Accademia Apartments R&R

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Accademia Apartments R&R after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re hauling your suitcase over those little bridges and dodging tourists with selfie sticks. It’s tucked away at 906 Piscina Sant’Agnese in Dorsoduro, which is honestly one of Venice’s best-kept secrets if you’re not into the mad crush of San Marco. I mean, Dorsoduro feels more like where actual Venetians live – quieter canals, those hidden campi where kids play football in the evenings, and none of that overwhelming souvenir shop vibe. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, with weathered stone walls that smell faintly of salt and history, and our apartment overlooked a narrow rio where you could hear the gentle lap of water against gondolas at night. Check-in was a breeze; the host met us right at the door with a map scribbled with her favorite spots – no fancy lobby, just a warm “benvenuti” and keys handed over like you’re family. We arrived in late spring, before the summer crowds hit, so it was peaceful, but fair warning, if you’re here during acqua alta season, those ground-floor steps might get a bit splashy.

What really sold me on the place – well, besides the fact it’s rated a solid 8.4, which feels spot-on – was how it nailed that apartment-style living in a city that’s all about romance and decay. Our unit was spacious, with these high ceilings and original wooden beams that creak just a little when the wind picks up off the Giudecca Canal. There’s a full kitchenette, stocked with basics like coffee and pasta (we whipped up a quick carbonara one night after wandering too long), and the beds were comfy enough to crash after a day of gallery-hopping. Speaking of which, you’re steps from the Accademia Gallery – I popped in for the Bellinis and Titians, and it was blissfully uncrowded midweek. Venture out to Campo Santa Margherita nearby for aperitivo; it’s got that lively buzz with locals sipping spritzes under the plane trees, and there’s a great little bacaro called Cantine del Vino già Schiavi where the cicchetti are fresh and cheap. Oh, and practical stuff: no elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor – my knees felt it after lugging bags up those marble stairs. Noise-wise, it’s mostly serene, though you might hear church bells from Santa Maria della Salute in the mornings, which is more charming than annoying, honestly. The Wi-Fi was reliable for planning routes, and the air con worked a treat during a humid spell.

All in all, if you’re after a Venice stay that feels authentic without skimping on comfort – sort of like crashing at a friend’s stylish pad – this is it. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are a tad compact, and you won’t get hotel perks like daily housekeeping (though they do a tidy-up on request), but that’s part of the charm. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the shoulder seasons when Dorsoduro’s alleys are yours to explore without the hordes. For couples or small families dodging the tourist traps, Accademia Apartments R&R gives you that insider edge – you end up feeling like you’ve unlocked a slice of real Venetian life, complete with sunset strolls along the Zattere promenade just a short walk away. Trust me, it’s worth the detour.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $225. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Deb from United Kingdom – 15 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location design clean and thoughtful had tea bags cleaning products etc great shower had Netflix beautiful and felt secure
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t realise open stairs and we travelled with a 4 year old with Autism so we just had to be extra careful he didn’t go near the stairway

• Frances from United Kingdom – 21 February 2025 (9/10)

  That it was warm and had reliable supply of hot water . Not normally a lover of showers ,I really liked this one ,as there was a hot radiator to stand beside whilst drying afterwards.
  
  What could be improved: That there were ants around even in the freezing February weather.A very small fault was that there was no tea cloth to dry cutlery and glasses .

• Anna from Poland – 27 December 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect! This was actually our second time in that apartment, and we really love it! As I mentioned after our visit in June, I suggest arranging some protection against mosquitoes. The host was really nice and allowed us to leave our luggage when we arrived (before check-in hours). If your flight is after checkout hours, you can leave your luggage in the fitness club, which is 70 meters away from the apartment (5 euros each). We will definitely return again 🙂

• John from Australia – 20 October 2024 (7/10)

  Location. Ambiance.
  
  What could be improved: Short on towels.

• Shelley from Australia – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  This is a small but well appointed apartment in a great location close to the Accademia bridge and transportation. The street is quiet.
  
  What could be improved: The shower leaks and is lifting the plastic flooring which has sadly been laid over a lovely terrazzo floor. (We know because we have stayed here in previous years.). Some communication confusions despite the company’s online login and collection of details.

• Isabelle from Australia – 2 August 2024 (9/10)

  Clean and convenient location. Pleasantly decorated and good facilities. It has a cute and cosy outdoor space
  
  What could be improved: The hot water kept going cold. There were instruction on how to fix it. We had to reset at least twice daily

• Lee from United Kingdom – 26 July 2024 (9/10)

  Well catered for property in a great location. Fantastic aircon and modern amenities. Good central location.
  
  What could be improved: Shower needs some updating as it has been leaking underneath the floor – but didn’t really impact our stay. Could do with providing a couple of dishwasher tabs for short stays.

• George from United Kingdom – 10 April 2024 (7/10)

  Lovely location, Clean & tidy, Excellent directions on arrival, Good communication from host.
  Good transport links.
  
  What could be improved: Room has a problem with Ants.
  Kitchen is not well equipped lacks basics like drying towels and kitchen roll for cleaning, and its very small.
  Kitchen Hob bracket was broken.
  Had to pay a €50 fine for late check in.

• Mark from United States – 7 November 2023 (9/10)

  Not close to Venice train station, but still nestled in historic Venice. Even a supermercado within easy walking distance

• Noza from Canada – 19 September 2023 (9/10)

  excellent location, spacious bedroom, clean
  
  What could be improved: very small kitchen/dining room area, was ok for us as we never ate in the appartment

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities