New hotels don't pop up often in Venice, so the arrival of Aman Canal Grande, which opened earlier this month, has caused a bit of a stir.
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Set in a 16th-century palazzo, it features among its treasures a fireplace by Jacopo Sansovino and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, as well as a rarity: two gardens, one of which overlooks the Grand Canal.
As you might expect from Aman, it's breathtakingly stylish but unique in the way in which priceless artworks and artefacts have been incorporated into a modern hotel. Contemporary furniture sourced locally (an Aman philosophy) from B&B Italia is juxtaposed against flamboyant decorative schemes dating from the 19th century, when the Papadopoli family bought the building. The former ballroom on the piano nobile (first floor) is a stunning confection of gilt-edged mirrors, frescoes and original Murano glass chandeliers, all of which have been painstakingly restored. It's now the main dining area serving both Italian and Thai cuisine; there's a separate Japanese restaurant in the garden.
A second piano nobile, which includes a library of antique books and original 300-year-old leather wall coverings, is reserved exclusively for Aman guests, as is the intimate spa.
Of the 24 suites, 18 have Grand Canal views. The others overlook the shady rear garden and the calle of the San Polo sestiere.
The pick of the selection is the Alcove Tiepolo Suite with a ceiling fresco of cherubs by the great 18th-century painter. Doubles from €1000 ($1430).
See amanresorts.com.
