You can only get to Hotel Cipriani by boat. Not strictly a Vaporetto (Venice’s charming water taxis) but rather, a Riva. It can feel totally cinematic to start the stay this way, but it is as iconic as they come. In 1956, Giuseppe Cipriani (of Harry’s Bar legend) created a hotel for jet-setting travellers – a little hideaway not too far away from the thrills of the city for film directors, nobles, Aristocats and the like. Now, hospitality experts Belmond oversee things and keep its old-school charm alive. Loyal regulars of the brand fly in for the swim in the pool (the only heated one in Venice), bedroom lagoon views, the Bellinis at lunch and the brand’s legendary whip-smart service. You can’t go wrong.