Ai Cherubini

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I stumbled upon Ai Cherubini, I was weaving through those twisty little calles in San Marco, map app glitching as usual because Venice doesn’t play nice with GPS. It’s tucked away on Calle del Pestrin, this narrow alley off the beaten path but honestly just a quick five-minute wander from the Rialto Bridge – you know, that spot where the Grand Canal buzzes with vaporettos and gondoliers calling out to tourists. I mean, San Marco can feel like a madhouse in peak season, with crowds spilling out from Piazza San Marco, but this place? It’s like a secret bolthole. I arrived sweaty from lugging my bag over those humpbacked bridges (no cars here, remember – everything’s on foot or by boat), and the check-in was a breeze; the owner, this chatty Venetian guy named Marco, handed me a key and a handwritten map of hidden gelato spots. No fancy lobby, just a cozy entryway with worn marble floors that echo a bit when you walk in, and that faint salty tang in the air from the nearby canals – it hits you right away, like Venice is whispering hello.

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel nails that old-world charm without trying too hard. It’s a 3-star spot, sure, but with a 9.3 rating that feels earned – the rooms are smallish, like most in these historic buildings (watch your head on those low beams if you’re tall), but they’re spotless and decked out with these antique-looking furnishings that make you feel like you’re crashing in some noble’s spare bedroom. Mine had a view over a quiet rio, where I’d wake up to the soft lap of water against stone and the occasional seagull cry – way better than the traffic noise you’d get in other cities. Breakfast is simple but solid: fresh croissants, strong espresso, and those little jams from local markets, served in a sunny courtyard that catches the morning light just right. Oh, and practical stuff – no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing, but the Wi-Fi’s surprisingly zippy for streaming your shows after a day of dodging tour groups. I even caught a minor glitch once; the AC hummed a tad loud during a July heatwave, but hey, it kept the room cool when the humidity outside was brutal. It’s not glitzy, but that’s the point – you’re in Venice for the real deal, not some chain hotel vibe. And timing-wise, book for shoulder season like April or October; it’s quieter, and you can actually hear the church bells from nearby Santa Maria del Giglio without the summer swarm drowning them out.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of La Serenissima without breaking the bank, Ai Cherubini is your spot. It’s got that lived-in warmth that makes you linger – I ended up extending my stay just to sip prosecco on the tiny balcony at dusk, watching the light fade over the rooftops. Sure, it’s not perfect (those narrow streets mean no parking, obviously – water taxi from Piazzale Roma is your best bet), but it captures Venice’s magic in a way that sticks with you. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve got a little insider secret tucked in your pocket.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $212. Small Double Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $262. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $286. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $380. Suite with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Juan from Argentina – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  The size of the room and the staff, Diego was great!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Harvey from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  We had the most amazing stay here, the room itself was beautifully furnished and cleaned every day of our stay. The WiFi was brilliant and the shower was lovely!! Linda on reception was excellent and sent us everything and more that we needed ahead of our stay and was brilliant the whole time we were there. The hotel is a short walk from rialto but just far enough away that the restaurants near by were very reasonably priced.

• Alice from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were brilliant – so helpful, messaged information before our visit to help us find the property and arrange transport if required from the airport.
  The decoration was beautiful, spotlessly clean,lovely powerful shower and lovely comfortable King size bed. The location is excellent being so close to the main sights including Rialto bridge and St Mark’s square. Boat/taxi stop is 2 minute walk away too so easy to get around and access transport and taxis to/from the airport. It was so quiet that we didn’t even know there were others staying there!!
  Would definitely stay again and will be recommending to our friends and family.

• Rona from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  Gorgeous place, stunning room.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it’s all PERFECT! X

• Emily from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location to explore all of Venice. We liked the Venetian decor. Easy check in and very friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sirboiu from Switzerland – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  The room was very nice and had all the necessary amenities.
  The complimentary breakfast was a nice surprise.

• Alexis from United Kingdom – 23 January 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful building with comfortable, well designed rooms in an excellent location. Helpful tips offered by the wonderful member of staff. Could not be happier- we hope to return in the future

• Cedrowicz from Poland – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  Klimat, wystrój i czystość
  
  What could be improved: Nie było takiej rzeczy

• Peter from Switzerland – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  Alles wunderschön 🥰🥰
  
  What could be improved: Alles perfekt 👍👍

• Peter from Switzerland – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  Alles wunderschön 🥰
  
  What could be improved: Alles perfekt 👍👍👍

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities