Al Campanile View and Terrace by Wonderful Italy

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Al Campanile View and Terrace by Wonderful Italy almost by accident last spring – you know, one of those trips where you’re wandering Venice’s back canals after ditching the crowded vaporetto from Santa Lucia station. It’s tucked away on Fondamenta dei Penini in the Castello district, which honestly feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist crush around San Marco. I mean, Castello’s got that lived-in vibe, with locals chatting over espresso at hole-in-the-wall spots along Via Garibaldi, just a five-minute stroll away. Getting there was a bit of a hike if you’re lugging bags – no cars in Venice, obviously, so I ended up walking from the Arsenale stop, dodging narrow bridges and the occasional delivery boat splashing along the rio. Check-in was straightforward, though; the staff from Wonderful Italy (they manage a bunch of these boutique spots) were super laid-back, handing over keys with a quick rundown of the Wi-Fi and where to grab groceries – there’s a little Coop supermarket nearby that’s a lifesaver for stocking up on prosecco and cheese without the markup.

What really sold me on this place was the terrace – oh man, that view of the campanile poking up over the rooftops, especially at dusk when the bells start chiming softly and the sky turns all pink and gold. It’s a 4-star setup, but it feels more like a cozy apartment than a stuffy hotel; my room had these exposed wooden beams that creaked a little underfoot, adding to that authentic Venetian charm (or maybe it was just old floors settling – either way, it didn’t bother me). The bed was comfy enough, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender from whatever detergent they use, and the bathroom was modern-ish, though the shower pressure could be hit or miss during peak hours. I spent mornings out on that private terrace sipping coffee, listening to the distant hum of water taxis and seagulls – it’s quiet here compared to the Rialto side, but come summer, you might hear more foot traffic from folks heading to the Biennale gardens, which are practically next door. Honestly, it’s not perfect; the air conditioning hummed a bit loudly at night, and if you’re not a fan of stairs (no elevator in these historic buildings), it might wear you out. But for an 8.2 rating, it punches above its weight – well-maintained, with a kitchenette that let me whip up simple pasta dinners using fresh stuff from the Rialto market, about a 15-minute walk away.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to experience Venice without feeling like you’re in a theme park, this spot’s a gem. It’s close enough to the big sights – you can wander over to Piazza San Marco in under 20 minutes, crossing that funky bridge near the Arsenale with its massive lion statues – but far enough that you get those peaceful evenings watching the city wind down. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there for a bit, not just passed through, and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the crowds thin out and the terrace feels like your own private slice of la dolce vita. Just pack light and embrace the walk – it’s Venice, after all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $396. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 double bed, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Paula from United Kingdom – 25 February 2024 (8/10)

  Wonderful property in the perfect location.
  
  What could be improved: The bedroom in the attic space had a very low ceiling height and a very steep staircase leading up to it. I would not recommend putting young children or the elderly up there. The Two bedrooms on the lower floor however, were perfect.

• Natalie from United States – 15 March 2024 (9/10)

  We liked how spacious the property was. It’s close to the arsenalle water taxi stop so easy to get to even with our luggage. We enjoyed eating in this area of town, too!
  
  What could be improved: We did not mind, but there are several flights of stairs. If you have mobility issues this is not the place for you. This was not a problem for our family at all!

• Celine from Australia – 8 March 2024 (8/10)

  Plenty of space for a family, cleanliness, location, quiet
  
  What could be improved: Mattresses could be more comfortable, and a warmer quilt for winter would have made our nights more comfortable

• Derek from United States – 2 August 2023 (9/10)

  Very nice property. Plenty of room, very spacious kitchen for the traveler that might want to cook. Everything you need to prepare your own meals. Good sized table in the kitchen to have guests eating and drink while you continue to cook.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Marco from Bulgaria – 14 October 2023 (8/10)

  Great location; spacious apartment; very well decorated, Venetian style apartment; beautiful cutleries and crockeries
  
  What could be improved: We were 5 friends and according to the description we expected to have an apartment for 5 people 56+ kilos, not very tall. We found 1 room with a bed for 2 children max. that can accommodate one mature person who is short (there was a restiction at the end of the bed). 1 room with a good double bed and 1 room under the roof with 1 bed and 1 sofa which was not prepared for us. We didn't expect to use a sofa, which as you know is not the best place to sleep. Luckily there were extra sheets in the closet and we prepared the sofa. Only the pillows in the main room are good, the rest are balls in a case. There is a coffee machine that doesn't work and the capsules they provided don't fit at all.There is no storage space for clothes/jackets in the rooms. There are ONLY 2 bathrooms, and we needed the third – that's why we chose this apartment. There are no mosquito nets on the windows and it was full of them.

• Virginia from United States – 30 October 2024 (8/10)

  The home was elegant and spacious, with character. The terrace on top with a view was the piece de resistance. The location was great.

• Dragos from Canada – 27 March 2024 (8/10)

  Spacious, clean, close to everything we needed.

• Carl from United States – 1 October 2023 (8/10)

  Great location. Five minutes to 4.7/5* restaurant, lovely bakery, cozy coffee shop. A maze of picturesque alleyways just outside your door. 8 minutes walk to the waterfront.
  
  What could be improved: 38 steps up to the living area.

• Tony from United States – 14 September 2023 (8/10)

  Iti is in a great location. The apartment is nice. It has plenty of room and an awesome shower. I would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything about the place. If I had to make a suggestion, it would have been nice to have 2 sets of keys.

• Kai from United States – 31 August 2023 (8/10)

  Directions to the apt were great! The location was fantastic and the actual set up was wonderful for a family especially.
  
  What could be improved: It was a bit strange to not lock the door to the actual apt (on the top floor) but once we realized that the front door is the only entry we got it. 🙂

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities