Head-to-head · Venice
Two restored palazzi, two opposite design philosophies. Aman lets the old palace speak and stays quiet underneath; Orient Express went all in, with an eight-year restoration and some seventy kinds of marble.
Toured both · October 2026
Twenty-four rooms on the Grand Canal, beautiful natural light, gardens on the water and classic Aman service.
My Aman Venice review →
“It is almost overwhelming how beautiful this property is.” Everywhere I looked, something new caught my eye.
My Orient Express review →
| Aman Venice | Orient Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | On the Grand Canal in San Polo, near the Rialto | A quiet canal corner in Cannaregio, near the train station |
| The palazzo | Palazzo Papadopoli, 16th century | Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, 15th century |
| Size | 24 rooms | About 47 rooms and suites |
| The look | Understated: original frescoes, simple modern furniture | Maximal: dark wood, about 70 kinds of marble, restored ceilings and chandeliers |
| The restoration | Light touch | Eight years |
| Location feel | In the middle of the city | Quiet but convenient |
| Pools | None | None |
| Best for | Couples, privacy, Aman loyalists, a Dolomites trip | Design lovers, couples, travelers arriving by train |
Work with me and you get Fora perks, plus someone who knows these hotels personally and personalizes your stay: I arrange the boats, tables and transfers before you land. Same rate as booking direct.
Both wowed me. I toured them on the same day in October 2026, and I would happily send clients to either.
Pick Aman if you want calm, the Grand Canal and Aman’s personal service, or if you are continuing to Aman Rosa Alpina. Pick Orient Express if design is the reason you travel: I have not seen that much marble since the bathrooms at Villa San Michele.
In either one, ask for a room on the piano nobile, where the ceilings are highest.
Aman kept the original frescoes, silk walls and stucco and placed calm, modern furniture beneath them.
Orient Express spent eight years restoring ceilings and chandeliers and layering dark wood with around seventy kinds of marble.
Aman is on the Grand Canal, a short walk from the Rialto.
Orient Express sits on a quiet canal corner in Cannaregio, close to the train station and an easy walk into the city: quiet, but convenient.
Aman: couples, privacy seekers and anyone pairing Venice with the Dolomites.
Orient Express: design lovers and couples who want to be amazed by every room.
Both are excellent. Choose Aman for privacy, the Grand Canal and Aman service; choose Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli for its extraordinary restoration and design.
In Cannaregio, on a quiet canal corner close to Santa Lucia train station.
No. For a pool in Venice, look at Airelles Palladio on Giudecca.
The piano nobile, the noble floor one level above the ground floor, where the ceilings are highest.
Tell me your dates and who is coming, and I will tell you which one fits and which room to ask for.
Aman Venice review → Orient Express review → Aman or Airelles → Villa San Michele review → My full Venice guide →