Aman Venice

Aman Venice occupies Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the great palaces on the Grand Canal, in San Polo between the Rialto and San Silvestro. The hotel describes it as one of the city's eight monumental palazzi on the canal, and much of its character comes from the fact that it still feels like a noble residence rather than a hotel.

The interiors are the main attraction. Rooms and suites feature frescoes and reliefs by Italian artists, with contemporary furnishings kept simple so as not to compete. Suites such as the Alcova Tiepolo take their names from the artworks within them. Room categories range from canal-view rooms to large suites in the piano nobile, and no two are alike, so ask the reservations team to describe the options before booking.

Palazzo Papadopoli has private gardens, which are rare in Venice, one of them facing the Grand Canal, and they make a peaceful place for breakfast or a drink. Arva, the hotel's restaurant, offers fine dining in the piano nobile, and there is also The Bar and a Palazzo Kitchen Table experience. The hotel can arrange private tours of the city and the lagoon, including trips by boat.

Aman Venice suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who want privacy and space in a historic setting, and it is among the most expensive hotels in the city. Its location in San Polo is central but calm: the Rialto Bridge and Market are a few minutes' walk away, and the Frari and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco are a little further into the sestiere. The palazzo's own water entrance means you can arrive by water taxi.

The hotel describes itself as a five-star property. The San Silvestro vaporetto stop on Line 1 is a short walk away, and from Santa Lucia station or Piazzale Roma a water taxi takes only a few minutes. Contact the hotel by phone or through its website for reservations and private arrangements.

The hotel is well suited to longer stays, as the gardens and salons give you somewhere to retreat between outings. Arriving by water taxi at the palazzo's own landing is the easiest way to reach it with luggage, and the staff can arrange the transfer from the airport or station in advance.

Because rooms differ so much in size, decoration and outlook, it is worth discussing the options directly with the reservations team, especially for anniversaries or longer stays.