Acqua – Attico con terrazza

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Acqua – Attico con terrazza almost by accident last spring, right after getting off the vaporetto at Arsenale – you know, that stop that’s a bit less chaotic than the ones dumping crowds straight into San Marco. The address is 1632 Calle Del Squero, tucked into the Castello sestiere, which honestly feels like the real Venice, away from the pigeon-packed piazzas. I mean, it’s this narrow little alley that smells faintly of salt water and fresh laundry hanging overhead, and finding it involved a couple of wrong turns past those tiny bacari where locals grab cicchetti in the evenings. Check-in was a breeze, though – the host met me right at the door with a warm smile and a quick espresso, no fuss about luggage since it’s all walkable here (thank god, no cars in Venice to worry about). The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with worn stone steps leading up to this penthouse suite – attico means attic, but don’t let that fool you; it’s more like a hidden aerie with killer views.

What really sold me was the terrace – oh man, that sprawling rooftop space overlooking the lagoon and rooftops, where I spent evenings sipping prosecco as the sun dipped behind the campaniles. The place is rated a whopping 9.9 for a reason; it’s got this airy, modern vibe inside, with sleek wooden floors that creak just a tad underfoot (in a charming way, not annoying), a kitchenette stocked with basics like olive oil and pasta if you want to skip the overpriced tourist traps, and a bathroom that feels luxurious with its rain shower and those fluffy towels that actually dry you off. Bedrooms are cozy, with beds that swallow you up after a day of wandering – I slept like a log, even though you can hear the occasional boat horn from the canal below in the mornings. It’s not huge, sort of intimate for a couple or small group, but that’s part of the appeal; no echoing hotel lobbies here. And get this – in high season, when Venice is swarming, this spot stays surprisingly quiet after dark, maybe because Castello draws more art lovers heading to the Biennale gardens nearby than the selfie-stick brigade.

Look, if you’re after that authentic slice of La Serenissima without the gimmicks, book this place – I mean, it’s 4 stars but feels like more, especially with the personal touches like the host’s tips on dodging the crowds via back canals to reach places like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore just a 10-minute stroll away. Sure, there are a few stairs to climb (no elevator, classic Venice issue), so pack light if mobility’s a thing, but honestly, the payoff is worth it. I left feeling like I’d actually lived in Venice for a bit, not just passed through, and that’s saying something in a city that can feel like a theme park sometimes. If you’re timing it right, aim for shoulder season like April – fewer people, and that terrace becomes your private sunset perch. You’d be crazy not to.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $316. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Chaussettes from United States – 8 September 2022 (10/10)

  Beautiful, clean, charming apartment with a balcony and a terrace, well-stocked kitchen, view, AC if necessary, delightful host.
  
  What could be improved: Zero

• Laurence from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  We had a great time at the Acqua Attico Penthouse. It is very well located, close to all amenities but quiet at night, with amazing views from the terrace, from where to enjoy few cocktails. The attic is very clean and well appointed, with everything you will need for your stay and more. Susanna is extremely friendly and helpful, a great host. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this delightful place and we hope one day to come back *****.

• Steffy from Australia – 2 September 2024 (10/10)

  Suzanna was a perfect host, met us at the badge and walked us back to the hotel giving us the required information. Perfect host.
  
  What could be improved: Bed was okay, sunk in the middle.

• Anonymous from United States – 9 July 2024 (10/10)

  The location is excellent near a vaporetto stop and good restaurants. There are 2 terraces with stunning views. Susanna made us feel at home and even provided fresh fruit, and flowers from her garden.
  
  What could be improved: You have to walk up 2 steep flights of stairs, but the view is definitely worth it!

• Adam from Australia – 5 July 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic property in every way.

• Carol from United States – 20 June 2024 (10/10)

  Charming apartment with living room , modern bath and kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: Lot of stairs to top floor but not an issue for us. Host and daughter met us at boat which was very helpful. We very much enjoyed the apartment. Great location , too.

• Marziano from Australia – 1 June 2024 (9/10)

  The balcony and distant view to Grand canal
  
  What could be improved: 2 flights of steep stairs however Susanna helped us with our luggage which was nice of her.

• Tatiana from Switzerland – 22 May 2024 (10/10)

  It was the first time I felt home in Venice! Everything was perfect: the appartement and its location, the sunset view from the balconies, the warm welcome from Susanna and her attention to details. I will definitely come back.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Andrey from New Zealand – 6 May 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location – away from the crowd and yet able to see activities from the window and balcony of people commuting; walking distance to San Marco, so close to Vaporetto station, and in the heart of Biennale. Close to a lovely local bakery, coffee shop, good local restaurant, and supermarket. The kitchen is fully equipped with a good variety of cleaning agents (brush placed in a cup holder to keep the sink clean and to hold the dripping water from the brush). The apartment was nicely decorated with freshly picked flowers for a romantic stay and provided an excellent artistic dining area, which is also very suitable for work. The heating is fantastic, and the bathroom is smartly designed, allowing natural light to come through to the area from the ceiling. It is a fully equipped, clean bathroom with thick, good-quality towels. The bedroom linen is spotless and ironed for a nice sleep, with extra pillows provided. Susanna, our host, is outstanding, from providing exquisite details on how to take the Vaporetto from the airport to picking us up at the Vaporetto station, assisting us with luggage, and providing us with further information on local places to visit. We highly recommend Susanna's place for stay – exceptional location, apartment, and host!
  
  What could be improved: we liked everything at the apartment. just a handy note to travellers, It is adviseable to leave bulky luggages like ski bag at the airport storage given the typical narrow apartment staircase in venice.

• Jean from Canada – 19 March 2024 (10/10)

  Suzana was amazing, she came to greet us with plenty of tips on gow to get around, and things to visit.
  
  The appartment was spotless and charming.
  
  We loved our stay.
  
  The airline lost our luggage and she helped us to retrieve them.
  Suzanna a great big thank you for your help and hospitality.
  
  What could be improved: nothing, in the center of everything, easy access

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities