Few names in hospitality evoke timeless glamour quite like Cipriani—what began in 1931 as a modest bar on Venice’s Grand Canal has become a global emblem of la dolce vita, synonymous with bellinis served in white gloves on silver trays. Now, with Mr. C Hotel & Residences breaking ground in West Palm Beach, fourth-generation heir Ignazio Cipriani brings that legacy to Florida’s most refined zip code. Over espresso, he speaks with Palmer about building on a storied past and why Palm Beach felt like the perfect next move.
What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your grandfather or great-grandfather about building a lasting business?
Be true to your core values, quality and substance always prevail over shallow form. The way we conceive hospitality is timeless, does not follow trends.
Why was West Palm Beach the next chapter for Mr. C Hotels & Residences?
West Palm has a sense of style and sophistication that fits naturally with Mr. C. It’s a city that is growing quickly but still values charm, quality, and sophistication.
What do you envision Mr. C West Palm bringing to the local lifestyle and real estate landscape?
We’re bringing something personal; a sense of hospitality that’s warm and timeless and resonates with the West Palm Beach community. We want our hotel and residences to be a way of life, with the service and atmosphere of a great European hotel.
You’ve described Mr. C as “old-world elegance with a modern sensibility.” What does that look like in the Palm Beach context?
In Palm Beach, it means blending classic charm with a relaxed, coastal rhythm. Every detail has been tailored to West Palm Beach, with thoughtful design elements, and service that feels effortless.
Tell us about the design elements or amenities that will make this property distinctly “Mr. C.”
Our goal was to create “understated luxury.” The building’s interiors will reflect the signature mix of classic European charm with stylish sophistication synonymous with Mr. C brand identifiers, like glossy wood with chrome accents, rich fabrics in a soft color scheme and a combination of dining options and leisure spaces.
In your opinion, what’s the ultimate luxury that money can’t buy?
Luxury is not ostentation, it is combined with simplicity, real comfort, true service, human interaction and a sense of style.
Hospitality is in your blood—but what drives you personally?
My work is also my life, and the joy of putting a smile in people’s face drives me every day. if you are asking about other passions, I recently acquired the Ravenna soccer team, a city and a sport close to my heart. It’s a very exciting opportunity to contribute to their success, give them international visibility and promote community and social good.
What’s one piece of advice you always return to when building something new?
Think about the environment you would like to live in, the way you would like to be served and the comfort you would need to pursue your happiness.
What stories about the original Harry’s Bar in Venice have stayed with you—and do they still guide the way you approach hospitality today?
Harry’s Bar has been a collection of anecdotes and stories and it still is, 94 years later: stories of generosity, remarkable souls, human empathy, meaningful details, sincerity, hard work and more. All of this stay with me every day.