Apartment Biennale

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Apartment Biennale during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice where I swore I’d avoid the San Marco crowds this time – and honestly, it was a game-changer. Tucked away in the Castello district at Castello 1734, it’s just a short wander from the Arsenale vaporetto stop, which makes getting there from the train station a breeze if you’re lugging bags (pro tip: take the No. 1 line and hop off right there, saves you from dragging suitcases over too many bridges). The neighborhood feels like the real Venice, you know? Not the postcard version swarming with day-trippers, but the kind where locals chat in the campo over morning espresso and kids play football against ancient walls. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – October, when the air’s got that crisp, salty tang from the lagoon – and the place immediately felt like a hidden gem. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, with weathered stone steps leading up to the entrance (no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing), and check-in was super straightforward – the host met me with keys and a quick rundown, no fuss, no long lines like at those big hotels near the Rialto.

What really sets Apartment Biennale apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s stayed in a dozen spots around the city – is how it nails that “live like a local” vibe without skimping on comfort. It’s rated 4 stars with a solid 9.1, and yeah, it earns it: the apartments are spacious by Venetian standards, with high ceilings, exposed beams that give off this cozy historic feel, and kitchens stocked enough to whip up a simple pasta dinner from the market on Via Garibaldi (that’s just a five-minute stroll away, lined with little greengrocers and bakeries where you can grab fresh focaccia that smells like heaven). My unit overlooked a quiet side canal – nothing grand like the Grand Canal views, but peaceful, with the occasional gondola gliding by and the soft lap of water against the walls at night. It’s well-equipped too, with reliable Wi-Fi (crucial for mapping out your days) and air conditioning that actually works during those sticky summer evenings. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet after dark, especially compared to the buzzier spots nearer Piazza San Marco – though if you’re here during the Biennale art fair (which ramps up every odd year around May), expect some extra foot traffic in the gardens nearby, adding a fun, creative energy. One minor gripe? The bathroom was a tad compact, but hey, that’s Venice for you – everything’s built on a medieval scale.

All in all, if you’re after a stay that lets you dip into the authentic rhythm of the city – wandering to hidden spots like the San Pietro di Castello church or grabbing cicchetti at a bacaro on the Fondamenta Sant’Anna – this is it. It’s not flashy or over-the-top luxurious, but it feels genuine, like borrowing a friend’s place in the sestiere. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-peak when Venice slows down and you can hear your own thoughts amid the seagull cries. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you linger a little longer, savoring that morning coffee on the balcony before the world wakes up.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $410. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Tanel from Estonia – 29 January 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment. The feeling was like home.Super cozy and comfortable place.
  And Ivan was very nice and super friendly person.🤗

• Superb – Jagoda from United Kingdom – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location, near by the biennale and it has met our expectations. The beds were comfortable, dishwasher, dishes were ok. The host were kind ,picked us from water tram and let us in to the apartment so we were not lost . Thank you
  
  What could be improved: there was a huge leak on the wall and we needed to switch off the airline, was was disadvantaged, we have reported to the host, he helped us and he was in touch

• Great place to stay in Venice – Ivana from Serbia – 19 February 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, in the heart of Castello. Spacious and well equiped apartment near Arsenal, 10 min away from the center. Lots of good restaurants and bars nearby, bakery right across the street.. We had no issues with the bathroom leak reported by previous comments, so I believe that was fixed. Great communication with the host. Definitely recommend.

• Such a great place to stay – sofa bed was comfy and the area was very safe and friendly – Juliet from United Kingdom – 28 September 2023 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Late fee – we were half an hour late because the waterbus was a bit slower than I thought.

• Pleasant stay – Cameron from United States – 29 April 2023 (10/10)

  Location is easy to Arsenale boat, and main street has many amenities. Rooms have sufficient light, and everything is in good shape.
  
  What could be improved: I can imagine on a warm night being annoyed by noise from a local bar if there are some rowdy people there.

• Superb – Antonello from Germany – 5 March 2023 (9/10)

  Nice and comfortable apartment. Location is perfect, in a walking distance from San Marco square and right by the Arsenale vaporetto's stop.

• Pleasant, clean luxurious apartment near Biennale – Astrid from Netherlands – 18 September 2022 (10/10)

  – great location, close to Biennale, and neighbourhood not too touristy. On walking distance to San Marco, Rialto, and the vaporetto brings you everywhere
  – very well designed apartment, with everything you need. Goods beds, great kitchen, airco in living room, ventilator in sleeping room, luxurious bathroom
  – host Ivan is very approachable and communicative, not intrusive at all
  
  What could be improved: – no contra's, one would wish there were more apartments and hosts like this one!

• Wholesome – Dominiq from United States – 21 July 2023 (9/10)

  The interior decor was lovely and simple.
  
  What could be improved: The amount of water collecting on the floor near the bathroom.

• Recommended – Janica from Malta – 4 April 2023 (9/10)

  Excellent location and the owner was very helpful and kind.
  
  What could be improved: There is no lift in the building. Also they were doing some construction works early morning.

• Very good – Katherine from United States – 11 August 2022 (8/10)

  Perfect location, comfortable and well-outfitted.
  
  What could be improved: There is only an AC in the living room. Bedroom can get very hot.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities