Accademia Terrazza

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Accademia stop – you know, that big wooden bridge that arches over the Grand Canal like it’s been there forever – and thinking, wow, this is Venice without the crush of tour groups. The Accademia Terrazza is tucked away on a quiet side of Dorsoduro, right at 880 in that neighborhood that’s got more local flavor than the San Marco circus. I mean, it’s not one of those flashy spots with neon signs; it’s more like stumbling upon a hidden gem while wandering the calli. Check-in was a breeze – the staff, these friendly Italians who actually live nearby, handed over the key with a quick chat about the best time to hit the nearby galleries (avoid midday in summer, they said, when the heat turns everything sticky). My room overlooked a narrow rio, and honestly, the first thing that hit me was the gentle lap of water against the walls – sort of soothing, like the city’s heartbeat. No car noise here, obviously, since Venice is all about boats and feet, but if you’re lugging heavy bags, well, it’s a short walk from the stop, though those cobblestones can be a workout.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I’m saying this as someone who’s bounced around a few Venetian hotels – is that rooftop terrace. It’s not some overhyped gimmick; it’s legit, with views stretching over terracotta roofs toward the Salute church, especially magical at sunset when the light turns everything golden and you can smell the faint salt from the lagoon. I spent an evening up there with a glass of prosecco (they’ve got a little bar setup, nothing fancy but spot-on), watching gondolas glide by below. The rooms themselves are cozy in that old-world way – think exposed beams, comfy beds with those crisp linens that feel like they’ve been line-dried in the sun – but yeah, if you’re on a lower floor, you might hear the occasional boat horn in the morning. It’s a 4-star spot, rated super high at 9.3, and it earns it with thoughtful touches like fresh pastries at breakfast (grab the cornetti early; they vanish) and free Wi-Fi that actually works, unlike some places where it’s spotty as the canals. Dorsoduro’s vibe is artsy and laid-back – you’re steps from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and if you veer left down Rio Terà Foscarini, you’ll hit that squero where they fix gondolas, a real peek into local life. Oh, and practical note: no elevator in the older parts, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing, especially after a day trekking to San Polo.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venice feel without the overwhelming bustle – you know, where you can wander to a quiet bacaro for cicchetti at dusk and not feel like a total tourist – this is your spot. It’s not the cheapest (expect to pay a premium in high season, like July when the place books up fast), but honestly, waking up to that terrace view and the neighborhood’s unhurried pace makes it worth every euro. I’ve recommended it to friends heading over, and yeah, they’d thank me later. Just time your visit for shoulder season if you want fewer crowds and that terrace all to yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $458. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Leonid from Israel – 28 December 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location right next to the Academy Bridge, next to the pier. Very large apartment with lots of cupboards, dressers, bedside tables. Antique furniture, everything is habitable. The kitchen is fully equipped. The company is always in touch and ready to help with booking a taxi and more.

• Bernardo from United Kingdom – 22 February 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was exceptionally spacious and the nicest I’ve stayed in through Booking.com. The kitchen was fully equipped, and the location—right next to the Accademia Museum—was fantastic. Check-in was seamless, and communication with the host was smooth and efficient.
  
  What could be improved: Checking in after 8 PM incurs a fee of €50–100, depending on the time. The property does not allow check-ins past midnight. Fortunately, our flight arrived on time, so we didn’t have to find out what happens if you miss the midnight deadline—hopefully, it wouldn’t mean being stranded at the airport.

• Derryn from New Zealand – 30 May 2024 (9/10)

  A nice spacious well equipped apartment with a lovely terrace, in a very handy location. It was easy to get transport from airport booked for us and we were met at the dock with a very short walk to apartment.
  
  What could be improved: The fact that a con man managed to get to our door convincingly possing as a neighbour.
  He struck within approx an hour of us arriving. We were told to read the information folder, however we hadn’t had time.
  When we did look his photo and info was at the end of the information folder.
  I feel person who met us at the dock should have verbally warned us, if he was known to them.

• Nenad from Croatia – 7 April 2024 (9/10)

  Good location just a few steps away from Academia bridge. The app is big and comfortable for 6 of us.
  The host was very helpfull, concrete, fast ..Teracce is nice, you can spend nice time outside if the weather is fine.
  
  What could be improved: Small shower is THE thing worth mentioning (especially when you think how big is appartment and that it has 3 bathrooms).
  The TV is small although we didn’t use it but in a case you plan to use it…

• Helen from United Kingdom – 18 January 2024 (10/10)

  The property is spacious, elegant , well equipped and in an excellent position.

• Cary from United States – 22 December 2023 (10/10)

  This place was huge and beautiful and we loved the location !
  
  What could be improved: The one single bed in the 3rd room was uncomfortable but the others were great

• Andreas from Norway – 29 October 2023 (10/10)

  The location is fantastic, right by the Academia Bridge and the vaporetto stop. Apartment is bigger than it appears in photos and were clean and enjoyable. Old Venetian charm. Coordination with hosts was straightforward, we were met on arrival by a pleasant host and given the keys and went through check-in. The terraces which give the apartment its name were very enjoyable.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain about. The standard was good, but it's not a modern flat. Some fittings/doorknobs were a bit loose, but it really just added to the charm.

• Paul – 29 September 2023 (10/10)

  A fantastic apartment, very well equipped, great location, and the terraces are wonderful to sit back and relax.
  
  What could be improved: The WiFi connection was a little erratic. Two issues – the dishwasher and shower screen – were fixed. Great service!

• David from United Kingdom – 27 September 2023 (9/10)

  A large traditional Venetian apartment with 2 terraces close to Academia and Zattere Vaporetto stops and the Alilaguna boat stop for the airport
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Kelly from United States – 23 September 2023 (10/10)

  Gorgeous terrace house. Very old with lots of antiques and so much charm.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom with tub, shower wall was broken. Leaked water all over floor.

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