink at the Cipriani bar.
Clooney, like so many others, is a huge fan of the hotel and has created two drinks with popular bartender Walter Bolzonella.
The “Buona Notte”, created when Clooney presented his film “Good Night” at the Venice Film Festival.
It starts with half a lime, fresh ginger, spoonful of cane sugar, angostura bitter, vodka, cranberry and crushed ice. On the night it was created, dozens people came to the bar and demanded the Buona Notte.
Hmm, yummy. And nice story of smart Mr.Clooney. And why not have a nap or even spend a night next to George.
The Hotel Cipriani is a world apart from other luxury hotels. Luxury is found in staff that feel like family, flowers blooming, or a perfect plate of pasta pomodoro. Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned the hotel’s food, so we tried the pasta pomodoro and it was indeed yummy.
Bolzonella is one of the best bartenders in the world, for his Italian charm as much as the drinks he creates, and he has been listening to life stories for years at the hotel.
Inspiration comes from the Hotel Cipriani’s fragrant grounds, we smeleld the fresh herbs of the hotel’s garden and wanted to make our own drinks.
We had a fantastic junior suite.
On a beautiful Venetian night, there is simply no better place than Cip’s Club for an dinner and the summer heat and crowds of Venice are escaped by the Olympic-sized swimming pool that despite its size, feels hidden away in the gardens.
The Gabbiano Bar faces the pool and this is where you’ll meet Walter Bolzonella, order “the” drink named by Clooney or a sweet bellini, and listen to piano music.
Just remember as you’re telling Walter your life story to ask about his. The stories are fascinating.
Be aware that rooms vary in size and have a certain faded look, so ask for dimensions and try to snag a lagoon view. Even better – if you have a budget- choose a room in the Vendramin, a restored waterfront palazzo that comes with a fleet of private butlers. It’s no wonder Clooney often makes the hotel the place to be when he is in town.
Plus sweet dreams.
We will be back soon.
Bravissimo Adriano, bella Italia.
