San Polo Venice, Italy
Opened
2013
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design HeritageOutside the door
The house
AmanFrescoed palazzo hideaway
Water taxis glide directly to the private dock, leading into a sixteenth-century palazzo wrapped in frescoed ceilings and rare canal-side lawns.
“The land entrance to Aman Venice is set back from the street behind a heavy iron gate and a wonderful stretch of lush green lawn...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Private water-taxi dock arrivals, in-room check-in, and intuitive service across twenty-four palatial guest suites.
Remarkable
Contemporary Italian furnishings balance restored Rococo stuccos, historic Rubelli silks, and grand Murano chandeliers.
Remarkable
Sixteenth-century Palazzo Papadopoli showcasing Giovanni Battista Tiepolo frescoes and ancestral residence of Venetian counts.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Venice
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*.
It’s a pleasure to see that they know when to leave well enough alone — aside from some subtly stylish contemporary interior design interventions…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked away in the quieter San Polo district, the palazzo sits a five-minute stroll through narrow alleys from the Rialto Bridge.
The rooms
Chambers overlook the Grand Canal or private courtyards, with selected suites featuring restored ceiling murals and gilded leather wall coverings.
The spa
Three mezzanine treatment suites sit beneath timber beams, using thermal waters and fossil salts from Salsomaggiore Terme.
The Bar
Under Cesare Rotta ceiling frescoes and red silk walls, the bar serves gin cocktails overlooking the canal garden.
this relative newcomer wins out for its insider location, intimate size, and proper Italian aristo experience, where palazzo pomp meets understated Aman smarts.
At the table
Arva serves seasonal lagoon seafood and Rialto market vegetables across the piano nobile salons and gilded ballroom.
How it began
Built in 1550, the palazzo remains the ancestral residence of the Arrivabene family, who live on the top floor above the hotel.
“There is plenty to admire about the results, not least the dramatic sweeping staircase connecting the reception level and the Asian-Italian restaurant, the original frescoes...”
Venice
More like this
The Venice Venice Hotel
“Avant-garde art palazzo”
Airelles Palladio Venice
“Giudecca garden refuge”
Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel
“Venetian Gothic stalwart”
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
“Grand Canal heirloom”
Ca' di Dio
“Monastic lagoon sanctuary”
Hotel Metropole
“Maximalist lagoon wonderland”
Nolinski Venezia - Evok Collection
“Stile Liberty jewel-box”
Orient Express Venezia
“Theatrical palazzo heirloom”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.