I am planning on having my wedding reception at the Cipriani in September 2003, but after reading some of the comments on the message board I am beginning to think twice. I picked the location for three main reasons: the food, the beautiful terrace and view where the reception will be held, and the atmosphere/class of the establishment. What do people think of the restaurant from these three perspectives?

In Italy?

Freinds of friends of ours held their daughter's wedding at Villa d'Este on Lake Cuomo. They had about 100 people. I understand it was absolutely exquisite. The pictures attested to that. <BR><BR>The hotel management took care of everything. They did make one trip over three months prior for final tastings and site and flower reviews. The ceremony was outdoors. The flowers were magnificent and the food and amenities unparalleled. <BR><BR>Of course, these folks have very deep pockets and there was no budget. But I heard it was the event of a lifetime.

Dear Dawn<BR>We just got back from Italy and we stayed at both the Cipriani and Villa d'este. We loved the Cipriani and hated Villa d'Este. We found the people who worked at the Cipriani very friendly but those at Villa d'Este very STUFFY. Both hotels have lovely grounds and views. We ate at both Hotels for dinner and found the Cipriani to be much better. We plan to go back to the Cipriani but will skip Villa d'estenext time. Don't worry, you made the right choice.

A month ago, or more, Wine Spectator reviewed Cipriani. It is not a culinary landmark, but the food was rated as very nice indeed. And the overall ambiance and layout terrific. Suggest you take a look at the article and pictures before you decide. They have the neatest little speedboat which hangs out at San Marco to take the guests over. Classy.

If you mean the Cipriani hotel in Venice, I've eaten there twice, most recently last fall, and I thought the food was outstanding, the service perfect, and the setting beautiful.

Thanks to all for your comments. I feel reassured in my choice.

I've eaten at Cipriani's once and the food and service was excellent. We were on a cruise that stayed 2 nights in Venice so we took the beautiful little speedboat from their pier near St. Marks to the hotel. The hotel was lovely. We saw Robert Wagner and his wife in the restaurant that night. The restaurant was first class.