Hotel Cipriani, Venice

The hotel is located on the eastern end of Giudecca island and with its lush gardens to roam in and lagoon-side restaurants to dine in, you'll feel miles away from the hubbub of the tourist hotspots.

The hotel runs an all-day free shuttle service, taking you to St Mark's Square with the cathedral and the Doge's palace (5 minutes).

By plane: London to Venice takes 2 hours, after which an airport boat (or water taxi) takes over an hour to the hotel. Book flights to Venice.

The hotel screams old-fashioned glamour - from the liveried doormen in their tail coats to the walled wooden key holder. Murano glass chandeliers add to the grandeur, as do the chequerboard tiled floors.

Facilities include a small spa (with sauna and steam room), gym, tennis courts and boutiques (including the only Pucci store in Venice). Staff are friendly, preempting guests' needs.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Tennis court
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms may differ in shape, size and views - but all have classic furniture (such as gilt-framed mirrors and damask headboards) and marble bathrooms. Choose a room with a terrace or patio to enjoy your morning coffee with a view.

Room types: Superior, Premium, Junior Suite, Suite, Dogaressa Suite, Palladio Suite, Serenissima Suite, San Giorgio Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, mini-bar, TV, free Wi-Fi

With a choice of three restaurants, there's a lot for foodies to get excited about. The linguine with clams at Il Porticciolo is a classic dish superbly executed.

Il Portiocciolo: oyster bar and seafood restaurant, lagoon views. Open daily for lunch.

Oro: fine dining, Venetian cuisine. Open Tue-Sat for dinner. Eight-course taster menu from €250.

Cip's Club: elegant restaurant, seasonal ingredients, Venetian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner.