Hotels in Italy ...Part one

LUNA HOTEL BAGLIONI

THE BRIGHTEST JEWEL IN VENICE

By: Robin Roth

I left on my dream trip completely excited for I knew that I had selected a treasure-chest of the finest hotels in Italy.

Allow me, if you will, to begin with Venice...

Upon entering this ever so charming city, I felt as if I had landed right into the setting of an enchanted storybook. The only possibility to make this story any better was to have the privilege of staying at the multi award-winning Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice; nestled in the strip of land on the Venetian Lagoon called St. Mark's Square. In my opinion, the brightest jewel in Venice.

I arrived at the hotel's private pier which provides a dock for gondolas and taxis. The moment the doors to the entrance were opened for me, I was swept away by the grandeur of everything Venice represented here, while revealing its beauty, art and elegance in every corner of the hotel. The building itself is of historical and cultural importance as well as being the oldest hotel in Venice. Its ancient and rich history tells that in the twelfth century, Templar Knights resided here before leaving for the Holy Land. The entrance is spacious and stunning, lit by Murano Glass chandeliers radiating the walls covered with Italian and French silks and the red Verona marble floor. I was also taken back by the stunning ancient works of art, antiques sofas and armchairs, large mirrors, and paintings by Venetian artists which all enhanced this tremendous storybook lobby setting.

The cordial, warm, eager to please staff were there to assist me at my every turn and need with the desire to make me feel as comfortable as I am in my own home. I found the highest quality of service with the traditional Italian charm and style. This completely supports the Baglioni Hotels philosophy, "True Italian Luxury Style".

The Luna Hotel Baglioni features 104 guestrooms, including 15 Suites and 22 Junior Suites, many with balconies overlooking the Grand Canal and superbly appointed. All rooms and suites have modern technology for entertainment, such as flat panel TV receiver with satellite multichannel TV, Wi-Fi network available and free, direct dial telephone, mini-bar, and iPod docking station in Suites.

The stylish and contemporary bathrooms contain fine Italian marble, bathtub, shower, large mirrors, direct dial telephone, and complimentary toiletries customized by Baglioni Hotels. I must admit, I could not resist taking a few of them home. The furniture represents the classic style of the eighteenth century and the fine Italian and French Silks covering the walls make for an intimate and charming room.

Each room in the hotel is decorated with Murano Glass Chandeliers, objects of art and gorgeous French silk tapestries. I would be remiss if I forgot to write how unusually comfortable the bed and linens are as well. I enjoyed an elegant cozy room which brought me the perfect nights sleep.

If you are looking for a more extravagant room, go for one of the two Grand Lagune Suites with Terrace. These exclusive, gorgeous rooms offer a unique experience of Venice you will never forget. These ultra elegant rooms are enhanced by the panoramic views of the beautiful lagoon of Venice, St. Mark's Basin, and the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

I also suggest, for special occasions, to stay in the stunning Presidential Suite, "Giorgione Suite", which is the finest of the Luna Hotel Baglioni. This very sought after suite, with antique furniture of the eighteenth century, is two levels and brings an ambience of absolute privilege. It boasts two living rooms and a large bedroom with two bathrooms and a wardrobe on the upper floor.

The luxurious bathrooms have two comfortable Jacuzzis made of Italian marble. However, the wonder of this room, in my opinion, is the huge typical Venetian wooden terrace with breathtaking views over the rooftops of Venice. Again, storybook!

Furthermore, as far as I am concerned, the jewel of the Luna Hotel Baglioni is the astounding Marco Polo Ballroom. In this grand ballroom your delicious and diverse breakfast is served. I guarantee while enjoying your breakfast, you will not be able to take your eyes off all of the brilliant original art work. The ceiling displays and luminous Eighteenth century frescoes were painted by Pupils of the School of Giovan Battista Tiepolo, which represent the four seasons. These paintings are intended to grasp the intensity of the fleeting joys of earthly life. There are two other valuable canvases painted in 1876 by Ermolao Paoletti, depicting moments of genteel life of Eighteenth Century Venice. These works are absolutely tremendous.

Moreover, every year during Carnival, lavish masked parties are celebrated in this ballroom allowing guests to experience and enjoy the awesome charm of the typical Venetian Carnival.

It is no wonder the Luna Hotel Baglioni's fine restaurant, The Canova, won the prestigious "Fogher d'Oro" and "Gambero Rosso" awards. Canova places a special focus on the tradition of Venetian dishes which are nothing short of culinary genius. The restaurant is lined with soft silk colors and illuminated by the lights of chandeliers and appliqués in Murano Glass. The windows decorated with fine Venetian lace and original paintings enrich this already chic setting that surrounds you while enjoying the recipes of the Master Chef Cosimo Giampaolo. I would like to recommend a few out-of-this-world creations suggested to me by the ever charming and handsome Maitre'D Giovanni...

The Fillet of Beef with parmesan cheese and rosemary is simply divine and utter food perfection, the Pappardelle with crab sauce is extraordinarily sensational, the Crispy Sea Bass with artichokes from sant' Erasmo is delicate, yummy and magical, and the Spaghetti with carpet shells is tasty with a burst of robust Venetian delectable flavors!

Do order every scrumptious dessert on the menu (I embarrassingly did). Enjoy an Italian bottle of wine or two which is an absolute must!  My dining experience in this phenomenal restaurant will forever be remembered.

Understandably so, The Luna Hotel Baglioni has been visited by prominent figures from all over the world which include: Sean Connery, Patrick Swayze, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Rutger Hauer, Eli Wallach, Donald Sutherland, the Masters Ennio Morricone, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Maurizio Pollini, Zubin Meht, the Nobel Prize Carlo Rubbia, film director Robert Zemeckis, musicians like David Gilmour, Van Halen, Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Roberto Vecchioni, astronaut Neil Armstrong, the Dalai Lama, President and Nobel Prize recipient Nelson Mandela, and many others.

I would like to take a moment to thank the lovely, elegant, gracious, and helpful Serena Giacalone for making this review possible in every way. Her passion for Venice shows with every word and gesture she makes. You are wonderful Serena and you represent Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice with total elegance and grace.

From its perfect location (just steps away from St. Mark's Square), remarkable hospitality of the entire staff, unique graceful ambiance, stellar and comfortable rooms, to its rich history and beauty, I cannot recommend the Luna Hotel Baglioni highly enough. Note that the hotel is very child friendly as well. I will no doubt remember my experiences here for the rest of my life and I assure you that you will too. I rate Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice an A+. What a unique and fabulous hotel right in the heart of Venice. Bravo!

For more information contact:

Luna Hotel Baglioni - VENICE: San Marco, 1243
tel: +39 041 5289840 | fax: +39 041 5287160 luna.venezia@baglionihotels.com
Bookings: tel: +39 041 9655930 | fax: +39 041 8106708 | reservations

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