Aman Venice

If you arrive at the hotel on foot, you will walk through a maze of winding streets before stumbling on its rear garden gate. But if you arrive by boat, the hotel has a private dock at the front with staff waiting to welcome you.

LOCATION:

The Aman is located in Venice’s smallest district, lively San Polo, which is made up of narrow streets, squares and bridges. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal and is a short walk from the Rialto Bridge. If you arrive at the hotel on foot, you will walk through a maze of winding streets before stumbling on its rear garden gate. But if you arrive by boat, the hotel has a private dock at the front with staff waiting to welcome you.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

One of the eight monumental palaces on the Grand Canal, the Aman encapsulates Venice’s vast history. But although the grandiosity of a palace is always present, it’s not stuffy or formal. The modern cream chairs, linen blinds and neutral colours are sympathetic to their ornate surroundings. The lobby makes for a grand entrance, with marble busts and just two small desks, which blend into the background. Perhaps the most striking element of the Aman is how quiet and calm it is – it feels like a refuge from the bustling, tourist-packed streets outside. You can hear a pin drop in the dimly lit corridors and you’ll easily forget you are in the centre of the Grand Canal while sipping a prosecco in the private garden at the front. This Venetian sanctuary also offers plenty of privacy, which is perhaps why George and Amal Clooney chose it for their wedding in 2014.

THE FACTS:

The Aman was built in the 1550s by a wealthy trading family. It was restored by the Papadopoulos family in the 1800s and the hotel’s current owner is one of their descendants. Its 24 suites each have a king-sized bed, writing desk, sofa and large bathroom, with beautiful parquet flooring. There are two ‘noble’ floors, once used to entertain the Venetian elite, with smaller rooms adjoining that feature Murano chandeliers, Rococo works of art, tapestries and a library with beautifully decorated leather walls. The bar pays homage to Lord Byron, who spent several years in the city at the start of the 19th century, and houses more than 70 types of gin – the poet’s tipple of choice. The restaurant serves dishes featuring locally sourced fish and vegetables, as well as homemade bread. The service is impeccable and the location makes for a truly romantic setting.

EXPLORE:

Aman Venice is the perfect base for those wanting to visit all the city’s essential landmarks. Head out on foot and do what most visitors to the city do – get lost. There is no better place to be guided by your senses.

WOW:

The gardens make this hotel truly unique. There are three, if you count the rooftop terrace. The front garden – the only one on the Grand Canal – has a pristine lawn with bar area and offers alfresco dining. The back garden has soaring trees that almost completely hide it from neighbouring properties and on a clear day, the small roof terrace offers views of the Dolomites.

BOOK IT:

Rates start from £923 for a Palazzo Bedroom, inclusive of breakfast for two and minibar.

aman.com/resorts/aman-venice

Amie Keeley

Amie is news editor of Travel Weekly. She has worked at the company for two years and has previously held news reporting roles at the East Anglian Daily Times, Ham&High, Islington Gazette and the Daily Mail.

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