Apartment Rigoletto San Marco Square

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Apartment Rigoletto after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re wedged between tourists and their suitcases, the lagoon air whipping your face. It’s tucked away on Calle Carro, this narrow little alley in the heart of San Marco, just a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco itself. Honestly, finding it was a bit of a treasure hunt the first time; you weave past those bustling souvenir shops on Calle Larga XXII Marzo and suddenly hang a right into this quieter spot. No grand entrance like some of the fancy hotels along the Grand Canal – it’s more like slipping into a local’s hideaway. Check-in was straightforward, though – the host met me right on time with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (which, let’s be real, is par for the course in Venice). The building’s old, with that classic Venetian stone facade that’s seen centuries, and as I lugged my bag up the stairs (no elevator, mind you – pack light if you’re not up for it), I could already smell the faint mix of canal water and fresh bread from a nearby bakery. It’s not glamorous, but it feels authentic, like you’re actually living in Venice rather than just visiting.

What really sold me on the place was how it balances that old-world charm with just enough modern touches to make it comfortable. The apartment itself – well, it’s spacious for Venice standards, with high ceilings and these creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you walk. There’s a full kitchenette, which was a lifesaver; I grabbed some prosciutto and cheese from the Rialto Market (only a 10-minute stroll away, crossing the bridge with all those fruit vendors yelling in Italian) and whipped up dinners while gazing out the window at the alley below. The views aren’t canal-front spectacular – more like peeking into everyday Venetian life, with laundry lines fluttering and the occasional gondolier humming in the distance. Beds are comfy, though the pillows were a tad flat (I mean, nothing a quick fluff couldn’t fix), and the bathroom’s got that marble sink setup that’s nice but shows its age with some grout lines. Noise-wise, it’s San Marco, so expect some chatter from early-morning tour groups heading to the Basilica – peaks in summer, obviously, when the square’s a madhouse – but it quiets down after dark, especially if you close the shutters. Oh, and Wi-Fi’s decent for streaming, but don’t count on it for heavy work calls; it’s spotty like everywhere in these old buildings.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that puts you smack in the action without the mega-hotel vibe, this is it – sort of a solid 7.3 in my book, which matches what others say. It’s perfect for couples or small families who want to self-cater and explore on foot; you’re steps from hidden gems like the Teatro La Fenice for an opera night, or just wandering to Campo Santo Stefano for gelato. Sure, it’s not flawless – the lack of AC meant opening windows during a humid August stay, inviting in a few mosquitoes – but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat for that real immersion, especially off-season when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear the bells from St. Mark’s without the din. If you’re plotting a trip, book early; places like this fill up fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $441. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Marilyn from United States – 4 October 2023 (8/10)

  Very adequate and hearing the gondoliers fun! Sometimes early morning s bit noisy

• Bridget from France – 20 April 2022 (8/10)

  Lovely hostess, apartment was spotless and well kitted out and the location was fabulous.
  
  What could be improved: A neighbour in the apartment above was noisy and snored so loudly it kept me awake!

• Kimberly from Canada – 5 June 2023 (6/10)

  The apartment location was great, significantly the best part. The communication between the owner with us before arrival was wonderful. Very organized. There's a cafe steps away so to start your day.
  
  What could be improved: A funny but noteworthy comment – the walls are so thin we could hear the apartment above's conversations and more! There's also just a small closet to hang clothes.

• Nikolay from Bulgaria – 27 May 2024 (8/10)

  Typical venecie style. Awesome window view.
  
  What could be improved: The espresso machine does not work. Everything else was perfect.

• Elizabeth from Ireland – 31 December 2022 (9/10)

  Looking out the apartment windows and listening to the music from passing gondolas. Superb location. Well equipped kitchen. Perfect for family of 5. One large double in living room, another double in bedroom and single in tiny room (my son loved hiding away in here!). Great communication at every aspect.

• Miglena from Bulgaria – 2 September 2022 (9/10)

  The location was perfect, the atmosphere in the apartment, the view from the windows looking at the passing gondollas made us feel special.
  
  What could be improved: The air-conditioner stopped working and the host did not come to repair it. Then it suddenly started again.

• Samantha from United Kingdom – 14 April 2022 (8/10)

  Lovely, comfortable apartment. Nice views of the canal, if you lucky you might hear and get a wave from a singing gondolier.
  Great location, St Marks Basilica is about 2 minutes walk away.
  Communication was with Elisabetta.
  
  What could be improved: As the previous review says the walls are thin, you can hear the neighbour above, but this may be the case for the majority of Venice.
  The canal is busy, but it’s to be expected when boats are the only form of transport for delivers and getting around.
  Please ignore anyone within the area saying they are locked out of their apartment, they don’t need help!

• Shelley from New Zealand – 5 June 2024 (5/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Old and shabby

• Valgine from France – 20 June 2024 (7/10)

  Excellent emplacement !!
  à environ 500 mètres de la Place St Marco.
  Entouré de l'eau et les gondoles qui passent parfois en musique,
  Très agréable !!
  Appartement au calme, lits confortables et décors typiquement Vénitien.
  
  What could be improved: Pas de machine à café,
  Pas de descente de douche/bains
  (Sol glissant en sortant de la douche)
  Nous entendons les voisins au dessus,
  Et
  Pourquoi pas une bouteille d'eau au réfrigérateur pour les prochaines guests en CADEAU de bienvenue ??

• Bertrand from France – 24 September 2024 (7/10)

  Emplacement avec vue sur canaux .
  
  What could be improved: Vétusté de certains éléments ( électricité,
  porte et chaises) , isolation phonique plafond .

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities