Over the Moon at Baglioni Hotel Luna

The opportunity to be the guest of a 5-star luxury property is a rare and real treat for me. So, needless to say, when when the opportunity to stay at the Baglioni Hotel Regina in Rome presented itself last spring, I was absolutely ecstatic.

I gushed and raved over my “La Grande Bellezza” (“The Great Beauty”) experience and it remains a highlight of my visit to Rome.

So, could lightening strike twice? Ah, as good timing and good fortune would have it, it did this spring! Once again, I had the privilege of staying at their property in Venice, the Baglioni Hotel Luna. Now, Venice, for me is magical and a 5-star experience regardless but to also stay at the Luna… Wow! 5-stars doesn’t begin to describe it!

And this stay was even more special because it was with fellow bloggers and friends, Margie Miklas, Susan Nelson and Ishita Sood.

From the moment you enter the Luna, you cross the threshold into an elegant, sophisticated ambience and your extraordinary, luxury experience begins. Entering the intimate and tastefully appointed lobby, we are immediately greeted Adriano Girardi, the Food and Beverage Manager, and other members of the gracious and attentive staff .

Old world sophistication and attention to detail is reflected everywhere you look—from the stunning Venetian glass chandelier to the lovely flower arrangements, the sophisticated Baglioni signature is unmistakable.

“With a reputation founded on old world virtues of impeccable service, discretion, and attention to detail, the family-owned Baglioni Hotels is renowned for its quintessential Italian hospitality, architectural elegance and understated luxury.”
– Vicki Arkoff in the Pursuitist profile of Guido Polito *

Checking in, we make our way to our lovely room. Stepping onto our French balcony, we look out to the iconic San Marco Basin—picture perfect (pinch me, please?!?) All this and a personal welcome note accompanied by a  bottle of chilled Prosecco (Baglioni’s own,of course!) accompanied with nibbles almost too lovely to eat. A toast is in order…

“Baglioni Hotels are truly ‘Made in Italy.’ …We represent the Italian and have the privilege of bringing the Italian culture to our guests and being a source of everlasting memories and traditions. It is our pleasure to share our hospitality, connecting our guests to all things Italian…”
– Guido Polito *

Refreshed, we look forward to a tour of the Luna with Hotel Manager, Gianmatteo Zampieri. With an obvious sense of pride and with contagious enthusiasm, he generously shares the rich history and fascinating stories of the property intertwined with Venetian history. Was it a palace? Was it a gambling venue? Was it something more racy…? Like so much of Venice, there is a fascinating mystique and intrigue…

We are also introduced to other management and staff and have the pleasure of spending time learning more about the Baglioni philosophy of and commitment to Italian culinary excellence and tradition with Rosita Dorigo, Baglioni Food and Beverage Consultant, and Head Chef Cosimo Giampaolo. Culminating with the privilege of a tour of his kitchen where the culinary magic takes place, we eagerly anticipate savoring Chef Cosimo’s magic this evening!

“…Not only are the components of the Baglioni hotel collection distinctly Italian, but so are the people who make up the experience.”
– Guido Polito *

At the traditional time in Italy, it’s time for a traditional aperitivo. We are invited to join Rosita in Caffè Baglioni where, under her watchful eye, Marco will treat us to aperitivi paradise! I have to confess here that I had never been fond of the popular Aperol Spritz or a Negroni…until this evening! Accompanied by absolutely divine antipasti, I became a convert! But then, how can you not be persuaded by perfection? Ah, but our  evening isn’t over… there’s more…

Click on any photo for a virtual tour!

Ushered to our table at the elegant Canova Restaurant, we are to be guests for the ultimate dining experience. With Rosita and Adriano as our gastronomic guides, we are presented, course by course, with the exquisite creations of Chef Cosimo and his talented staff. (I’m afraid that I don’t have many photos as I was just too preoccupied with savoring the entire experience!) But, take my word for it, every dish presented was edible art and a testimonial to Chef Cosimo’s creativity— in a word, divine!

And you would think that we would skip breakfast the next morning? Absolutely not! Who could resist the sumptuous buffet in the magnificent Marco Polo Ballroom, much less charming maitre d’ Giovanni who personally greets and welcomes every guest by name? Never one to resist the irresistible, again and again, I am impressed by the warm and accommodating management and staff.

Ah, but all fabulous things must come to an end and, although we must leave our lovely Luna and say arriverderci, the memories of this extraordinary time remain vivid and sweet. 5 Stars?! Oh my, si!

You’ll just have to go the Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice (or any Baglioni Hotel for that matter) and experience it for yourself! After all, you deserve the best, don’t you?

Grazie di cuore, to everyone at Baglioni Hotel Luna!

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* Guido Polito is second generation Manager of family-owned Baglioni Hotels and successor to founder and father, Roberto Polito, who created the Baglioni Hotels Group in 1974. Baglioni Hotels are recognized among the Leading Hotels of the World and members of the prestigious Relais Chateaux Collection.

Read about some of my other recent and quite fabulous experiences in Venice!

Peeking Behind the Mask Venice at Ca’Macana!

Stringing Together a Legacy with Marissa Convento!

Making a Cameo Appearance with Marco Jovon

My Cicchetti/Market Crawl with Walks of Italy