Al Gazzettino

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Al Gazzettino almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – you know, one of those whirlwind visits in early fall when the crowds thin out a bit but the air still has that crisp, salty bite from the lagoon. It’s tucked away on Calle della Mandola, right in the heart of San Marco, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge – honestly, you can hear the market vendors haggling over fresh fish if you crack a window in the morning. I arrived via vaporetto from the train station, lugging my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones (pro tip: pack light, because Venice doesn’t do elevators in every old building), and check-in was a breeze – the front desk guy, Marco I think his name was, chatted about the best time to hit the nearby Campo San Bartolomeo for aperitivo, like he was an old friend. The lobby’s nothing flashy, just this cozy nook with worn velvet chairs and faded frescoes on the walls that smell faintly of aged wood and whatever they’re brewing in the espresso machine downstairs. My room was on the third floor – small, yeah, like most spots in this city, but with these quirky exposed beams and a view over the rooftops that made up for the tight squeeze. Oh, and the bed? Surprisingly comfy, with linens that felt crisp and clean after a day of dodging tourists.

What really sold me on the place, though – and this is coming from someone who’s stayed in a dozen Venice hotels over the years – is how it feels like a genuine slice of local life without the pretentious vibe you get in some of the pricier joints near Piazza San Marco. It’s only about a five-minute wander to the square itself, past those hidden gelaterias on Calle Larga Mazzini where the pistachio is to die for (avoid the tourist traps; go for the one with the handwritten sign). The hotel’s got this old-school charm – think creaky wooden floors that echo a little at night, but in a charming way, not annoying – and breakfast is served in a little courtyard that’s blissfully quiet before 9 a.m., with fresh croissants and cappuccinos that hit the spot. I mean, it’s a 3-star, so don’t expect a spa or anything, but the Wi-Fi’s solid for mapping out your day, and they even lent me an umbrella when a sudden shower hit (Venice weather, am I right?). One minor gripe: during peak season, like July, the alley outside can get noisy with late-night revelers heading to the bars around Campo Santa Maria Formosa – earplugs helped, but it’s part of the city’s pulse, you know? Still, the staff sorted out a room swap for me without batting an eye, which says a lot.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels authentic without breaking the bank – we’re talking rates that won’t make you wince compared to the Grand Canal palaces – Al Gazzettino’s a solid pick. It’s got that 8.1 rating for a reason: reliable, unpretentious, and perfectly positioned for exploring on foot. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season when Venice shows its quieter side – well, quieter for Venice, anyway. Just remember to book ahead; places like this fill up fast with folks who know the real deal.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $238. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $257. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $307. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $326. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $376. Superior Double Room with 2 × 2 sofa beds, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $396. Deluxe Double Room with Canal View with 2 × 2 sofa beds, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $396. Superior Double Room with 2 × 2 sofa beds, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $445. Deluxe Queen Room with 1 single bed, 1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $494. Deluxe Double Room with Canal View and Balcony with 2 × 2 sofa beds, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $544. Queen Room with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Andriana from Greece – 27 December 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful and clean place. The lady in the reception was very kind and helpful. The breakfast was full and tasty, felt like home. We had an excellent stay there!

• Clare from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location for exploring Venice, 5 mins walk to St Marks Square in one direction and 5 mins walk to the Rialto Bridge in another. Room was comfortable and clean, friendly and helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Antony from United Kingdom – 27 February 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent friendly staff, cleanliness and modern facilities with a very comfortable bed and great bathroom.
  
  What could be improved: The complete lack of a sign outside the building to denote it was a hotel. A fellow traveller walked straight past the front door.

• Sergey from Netherlands – 9 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, very close from the San Marco square and the Rialto bridge. Our room with a small balcony was overlooking a small canal with several gondolas and gondoliers. Beautifully decorated room with a large bathroom, including a wide shower with rain shower. Powerful ventilation/heating unit.
  
  What could be improved: We booked with breakfast included, but were told upon arriving that breakfast was not available, and were given a bottle of prosecco (listed price 20 EUR) in the room as compensation. We do not drink prosecco, and would very much preferred to be just given the money back. Moreover, we could see a room with breakfast was still being offered on Booking.com for the same night – an outrage. In the end, we gave a bottle of prosecco back and took 2 0.5l bottles of water as compensation.

• Andris from Latvia – 4 February 2025 (7/10)

  Appartment was good. Nice and tidy
  
  What could be improved: Check-in ends at 6pm. We came bit latter and couldn't get in. Nobody opened doors, nobody answered to messages or calls. We stayed on the street for 30 min until some other guests returned to hotel.

• Kanna from Canada – 4 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location is fantastic. Room was decorated in grand Venetian style with fabric on the walls and a beautiful chandelier.
  
  What could be improved: The €3.50/person hotel fee has to be paid in CASH ONLY. I spent most of my evening trying to find a bank machine that would give me cash. I suggest getting cash before you get on the island.
  It's on a canal so you expect to get a water view but the window is very high. If you're short, you'll need to get on a chair to see the water 🤣
  Just a heads up, there's no elevator.

• Aljaz from Slovenia – 23 December 2024 (9/10)

  Clean and pretty looking
  Very comfortable bed
  Big private bathroom
  Shutters on the windows
  Good breakfast
  Great location
  
  What could be improved: No lift (this was not a problem for us, but maybe for some people could be a problem)

• Qnbrzd from Italy – 21 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location breakfast abd hearing system was amazing
  
  What could be improved: The receptionist wasn’t available after 6-7
  We didn’t have slippers in the room we asked it for the second time they were surprised they hadn’t provided before. But when we came back they hadn’t bring it!!!

• Anke from France – 11 December 2024 (8/10)

  Very central, 2 mins from St. Marco, 10 mins from Biennale area. Nice little restaurant in the ground floor, very good breakfast. We arrived after 18h and the key was on the reception table with a personal letter of informations ;o) Thanks!
  
  What could be improved: No elevator, not much day light in the room & the restaurant, because hotel is located in the oldest part of the city.

• Fernando from Brazil – 25 November 2024 (8/10)

  Very well located
  
  What could be improved: The pillows could be better

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities