Alexander Palace Abano Terme

Abano Terme is the older and larger of the two thermal towns south-west of Padua, and Alexander Palace belongs to its tradition of grand spa hotels. These properties are built around the idea that rest, warm mineral water and treatment are the point of the holiday, and they usually provide thermal pools, relaxation areas, massage and mud therapies and menus designed to complement the spa. For visitors who want to combine Padua's art with a few days of restorative downtime, this is an appealing alternative to a city-centre hotel. You spend the day seeing the Scrovegni Chapel or the basilica, then return to a quiet, leafy resort town for a soak and an early dinner. Abano itself is a low-key place of pedestrian streets, gardens and cafes, with a calmer pace than the city. The hotel's guests include couples, retirees and wellness travellers, so the atmosphere is relaxed rather than lively. Many spa hotels in the district offer half-board or full-board packages with set menus, which can be convenient and good value. Facilities, spa treatments and policies vary, and some areas may be adults-only, so review the details and think about the type of stay you want before you reserve. For a first visit, plan on at least two nights to feel the benefit of the thermal experience.

Using Alexander Palace as a base for Padua means thinking about transport. Abano Terme is roughly half an hour from the centre of Padua by bus, train and taxi combinations or by car, and services run regularly but not late into the night. For a day in Padua, plan to leave in the morning and return before or after dinner, and check the last bus or train times.

A rental car makes the Euganean Hills easy to explore, but is not essential, because organised tours and taxis cover most needs. Inside the hotel, plan the spa part of your stay: ask about opening hours for pools, treatment booking and whether a medical consultation is needed for mud therapy. If you are not used to hot mineral water, start with short sessions and drink plenty of water.

Check whether a bathrobe and towel are provided and whether there are dress rules in sauna areas. Meals are often a highlight, with menus that emphasise lighter dishes and regional produce, and the staff can advise on dietary needs. Weekends can be busier, and the best seasons are spring and autumn, though winter soaks in steaming outdoor pools have a particular charm.

Families should confirm whether the hotel is family friendly, because some thermal hotels cater mainly to adults. Pair your stay with a visit to Arqua Petrarca, a cellar in the hills or a villa garden for a balanced itinerary. In short, this is a hotel for guests who plan to use the spa, not merely sleep, and it rewards a slower pace.