Accademia Sunshine with Terrace

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Zattere – you know, that long, sun-drenched promenade along the Giudecca Canal in Dorsoduro – and thinking, well, this is Venice without the chaos. The Accademia Sunshine with Terrace is tucked right there at Fondamenta Zattere ai Gesuati, 788/b, sort of hidden behind those old ochre buildings that line the water. I mean, it’s not smack in the middle of the San Marco crowds; instead, you’re in this artsy neighborhood where locals actually live, grabbing gelato at Nico’s or wandering over to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection just a five-minute stroll away. Honestly, arriving in the late afternoon light was magic – the canal sparkling, a faint salty breeze mixing with the smell of fresh bread from a nearby forno. No cars to worry about, obviously, since this is Venice, but if you’re lugging bags, the walk from the Accademia Bridge is doable, though a bit cobbly underfoot. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – this friendly guy named Marco – handed over keys with a quick chat about the best sunset spots, no fuss, no long lines like at those big chain places.

What really hooked me was the terrace – oh man, that private slice of sunshine overlooking the water. The hotel’s got this 4-star vibe that’s polished but not stuffy, with rooms that feel like a cozy Venetian apartment: wooden beams overhead, soft linens that actually smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sea air, and those big windows letting in the morning light. I stayed in one with a view of the Gesuati church dome – you can hear the bells chiming softly in the evenings, which is charming, though if you’re a light sleeper, it might nudge you awake around dawn. Breakfast was solid, nothing over-the-top, but fresh croissants, local cheeses, and coffee strong enough to power you through a day of exploring. And the terrace? It’s the star – spacious enough for a lazy afternoon with a book and a spritz, catching that golden hour glow over the lagoon. I spent one evening there watching vaporettos glide by, the water lapping gently below, and it felt like a secret escape from the tourist bustle. There’s Wi-Fi that actually works reliably (a godsend for checking ferry times), and the bathrooms are modern with those rain showers that make you linger – though, fair warning, the hot water can take a second to kick in during peak season.

Look, if you’re coming to Venice and want something authentic without the San Polo noise or the high prices of the Grand Canal spots, this place is a gem. It’s rated a solid 9 for good reason – quiet in the off-season (think November, when the fog rolls in and it’s all moody and romantic), but book early for summer if you don’t mind the occasional boat hum from the canal. Sure, it’s not perfect; the elevator’s a bit slow, and Dorsoduro can feel a tad isolated if you’re not into walking, but that’s part of the charm. You’d care about staying here if you crave that real Venetian rhythm – mornings at the nearby Squero di San Trovaso watching gondola repairs, evenings on your terrace feeling like you’ve got the city to yourself. I left wishing I’d booked an extra night; it’s the kind of spot that sticks with you, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $210. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Exceptional – Serge from Germany – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location with wunderfu view from the terrace. Great host that was very accommodating, when our flight was changed.

• Superb – Alvarez from Spain – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Lo mejor, la terraza.
  Limpio
  
  What could be improved: Una pena que para acceder a la terraza había que subir unas escaleras de caracol muy estrechas.

• Appartamento molto carino in ottima posizione, dotato di una terrazza con bellissima vista. Host gentile e disponibile, – Paolo from Italy – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  Posizione, pulizia, charm, terrazzo.
  
  What could be improved: Nulla

• Gute Lage, leicht erreichbar, grosses Wohnzimmer – Walter from Austria – 5 September 2024 (8/10)

  Großzügiges Wohnzimmer, , die Terrasse, sehr gute Lage, sehr gut mit der Linie 2 erreichbar, gute Bars und Lokale in der Nähe.
  
  What could be improved: 1 Badezimmer, und das eher klein, aber ausreichend

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities