Al Portico Guest House

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Al Portico Guest House after a sweaty trek from Santa Lucia station – you know, that main train hub in Venice where everyone dumps out with their luggage clattering over the bridges. It’s tucked away on a quiet stretch of Cannaregio, right at number 1804, just off the Rio di San Girolamo canal. Honestly, if you’re not into the mad crush around San Marco, this spot’s a godsend; it’s in that authentic northern neighborhood where locals actually live, not just pose for selfies. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the summer hordes have thinned out but the air still has that crisp, salty tang from the lagoon. The entrance is unassuming, like stepping into someone’s cozy townhouse, with these old wooden doors that creak a bit (in a charming way, not annoyingly). Check-in was a breeze – the owner, this warm Italian lady named Maria (I think? Well, something like that), greeted me with a genuine smile and a quick espresso, chatting about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti. No fuss with long lines or impersonal key cards; it felt personal, like crashing at a friend’s place.

What really won me over was how the place balances that old-Venice vibe with just enough modern comforts to keep you sane. The rooms are on the smaller side – I mean, it’s a historic building in Venice, so expect compact spaces with exposed beams and those classic terrazzo floors that feel cool underfoot after a day of wandering. Mine overlooked a narrow calle, and I’d wake up to the soft gurgle of canal water and the distant chime of church bells from the Madonna dell’Orto nearby (that’s Tintoretto’s church, if you’re into art history – totally worth the five-minute stroll). Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, yogurt, and strong coffee served in a little courtyard that catches the morning sun. No massive buffet, but that’s the appeal – it’s intimate, and they source stuff from the market on Strada Nova, which is literally a stone’s throw away for grabbing your own supplies. Oh, and practical note: there’s no elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor; my calves got a workout hauling my bag up those steep stairs. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night compared to the Rialto area – maybe the occasional boat horn, but nothing that kept me up. I ventured out to the old Jewish Ghetto just around the corner, snagging kosher treats from Gam Gam, and it was easy to hop on a vaporetto from the Guglie stop for day trips to Murano. Sort of a hidden gem for avoiding overtourism, you know?

All in all, if you’re chasing that real Venice experience without the hefty price tag – it’s a solid 3-star with an 8.8 rating that feels earned – I’d say book Al Portico. It’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and summer might bring more mosquitoes from the canals, so bring repellent. But honestly, for the value and that sense of being immersed in Cannaregio’s everyday rhythm, it’s hard to beat. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just ticked off a tourist checklist. Go in the off-season if you can; it’s when the magic really shines through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $163. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $209. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $209. One-Bedroom Apartment – Separate Building Santa Fosca with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $228. Triple Room with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $218. Two bedroom apartment – Separate Building – Cannaregio 3345D with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Mazal from Israel – 3 April 2023 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect
  It was an amazing trip
  The personnel is very good specially Nicolas
  Tank you so much for your hospitality
  Very clean and very good location

• Dale from Australia – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location was amazing. It was like staying in a traditional Viennese apartment. The breakfast served in our room was great, and the staff were very helpful in assisting us with what to do and see in the city.
  
  There is no lift, and our room was on the top floor of three levels, but the staff were more than happy to carry up our luggage. Great!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Amirhossein from Iran – 22 March 2025 (9/10)

  The host was very hospitable and it had a very good location.

• Ekaterina from Romania – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  We spent 2 nights in this lovely hotel, we liked everything, location, staff, cleanliness, room, bed… it is very quiet during the night, the room was clean and comfortable, and the bathroom was renovated. Staff is helpful, friendly, very nice!!!! Hardly recommend!!!

• Ioan from Romania – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  The staff is very friendly and helpful and all in all a wonderful guy. The place is very clean and tidy.
  
  What could be improved: the cold. i was very cold. concrete pavement, the AC too far to matter.

• Vishwas from India – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location close to the main street in Venice. The host went out of his way to ensure we had all the information needed to make sure our stay was good.

• Rachel from Australia – 18 January 2025 (9/10)

  The property was easily accessible from Santa Lucia train station, the room was spacious and had everything we needed including a mini fridge.

• Brianna from Australia – 17 January 2025 (9/10)

  Short 10 minute walk from train station, easily located. No elevator so keep that in mind if packing heavy but was not an issue for us and staff helped carry our bags up and down the stairs. Everything was great, staff were lovely and accommodating. Room was spacious and had everything we needed for a short stay, would recommend to anyone coming to Venice!

• Kidrose from Australia – 13 January 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location, close to train station, very local and quiet area Cannaregio which is away from the touristy hub and we dont need to drag our luggage too far. A lot of nice high rating (a bit more upscale, expensive) restaurants and osterias around this area. Great heating system, Super comfy bed, hot shower (although a bit tricky, we have to wait 5 minutes to let the water run but thats ok). Lovely and helpful staff, the room is so nice and clean and they clean up everyday. Great value for money in Venice – we will stay again for sure.

• Evangelia from Greece – 29 December 2024 (8/10)

  The room was pretty spacious, quiet and clean! It was also warm which is another plus. The location was great, pretty close to the train station, a fair distance to walk with luggages. The staff was really helpful and with positive energy ☺️

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities