I'll say it plainly. I've never liked Venice.

Every time I arrive by train my first thought is the same one, "why am I here again". The crowds, the queues, the sense that you're shuffling through someone else's postcard. It just never did much for me.

And then I stayed at Airelles Palladio, and I have to eat my words.

The change happens the moment you leave the station. You step into a private water taxi, the city starts to fall away behind you, and by the time you reach the property it doesn't feel like Venice at all. It feels like Provence. Or Tuscany. Somewhere green and calm and quiet. The gardens are extraordinary, there are three beautiful pools, and the blend of French and Italian design just works. I could have sat in those gardens all week.

It's the people

I've stayed in a lot of hotels. It's my job. I don't often get emotional leaving one. But at Airelles I genuinely felt like family, and by the end we extended our stay by a night simply because we couldn't bring ourselves to go.

What Airelles understands, and what so few properties still do, is real hospitality and real generosity. We arrived to caviar as our welcome amenity. Then came the gifts, the Cédric Grolet cakes, the macarons, and they never really stopped. The inclusions make sense too. A fully stocked minibar, complimentary hot drinks, laundry, the tours, the water taxi, all part of the stay. Nothing felt like an upsell. It just felt like they cared, because they did.

The property

There are only 45 keys, yet it feels like it could comfortably hold 200. You never wait for a chair, never wait for a member of staff. No expense has been spared and every finish is natural. And yes, there really is a difference walking on natural stone rather than machine-made in your own bedroom. There are more than 300 staff, many brought across from the French properties, and it shows.

The room

We were double-upgraded to a junior suite in the Convento building, one of three tucked at the back of the property. I toured the different room types while I was there and this was my favourite, with more of a French country feel to it. Proper closing doors on the wardrobe and bathroom, and the amenities are next level, right down to a little pouch with a nail clipper and genuinely lovely toiletries. TOTO toilet, USB-C, international outlets, Dyson, nothing missing. If I'm nitpicking, there's no towel rail outside the shower and no phone shelf by the toilet. That's honestly as far as the complaints go.

The service

This is the part that made the stay. A special mention to Eelio, Gaia, Thomas, Audrey, Lindy, Marcelo, Roberto, Maria, Asia, and the GM Etienne, who was everywhere and completely hands-on. And to everyone I haven't named, thank you, it was all wonderful.

One small moment sums the team up. When we extended, we hadn't realised we'd be there for Venice's famous fireworks. The team quietly set up the most beautiful couches outside with bubbles and snacks so we could watch. Classy, thoughtful, and completely unprompted. If I had one thing for them to add, it would be an airport baggage and escort service like Aman Nai Lert does, just to lift the arrival even further.

The food

ABC and Matsuhisa anchor the dining, and with the Italian service, the setting and the produce, they're genuinely excellent. Breakfast is on another level. There are snacks all day and pre-dinner focaccia, so you will not go hungry. The pastries by Cédric Grolet and their chef Diego are world class, and they kept refilling the cake in our room every single day. I put on two kilos and I'd do it again.

Facilities

The pool is great. The gym is fantastic, and there's a Pilates studio you can actually use on your own without booking a private lesson, which almost never happens. I did the complimentary Pilates class with their trainer and it was excellent. The sauna and steam room are large and well kitted out, and there's a separate kids' pool too. One tiny note, the restaurant offers suncream, glasses and hats but the pool doesn't quite yet.

Location and getting around

The property sits on Giudecca, and the 24/7 boat taxi rotates so well that there's never a wait. The concierge team were excellent with transfers, dinner reservations and the included tours. We did a walking tour of Venice with them and it was superb.

The value

Laundry, hot drinks, snacks, all included. Yes, it's expensive, but they're so generous that it starts to make sense. The gifts, the goodbye bag, and they even framed a photo of my girlfriend and me to take home from the room.

I came to Venice not wanting to be there. I left already planning my way back.

This is my number one for 2026. Well done Etienne and the team.

If Airelles Palladio is on your radar, or you'd like me to plan a stay, get in touch. Always happy to answer any questions.