Elite Traveler July-August 2018

ALCOVA TI EPOLO SUITE AMAN VENICE, VENICE, ITALY

69 elite traveler JULY/AUG 2018

One of the final vestiges of Venice’s maritime glory, Aman Venice occupies the lower floors of Palazzo Papadopoli, a 16th-century palazzo on the iconic Grand Canal, just steps from the Rialto (the owners, who are descendants of Italian royalty, still live in the top floor). The large garden and ornately decorated restaurants are a calm oasis in the ancient, frenetic city. The Renaissance palace has museum-quality stucco decorations and 18th-century frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Each room is more splendid than the next, until you arrive at the Alcova Tiepolo Suite, where you can admire a Tiepolo fresco and elaborate ceiling from bed. In the living room, there are charming antique chinoiserie murals on all walls. From $4,700 per night. Contact Giulia Di Egidio, reservations agent, amanvenice.res@aman.com, +39 041 270 7333, aman.com

ROYAL SUITE THREE-BEDROOM THE PLAZA, NEW YORK

It would be impossible to imagine New York City without The Plaza, which has cast its impressive French-inspired shadow over Central Park and Fifth Avenue since 1907. The scene of countless movies and swanky parties, its glamour is enduring. The glamour continues in the Royal Suite, with magnificent decor in the style of Louis XV including velvet couches, ornate chandeliers and rich upholstery — even in the gym. If traveling with a chef or entertaining, the fully appointed kitchen is perfect for preparing a dinner party to enjoy in the 12-person dining room. There’s also a wood-paneled library with curated books from Prosper Assouline. From $40,000 per night. Book online at theplazany.com

THE ROYAL SUITE THE LANESBOROUGH, LONDON

On the site of Viscount Lanesborough’s mansion, The Lanesborough has a stately but unassuming presence (there are no signs out front). At Hyde Park Corner with views of Wellington Arch, the formal and very grand hotel welcomes you to walk around its astonishingly refurbished Regency decor and marvel at the intricate detail from designer Alberto Pinto. In The Royal Suite, you’ll have trouble choosing which of the rooms to stay in, as each has a different color and feel, although all feature the best in British craftsmanship. Antiques and paintings fill the seven bedrooms, two living rooms and dining room for 12. And you’ll live like the Viscount himself with a dedicated butler and chauffeur to drive you in the suite’s Rolls-Royce Phantom during your stay. From$14,800 per night. Contact Geoffrey Gelardi, managing director, reservations@lanesborough. com, +44 207 259 5599, oetkercollection.com