2014 Hideaway of the Year: Aman Canal Grande

Located close to the Rialto Bridge, in the central San Polo district, the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli now houses the 24-room Aman Canal Grande. The building has not been reconfigured as a hotel and still possesses its original layout. There is no reception desk; the concierge is recognizable only by the crossed keys on his lapel; and guests never have to sign for anything. Even at the end of our stay, we remained incredulous that we could wander around a magnificent palazzo as though it were our own.

Having registered in a lobby lined with marble busts, we were shown into the Dining Room, a dazzling space with mirrors, frescoes, chandeliers and a balcony overlooking the Grand Canal. Two adjacent smaller rooms boasted ceiling frescoes by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. On the floor above, the Library featured walls covered with 300-year-old Cordoba leather. One of the hotel’s five signature suites comes with a third Tiepolo ceiling, while the Sansovino Stanza suite contains a fireplace designed by the great 16th-century sculptor and architect Jacopo d’Antonio Sansovino.

The property offers four room categories, including the signature suites. Our Palazzo Stanza room was located in the adjacent Garden Building. We immediately felt at home in our spacious, high-ceilinged accommodations with their soothing contemporary décor, oak parquet floors and dark-stained wood furniture. The bed was lined with white leather and was made up with fine Italian sheets. The bath was nearly the same size as our bedroom.

The Aman’s amenities are limited: Italian, Thai and Japanese cuisines are served in a variety of venues, and there is a small spa. There are certainly less expensive places to stay in Venice; and if you want a swimming pool, only the Hotel Cipriani will do. Overall, however, the Aman Canal Grande provides a truly unforgettable experience.  

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