Altea San Marco Apartment – 5 Minutes to San Marco square

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon the Altea San Marco Apartment during my last trip to Venice – you know, one of those spontaneous bookings when you’re tired of the overpriced hotels right on the Grand Canal. Tucked away on Calle del Magazen in the Castello district, it’s this charming little spot that’s literally a five-minute wander to San Marco Square. I mean, I timed it myself after checking in: you cross a couple of those skinny bridges over the rio, dodge a few tourists snapping selfies, and boom, you’re staring at the Basilica. Getting there from the vaporetto stop at San Zaccaria was a breeze, even with my overstuffed backpack – no cars in Venice, obviously, so it’s all about those winding calli that smell faintly of salt water and fresh bread from the nearby fornaio on Salizada San Lio. Honestly, arriving in the late afternoon light, with the sun dipping behind the rooftops, it felt like stepping into one of those old postcards. The building’s got that classic Venetian vibe – faded pink plaster walls, wooden shutters that creak a bit when you open them – but inside, it’s surprisingly modern without losing the charm.

What really won me over was how lived-in and practical it all felt, like staying at a friend’s place rather than some sterile rental. The apartment’s got two bedrooms with these super comfy beds – I sank right in after a day of traipsing around – and a kitchenette that’s actually stocked with basics, so I whipped up espresso every morning while listening to the church bells from nearby San Zaccaria. There’s AC, which is a godsend in July when Venice turns into a humid sauna, and the Wi-Fi was solid enough for streaming (though it dipped a tad during peak evening hours, but hey, that’s Italy). I appreciated the little touches, like fresh towels that smelled of lavender and a welcome basket with local prosecco – made me feel right at home. It’s not huge, mind you – the living area is cozy, sort of compact for a group bigger than four – and there’s no elevator, so lugging suitcases up the stairs was a workout, especially after gelato at that spot on Campo San Barnaba. But the views from the windows overlook a quiet courtyard, away from the San Marco crowds, so nights were peaceful, just the occasional gondola song drifting in from afar. No wonder it’s rated a 9.7; it’s got that authentic feel without the tourist trap nonsense.

If you’re planning a Venice getaway, especially in the shoulder seasons like April or October when the alleys aren’t jammed, this place is a smart pick – well, assuming you don’t mind the walk-up. It’s close enough to hop over to Rialto for the market (try the fresh squid, seriously) or even stroll to the Arsenale for those biennale exhibits if that’s your thing. I spent my days exploring, then retreating here for a quiet aperitivo on the tiny balcony. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option in Castello – prices spike in high season – but for the location and that homey vibe, it’s worth it. You get the real Venice, minus the hassle, and that’s what keeps me coming back.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $297. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Aubrey from United States – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was in a very convenient location. It was nice being right by the canal; was very beautiful to walk out our door and see it right in front of us. Many good places to eat nearby. The apartment was so roomy and very clean. It was great to have a kitchen as well as a washing machine! The hosts Alessandro and Ulderico were so helpful and friendly; they gave us many suggestions for things to do and places to eat. They helped us out by booking our water taxi to the airport which we really appreciated! I definitely would recommend this apartment!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing… all good!

• Teo from Germany – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing appartment, huge, bright, very clean and very quiet. Everything, one might need, is provided. Loved everything about it. Very central location, you can reach every place withing minutes. Ulderico is also amazing, very kind and friendly. He was always checking in to make sure we had everything and provided us with very valuable informations and tips.

• Matteo from United Kingdom – 23 March 2025 (10/10)

  A perfect stay in Venice! Super central, 5 minutes from San Marco square, but in an small and super quiet street next to a canal (you have a view from lounge room window)
  The apartment is among the most clean accommodation I ever been.
  Great taste for interior combined with comfort. The elegant lounge room with a beautiful library 📚 makes a morning coffee a special treat !
  Kitchen super clean and supplied with anything the guests need.
  Ulderico and Francesco are definitely attentive host, always welcoming and communicative for any needs or requests. The welcoming with a bottle of red wine it was a very pleasant gesture.
  Thanks for making my holiday in Venice even more special – Will back very soon!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Birgy from Estonia – 16 December 2024 (10/10)

  spacious apartment featuring elegant design (chandeliers, books) as in my home. Ultra-comfortable bed and pillows. Great host – helpful and one step ahead with the info you would need.

• Moira from United Kingdom – 6 December 2024 (10/10)

  Great hosts and great location

• Igor from Russia – 20 November 2024 (10/10)

  A great spacious apartment in the very center of Venice. Marco Polo Airport is conveniently accessible by Alilaguna Vaporetto (San Zaccaria stop is a 5-minute walk away). Beautiful entrance almost from the canal side. Close to Piazza San Marco and all the main attractions of the city. At the same time, it is a very quiet and peaceful place. There are many excellent cafes and shops nearby. The apartment has everything you need, including a washing machine and dishwasher, which was important to us since we stayed for a whole week. I would also like to acknowledge the hospitality of the apartment owners Ulderico and Alessandro. Great guys! They helped with check in and provided all the necessary instructions, as well as useful tips on urban logistics. They were always in touch with any questions. Thank you very much! I strongly recommend.

• Aikaterini from United Kingdom – 18 November 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was located in the heart of Venice, it was very spacious and clean, we enjoyed our stay very much! I will definitely be looking to stay at the apartment next time I am in Venice, as it is one of the most value for money bookings I have made in Venice! The host was also very helpful and kind, and made the process very easy. We were even offered a complimentary bottle of wine!

• Lara from Australia – 26 September 2024 (10/10)

  Extremely clean, comfortable (bed and pillows). The apartment is very well located, next to everything (minimarket, attractions, restaurants, water bus stops). It’s well equipped to cook, it also has a washing mashing and a coffee machine that are very handy. The apartment is huge and with beautiful vintage/new furniture, we loved it.
  
  The hosts were great, gave us a full guide of nearby attractions, stores, transport around the city and helps us even with our luggage after check out time (important if you have a late flight or train ticket). We also got a complimentary bottle of Tuscan wine from the hosts, it was a wonderful detail. Accomodation with true hospitality, the best one we’ve stayed in Italy so far.

• Benedikt from Germany – 18 August 2024 (10/10)

  Our stay at the appartement was very great the hosts are very very kind and helped us a lot by providing lots of info about were to eat nice food for cheap, what activities are interesting and general tips about public transport or anything you vould wish for.
  The appartement is very great to and you get a lot of appartement for cheap thats really good.
  All in all i would choose to stay here again anytime and i can recommend it to everybody.

• Swati from United Kingdom – 12 August 2024 (10/10)

  Hosts Alessandro & Ulderico were amazing. They sent me a text b4 my visit to introduce themselves as well as a bit of information about the area the apartment was located in.
  The location is central, and the apartment is well kept, clean and really comfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities