Venice is Palazzo heaven; Especially Palazzo Papadopoli.
Aman Venice, in the Palazzo Papadopoli, is something out of this world.
When my daughter Emily and I arrived we were already overwhelmed by the grandeur and beauty of Venice; our emotions were on high alert and we were feeling sensitive to all around us. As we pulled up in front of the Palazzo I think we sensed we were in for a spoiling.
Spoiling is an understatement.
Words never fail me; they did. I think we had tears in our eyes when we mounted the grand staircase and entered the principal reception room, a former ballroom. The decor, the scale and the view onto the Grand Canal were overwhelming. The expression that comes first is mind blowing.
Palazzo Papadopoli has an incredible history and the owners are in residence today, on the top floor. Aman Venice manages the Palazzo and the 24 suites that make up the hotel. The atmosphere is one of luxury and of quiet elegance; no amount of star rating would do it justice or describe the privilege of staying there. If ever I felt like a princess, it was in Palazzo Papadopoli.
I am so fortunate to have stayed in beautiful hotels but this one was very different.
I felt as if I were in my own home; as grand as the surroundings were I never felt ill at ease or out of my depth. If I had wanted to curl up in my PJ’s all day in front of the windows drinking tea, I could have. You will be pleased I resisted the temptation; my sweater dress came in handy. This Palazzo has a family feel, a home-away-from-home and every gesture is aimed at making the guest feel welcome and spoilt. Their attention to detail, their generosity in every gesture reminded me there is an art to being an excellent host; I was in the hands of the masters.
The heart of Palazzo Papadopoli beats in this former ballroom on the first floor. Food and beverages are served here and it is the place to watch the comings and goings of the hotel. Upstairs there are private areas for the guests; the library is somewhere I could have lost myself in for days.
Venice, a city with so much to explore, can lead to thoughts of ‘missing out’; this was playing in the back of the mind on constant repeat. The real success to travel is to know when to stop and count your blessings and when not to over do the frenetic activity. The minute I walked into Aman Venice I knew I had to savour every exquisite moment and to remember time spent there was equally as wonderful as exploring further afield.
The decor is a mix of Venetian wonder and Italian modernism.
The Italians, like the French have the ability to blend the two seamlessly; comfort, edge and aesthetics work in harmony to create a jaw-dropping scene. The furnishings in all areas of the Palazzo are simple in form and neutral in colour to allow the many paintings their rightful glory. I knew I was “home” when I saw the myriad of amaryllis in one colour generously arranged throughout; white of course. Who needs anything more when painted scenes by Tiepolo are the accomplices?
Did you know cut amaryllis does not need water in the vase? I didn’t and have been making life hard for myself all these years with re-cutting stems and changing water each day. Something new I learned at Palazzo Papadopoli.
Not to mention the chandeliers twinkling and winking in the October sunlight.
Aman Venice takes sumptuousness to a higher plane and as much as I have enjoyed the delights of other hotels in the past, nothing compares in any way to Palazzo Papadopoli. Yes, it is as extravagant as one can get and yes it’s worth every bit.
Stop by for the decor alone and for the gorgeous Italians who make everyday feel like one in a million.
Aman Venice is definitely one for your itinerary. xv
Aman Venice
Calle Tiepolo Baiamonte
1364, Palazzo Papadopoli, 30125 Sestiere San Polo
Venezia VE, Italy
+39 041 270 7333
images of aman venice in palazzo papadopoli, clementine davis
