Aman Venice

Aman Venice



Probably
best known for being the venue of George Clooney and
Amal Alamuddin’s wedding, this 16th-century palazzo on the Grand
Canal is the stuff of fairy tales. Dripping in gilded Rococo twirls
which frame pastel-coloured frescoes and twinkling Murano
chandeliers, this ‘seven-star’ hotel miraculously manages to
channel a laid-back elegance which is largely attributable to the
staff. You may lack celeb status (you pleb) but from arrival you’ll
be treated as both royalty and a friend.

Palazzo Papadopoli is vast and the first thing you must do is
explore every inch of this grandiose mansion. Run up the sweeping
marble staircase and along endless marble corridors which may lead
to the drawing room, ballroom, library or bar. With the smell of
fresh orchids gently wafting through this luxurious labyrinth, we
really wouldn’t blame you if you never made it out of the
hotel.

Rooms

Surprisingly, the Aman only has 26 guest rooms (though they have
around 80 staff) lending it a familiar intimacy. Guest rooms are
more contemporary than the house, pared down in minimalist whites
and dark wood, with modern touches such as the square Bang &
Olsen TV and an egg-shaped bath – complete with wonderfully
nostalgic bath salts. As always, it’s the small touches that bring
it up yet another level, like the giant box of plush toiletries and
a turn-down service complete with personal notes wishing guests
well. Needless to say, you’ll have the sweetest of dreams at
Aman.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served in the palazzo’s former ballroom overlooking
the Grand Canal and is an a la carte affair of fresh pastries with
homemade jam, avocado toast or a punchy Thai omelette. Our
favourite? The gloriously indulgent eggs benedict, washed down with
a perfectly frothed cappuccino.

How about lunch and dinner?

An ever-evolving menu of the freshest seasonal ingredients help
to make Davide Oldani’s restaurant a destination in itself. From
homemade bread through to cured meats, plates of perfectly cooked
pasta which you’ll struggle to choose between, followed by crispy
pork belly and razor clams plucked straight out of the lagoon, this
is Italian cooking at its finest.

Is there a bar?

Red walls, black lacquer, a dusky pink floral chandelier and one
of the most impressive back bars we’ve ever seen; this is the bar
to end all bars. Weird and wonderful liquors are interspersed with
the classics, while these guys even make their own ice to ensure it
is crystal clear. Order a negroni and marvel at the amount of bar
snacks which come as standard on the side. Not sure what you’re
after? Pop behind the bar to sample different concoctions with the
experts – at €25 a pop, you’ll want to be sure you like it.

Amenities

Venice does not have many green spaces, but Aman has two
expansive gardens, one of which overlooks the Grand Canal and is
the perfect spot for a summer bellini. Block out time for a visit
to the spa for their famous foot massage – just the thing after a
long day sightseeing.

Things you should know

Your friends will probably be too jealous to talk to you after a
stay here – expect your Insta following to decrease after one too
many ‘OMG’ posts.

Within a short walk you’ll find…

You rarely find what you’re looking for in Venice – getting lost
in the narrow backstreets and winding canals is half the fun. But
Aman is just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, which is one
of the best ‘lost-and-found’ points in town.

Discover More
City Guide: Venice, Italy