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Hotel of the Week: Look Inside Peter Marino’s Redesign of the Famed Hotel Cipriani in Venice

The legendary Belmond property on Giudecca Island receives a masterful refresh of several suites and other public spaces

By Jill Sieracki
Luxurious hotel lobby with elegant furniture, vibrant artwork, large floral arrangement, and patterned floor tiles.
Hotel Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel, Venice, with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond

While Venice draws extensive attention for its glamorous events, like the famed biennale, annual film festival, and most recently, a certain billionaire’s celebrity-filled wedding, there are myriad longstanding landmarks worthy of a visit any time of the year. One such destination—the iconic Hotel Cipriani—has been luring discerning travelers like Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Sophia Loren, and Catherine Deneuve, since 1958.

Now, the celebrated Belmond hotel is entering a new era after a total refresh by esteemed designer Peter Marino. “Since its opening, Hotel Cipriani has been a stage for the Italian dolce vita, a place where timeless glamour meets relaxed luxury,” Marino says in a statement. “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.” 

Luxurious hallway with ornate chandeliers, abstract paintings, and a cushioned bench on a reflective tiled floor.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Matthieu Salvaing

Offering 270-degree panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon towards St. Mark’s Square, the Giudecca Island landmark unveiled a redesign of 13 rooms during its summer opening. Two of the accommodations are conceived as full apartments with a dining room, library, and salon while other refreshed suites offer private balconies overlooking the picturesque Casanova Gardens.

Since its opening, Hotel Cipriani has been a stage for the Italian dolce vita, a place where timeless glamour meets relaxed luxury”

However, longstanding guests need not fear a rejuvenated Hotel Cipriani means a total rethink of a beloved classic. Marino, vice chairman of Venetian Heritage, an organization devised to preserve the city’s cultural patrimony, knows how to walk the delicate line between restoration and overreach. At the property, the architect and interior designer maintained the soaring lobby and iconic swimming pool while infusing other areas with references to Venice’s historical charms and melding art and decorative details that nod to both the resort’s golden era of the 50s and 60s with contemporary pieces that appeal to the jetsetters of today.

Elegant hallway with ornate gold table, decorative mirror, and intricate vase, featuring beige walls and a plush bench.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Matthieu Salvaing
Elegant living room with vintage decor, featuring a white sofa, unique metallic chair, and ornate teal lamp near a door.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Elegant bedroom with ornate dresser, pink flowers, large window with beige curtains, and a chair next to a bed.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Luxurious mirrored closet with golden handles and intricate floor design reflecting opulent decor style.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Matthieu Salvaing
Elegant living room with antique furniture, a view of the water through large windows, and sunlight streaming in.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Matthieu Salvaing
Elegant living room with orange walls, large abstract painting, floral arrangements on a vintage console, and natural light.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Luxurious marble bathroom with double sinks, checkered floor, bathtub, large mirrors, and elegant lighting.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Elegant living room with ornate Asian-style screen, antique furniture, patterned couch, and decorative lamp.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond


“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,” states Thomas Schwall, General Manager of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice. “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.”