Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
Aug 11, 2013, 11:43 am
#153
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there … you know how it goes.
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I really want to thank ngfan again for posting these. By far these are the best, and most detailed, for Aman Venice yet ... and he's even "scooped" Gallivanters 
Like others - and as I expressed much earlier in this thread - I find the design choices here head-scratching. I know my wife does not find it as objectionable as myself (though she, too, remains far from enamored), but the combination of Rococo with Modern Asian really clashes from my perspective.
The room is so sterile - something I appreciated at Amangiri with the harsh landscapes of the desert - and seems so out of place given the ornateness of the palazzo. I know some rooms have frescoes and other sundry touches, but the juxtaposition between the old and the new in them - strictly based on pictures, of course - leaves me a bit cool. And, again, I am utterly baffled by the choice to install TVs ... and in their positioning.
All of the "Fit & Finishings" appear to be of the highest quality, and I'm sure service is wonderful, but this property has moved far down my list of "must-try's", if not off of it entirely.
But, as much as I am not "wow'ed", I am sure many will love it, and I look forward to reading their TRs.
Like others - and as I expressed much earlier in this thread - I find the design choices here head-scratching. I know my wife does not find it as objectionable as myself (though she, too, remains far from enamored), but the combination of Rococo with Modern Asian really clashes from my perspective.
The room is so sterile - something I appreciated at Amangiri with the harsh landscapes of the desert - and seems so out of place given the ornateness of the palazzo. I know some rooms have frescoes and other sundry touches, but the juxtaposition between the old and the new in them - strictly based on pictures, of course - leaves me a bit cool. And, again, I am utterly baffled by the choice to install TVs ... and in their positioning.
All of the "Fit & Finishings" appear to be of the highest quality, and I'm sure service is wonderful, but this property has moved far down my list of "must-try's", if not off of it entirely.
But, as much as I am not "wow'ed", I am sure many will love it, and I look forward to reading their TRs.
Last edited by aa213bb; Aug 11, 2013 at 11:49 am Reason: Clarity
Aug 12, 2013, 10:39 am
#155
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
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Posts: 1,667
Well, I did stay in that room for one night only. But I have to say that I really enjoyed the room. After touring most of the property which is full of frescos in many rooms I did not really miss them here. I liked the modern room furniture and its color scheme and found the hard product to be of excellent quality as expected (I would be happy if my office would look like that...
).
I cannot stand any kind of stuffy, medieval design and style in my hotel room (as many other Venice properties feel to me) so the room style worked perfectly fine for me with decent space, nice view and no noise issues whatsoever. The hotel has so many different aspects of tradition incorporated that can be explored, the modern furniture is a muted and welcomed contrast I happily enjoyed and in real life, it did not feel mismatching to me. Quite the opposite, I have to say, otherwise the property would have been just another addition to the style of many other existing local hotels. Add Aman service and its calm atmosphere to it, I regard it as a gem.
).I cannot stand any kind of stuffy, medieval design and style in my hotel room (as many other Venice properties feel to me) so the room style worked perfectly fine for me with decent space, nice view and no noise issues whatsoever. The hotel has so many different aspects of tradition incorporated that can be explored, the modern furniture is a muted and welcomed contrast I happily enjoyed and in real life, it did not feel mismatching to me. Quite the opposite, I have to say, otherwise the property would have been just another addition to the style of many other existing local hotels. Add Aman service and its calm atmosphere to it, I regard it as a gem.
Aug 29, 2013, 10:55 pm
#156
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I'm very pleased that the family has decided to remain there, as it is actually quite consistent w/the original owners. The Cuccina family (incl. their 9 children) lived on the first piano nobile, and rented out the second piano nobile, as well as the attic space. You can see the family, and the palace (now hotel) in the famous painting by Paolo Veronese now in Dresden.
Aug 29, 2013, 11:29 pm
#157
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,544
This has been a fascinating thread to read. I've researched/published on the original construction/decoration (c. 1566) of the building (and the man who oversaw its construction, Alvise Cuccina) - and indeed, it was an amazing place to live, and work.
I'm very pleased that the family has decided to remain there, as it is actually quite consistent w/the original owners. The Cuccina family (incl. their 9 children) lived on the first piano nobile, and rented out the second piano nobile, as well as the attic space. You can see the family, and the palace (now hotel) in the famous painting by Paolo Veronese now in Dresden.
I'm very pleased that the family has decided to remain there, as it is actually quite consistent w/the original owners. The Cuccina family (incl. their 9 children) lived on the first piano nobile, and rented out the second piano nobile, as well as the attic space. You can see the family, and the palace (now hotel) in the famous painting by Paolo Veronese now in Dresden.
Aug 30, 2013, 6:06 am
#158
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,432
This has been a fascinating thread to read. I've researched/published on the original construction/decoration (c. 1566) of the building (and the man who oversaw its construction, Alvise Cuccina) - and indeed, it was an amazing place to live, and work.
I'm very pleased that the family has decided to remain there, as it is actually quite consistent w/the original owners. The Cuccina family (incl. their 9 children) lived on the first piano nobile, and rented out the second piano nobile, as well as the attic space. You can see the family, and the palace (now hotel) in the famous painting by Paolo Veronese now in Dresden.
I'm very pleased that the family has decided to remain there, as it is actually quite consistent w/the original owners. The Cuccina family (incl. their 9 children) lived on the first piano nobile, and rented out the second piano nobile, as well as the attic space. You can see the family, and the palace (now hotel) in the famous painting by Paolo Veronese now in Dresden.
Aug 30, 2013, 8:29 am
#159
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Admittedly when I learned of the conversion of the property into a hotel, I was concerned but I also know that the owners are committed to retaining the historical integrity of the building. It remains the largest privately owned palace in the city, and one of very few that has had minimal modern renovations (the only significant structural change since the 16th century - the addition of Venice's first elevator, c. 1880 - which resulted in a re-orientation of the original staircase).
The owner's made the decision to limit changes to the original structure of the palace - the skeleton so to speak. The result: potentially unusual room layouts, etc.... This may not please some guests - but it (IMO) was the appropriate decision.
Last edited by bdemaria; Aug 30, 2013 at 9:02 am
Aug 30, 2013, 9:58 am
#160
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I would really like to see something lovely done with the Villa Cipriani in Asolo as well.
Aug 30, 2013, 10:45 am
#161
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True. I'm just pleased that the physical structure has remained stable enough to allow the preservation, rather than forcing a renovation that saves only the shell, as was the case with the Centurion (formerly Palazzo Genovese)
Last edited by bdemaria; Aug 30, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Aug 30, 2013, 2:13 pm
#162
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odd. ngfan posted pictures of compendium in july. which basically matches june. in august there are changes, mostly price increases, but some other incl price decreases.
some dramatic price increases including >
(hypothetically possible that direct price has also gone up?)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21150540-post115.html
"a few of our favourite things" and "necessities" added information about glassware created by owner. could have been more discreet?
"without the hoardes." removed. too honest?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21247609-post143.html
i was surprised how closely aman compendium matched replies in my trip planning thread. including "get lost" as well as http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20865564-post37.html >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9942429...7635009538050/
matching above quotes, compendium mentions torcello & locanda cipriani (has rooms) and burano.
except for burano it says "enjoy an aperitivo and dine at Gatto Nero or Riva Rosa"
-----
first page >
third page >
also >
leading to end at top of next page >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9942429...57635009538050
-----
would be interested in any of your thoughts on comparison of property to other hotels and palazzo in venice.
unfortunately i did not save the aman venice hotel floorplans. although you might be able to obtain them?
ngfan posted this pic of one floorplan >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99424298@N04/9478080336/ http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21253091-post150.html
ive seen dates where larger hotels are charging €1000+ for 25m2 base rooms
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21184814
room 2 is a €1500 (currently, included biennale/peak season) palazzo chamber that is canal front and corner
some dramatic price increases including >
(hypothetically possible that direct price has also gone up?)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21150540-post115.html
"a few of our favourite things" and "necessities" added information about glassware created by owner. could have been more discreet?
"without the hoardes." removed. too honest?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21247609-post143.html
i was surprised how closely aman compendium matched replies in my trip planning thread. including "get lost" as well as http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20865564-post37.html >
I second Da Romano - I'm glad that it's still a recommended restaurant - the seafood Risotto and the Frutti de Mare still remain as one my most memorable meals even though it must be 6 or 7 years since I was last there. I've been a few times and it was always good.
I suggest spending one day and night at the Locanda Cipriani on the island of Torcello. http://locandacipriani.com
This is a magic place. There are a total of 5 rooms and 2 junior Suites. We love the Fosca Suite, which faces the Fosca Church and overlooks the gardens of the Locanda. Staying there is almost a mystical experience. The food is phenomenal and the vegetables are grown on site. Service is also great.
Check bus schedules to Torcello (they all stop in Burano) and then you may have to wait for a few minutes to take another to Torcello. Reasonable rates and delicious breakfast included in rate.
This is a magic place. There are a total of 5 rooms and 2 junior Suites. We love the Fosca Suite, which faces the Fosca Church and overlooks the gardens of the Locanda. Staying there is almost a mystical experience. The food is phenomenal and the vegetables are grown on site. Service is also great.
Check bus schedules to Torcello (they all stop in Burano) and then you may have to wait for a few minutes to take another to Torcello. Reasonable rates and delicious breakfast included in rate.
matching above quotes, compendium mentions torcello & locanda cipriani (has rooms) and burano.
except for burano it says "enjoy an aperitivo and dine at Gatto Nero or Riva Rosa"
-----
first page >
Over the years these corridors have rung with the voices of many generations of the families Coccina, Tiepolo, Papadopoli and Arrivabene. They welcomed visitors from around the world, hosted grand parties, with many colourful characters passing through its doors. We hope to continue with this rich tapestry.
Aman Canal Grande Venice is a hotel, it is a Palazzo, and it is also a home, a very grand one, but still a home. We hope that you will consider it yours during your stay here. We hope to show you around the ‘house’ personally. It is a labyrinth, with many floors, staircases and lifts. We have listed all you need to know in this folder, and would be happy to clarify, expand and embellish any of the information- you only need to ask, and we will ‘do the needful’.
Our household staff are on hand 24 hours a day and at your disposal. Simply ask and we will do our utmost to oblige.
Aman Canal Grande Venice is a hotel, it is a Palazzo, and it is also a home, a very grand one, but still a home. We hope that you will consider it yours during your stay here. We hope to show you around the ‘house’ personally. It is a labyrinth, with many floors, staircases and lifts. We have listed all you need to know in this folder, and would be happy to clarify, expand and embellish any of the information- you only need to ask, and we will ‘do the needful’.
Our household staff are on hand 24 hours a day and at your disposal. Simply ask and we will do our utmost to oblige.
A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS
Arriving by water taxi
The Horses at the Basilica San Marco
The Martinis at Harry’s Bar
The Rialto market on a Saturday morning
The Zattere at sunset
The Canova tomb at the Frari
The Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore
Getting lost
The pointy end of the Dogana
The paper cone of the tiniest shrimps at the Carampane
Hot chocolate at Florians
The midnight Marangona bell
The cicchettis at Schiavon
Arriving by water taxi
The Horses at the Basilica San Marco
The Martinis at Harry’s Bar
The Rialto market on a Saturday morning
The Zattere at sunset
The Canova tomb at the Frari
The Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore
Getting lost
The pointy end of the Dogana
The paper cone of the tiniest shrimps at the Carampane
Hot chocolate at Florians
The midnight Marangona bell
The cicchettis at Schiavon
SALON 4th FLOOR
Located on the second piano nobile on the fourth floor is the Salon overlooking the Canal Grande, the salon is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, read and enjoy the quiet of this beautiful room. It is a lovely spot for afternoon tea and an early evening cocktail.
LIBRARY
The historic library is located in the fourth floor, adjacent to the salon, is a peaceful retreat with a range of interesting books taken directly from the count Gilberto Arrivabene Gonzaga’s
Located on the second piano nobile on the fourth floor is the Salon overlooking the Canal Grande, the salon is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, read and enjoy the quiet of this beautiful room. It is a lovely spot for afternoon tea and an early evening cocktail.
LIBRARY
The historic library is located in the fourth floor, adjacent to the salon, is a peaceful retreat with a range of interesting books taken directly from the count Gilberto Arrivabene Gonzaga’s
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9942429...57635009538050
-----
My pleasure. In the future, if anyone has questions about the history of the structure, I'm most willing to answer.
Admittedly when I learned of the conversion of the property into a hotel, I was concerned but I also know that the owners are committed to retaining the historical integrity of the building. It remains the largest privately owned palace in the city, and one of very few that has had minimal modern renovations (the only significant structural change since the 16th century - the addition of Venice's first elevator, c. 1880 - which resulted in a re-orientation of the original staircase).
Admittedly when I learned of the conversion of the property into a hotel, I was concerned but I also know that the owners are committed to retaining the historical integrity of the building. It remains the largest privately owned palace in the city, and one of very few that has had minimal modern renovations (the only significant structural change since the 16th century - the addition of Venice's first elevator, c. 1880 - which resulted in a re-orientation of the original staircase).
unfortunately i did not save the aman venice hotel floorplans. although you might be able to obtain them?
ngfan posted this pic of one floorplan >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99424298@N04/9478080336/ http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21253091-post150.html
one of only eight palazzi monumentali
Today we have almost lost our sense of how these spectacular pleasure palaces were designed to be used...only a tiny number of hotels still use the original porta d'acqua.
[which hotels?]
So, it was hard not to be deeply impressed by the experience of arriving in exactly this way at the new Aman hotel in Venice last week. It was, I suppose, roughly the equivalent of sweeping up the tree-lined avenue to the main entrance of a National Trust stately home in a chauffeur-driven Bentley
rooms have been left intact, meaning you get a huge amount of space for your money (a rarity in Venice), with bathrooms so big that in some cases they double as sitting rooms.
wonderful green space, fronting directly onto the water, and unique among Grand Canal hotels, is a huge bonus in a city that can, on hot, crowded days, feel claustrophobic. And the sense of space and freedom doesn't stop here – there is a shady back garden too. And up on the fifth floor, is a traditional altana – a rooftop platform where you can sit high above the pantiled roofs among the belfries and chimney pots of the city and enjoy one of the best views of Venice I have ever seen.
[which hotels?]
So, it was hard not to be deeply impressed by the experience of arriving in exactly this way at the new Aman hotel in Venice last week. It was, I suppose, roughly the equivalent of sweeping up the tree-lined avenue to the main entrance of a National Trust stately home in a chauffeur-driven Bentley
rooms have been left intact, meaning you get a huge amount of space for your money (a rarity in Venice), with bathrooms so big that in some cases they double as sitting rooms.
wonderful green space, fronting directly onto the water, and unique among Grand Canal hotels, is a huge bonus in a city that can, on hot, crowded days, feel claustrophobic. And the sense of space and freedom doesn't stop here – there is a shady back garden too. And up on the fifth floor, is a traditional altana – a rooftop platform where you can sit high above the pantiled roofs among the belfries and chimney pots of the city and enjoy one of the best views of Venice I have ever seen.
First, two gardens - one on the water and the other (very private and surrounded by old brick walls) on the back - is a feature which is exceptionally rare, even unique for this (fantastic) stretch of the Grand Canal.
Note that other resort-like properties in Venice are located on other islands in the lagoon (e.g. Cipriani or the San Clemente (the latter now closed)) nice views but not in the middle of the action and connected via boats.
So the Aman will be basically in an "urban" setting which, in my opinion is great because it is at a walking distance from many many attractions in Venice.
...jaw dropping view on the Grand Canal on the front (Rialto on the left, gorgeous Palazzo Grimani in the front and the Ca Foscari bow of the canal on the right)
Note that other resort-like properties in Venice are located on other islands in the lagoon (e.g. Cipriani or the San Clemente (the latter now closed)) nice views but not in the middle of the action and connected via boats.
So the Aman will be basically in an "urban" setting which, in my opinion is great because it is at a walking distance from many many attractions in Venice.
...jaw dropping view on the Grand Canal on the front (Rialto on the left, gorgeous Palazzo Grimani in the front and the Ca Foscari bow of the canal on the right)
IF aman rooms start at 50m2 thats largest base room in venice, right? (by far?)
owner >
as can be seen here >
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=palazz...to,+Italy&z=20
owner >
particularly of this palazzo i guess compared to the others is that you have light in every you know part of the palazzo which in venice normally you have the front windows are amazing on the grand canal but behind the rooms is nothing and here you see everything
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=palazz...to,+Italy&z=20
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21184814
room 2 is a €1500 (currently, included biennale/peak season) palazzo chamber that is canal front and corner
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 10, 2013 at 9:33 am
Aug 30, 2013, 3:09 pm
#163
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I suspect the similarity of the remaining suggestions is due to the fact that these are simply the things people do in Venice: (Harry's, Zattere at sunset).
Last edited by bdemaria; Aug 30, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Aug 31, 2013, 12:31 pm
#164
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
havent been paying attention to new media
but this for example doesnt really have anything new. good library pic >
http://www.departures.com/slideshows...ande-venice/11 (john smith / 589879)
odd, its pictures from milla jovovich photographer. they were there may 29. linked previously in thread.
pretty good pic from virtuoso >
http://blog.virtuoso.com/wp-content/...ining_R1_e.jpg
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/virt...startid=32#/34
re historical (venice qualifies as historic) no longer managed by aman >
i feel like that was the second time someone posted something along those lines.
6/9/4 - original room counts that i found
5/7/7 - room counts listed here http://www.magellanresorts.co.jp/?page_id=12564
i think hotel gave me that same number of 5 at one point
but this for example doesnt really have anything new. good library pic >
http://www.departures.com/slideshows...ande-venice/11 (john smith / 589879)
odd, its pictures from milla jovovich photographer. they were there may 29. linked previously in thread.
pretty good pic from virtuoso >
http://blog.virtuoso.com/wp-content/...ining_R1_e.jpg
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/virt...startid=32#/34
re historical (venice qualifies as historic) no longer managed by aman >
5/7/7 - room counts listed here http://www.magellanresorts.co.jp/?page_id=12564
i think hotel gave me that same number of 5 at one point
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Oct 26, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Sep 10, 2013, 5:16 am
#165
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
The first reviews are up on TripAdvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...ce_Veneto.html
Not exactly written with much style or insight but at least TA has belatedly acknowledged the hotel's existence.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...ce_Veneto.html
Not exactly written with much style or insight but at least TA has belatedly acknowledged the hotel's existence.