Appartamenti San Luca

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Appartamenti San Luca after weaving through those narrow calli in San Marco – you know, the ones that twist like a labyrinth right off the main drag from St. Mark’s Square. It’s tucked away at San Marco 4668, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge if you cut through Campo San Salvador, but honestly, in Venice, everything feels both close and a million miles away depending on the crowds. I arrived via vaporetto from Piazzale Roma – no cars here, obviously, so forget about parking woes – and dragged my suitcase over a couple of those little bridges, the kind that make your arms ache but add to the adventure. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with a warm smile and a quick rundown in broken English mixed with Italian gestures – sort of like chatting with an old friend. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe, with weathered stone walls and wooden shutters that creak a bit when the wind picks up off the canal. It’s not flashy, being a 3-star spot, but with an 8.7 rating, you can tell it’s got heart; I mean, who rates a place that high if it’s just average?

What really sold me on Appartamenti San Luca was how it felt like a proper home base in a city that can overwhelm you with its grandeur. These aren’t your standard hotel rooms – they’re actual apartments, complete with kitchenettes where I whipped up pasta from the nearby market on Rio Terà San Leonardo (pro tip: grab fresh produce there early before the tourists swarm). My unit had this cozy living area with exposed beams overhead, and the bed was firm but comfy, the kind that lulls you to sleep despite the faint hum of gondola songs drifting in at night. Sensory-wise, there’s that unmistakable Venice scent – a mix of salty lagoon air and espresso from the café downstairs – and in the mornings, sunlight filters through lace curtains onto tiled floors that are cool underfoot. It’s not perfect, though; the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, and if you’re on a lower floor, you might hear the clatter of luggage wheels on the cobblestones outside, especially in high season like July when San Marco buzzes non-stop. But hey, that’s Venice for you – embrace the chaos. Off-season, say in November, it’s blissfully quiet, and you get the place almost to yourself, with rates that won’t break the bank.

All in all, if you’re plotting a trip to Venice and want something more authentic than those glossy chain hotels along the Grand Canal, this is your spot. It’s ideal for couples or small families who like the freedom to cook and unwind without the rigid hotel schedule – I spent evenings on the tiny balcony sipping cheap Chianti, watching the world (and the occasional pigeon) go by. Sure, it’s not luxurious, but it captures that elusive Venetian soul, you know? In a city where everything costs a fortune, scoring a place like this with solid value and a location that puts you steps from hidden gems like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo – that spiral staircase wonder – makes it a no-brainer. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe even linger longer next time.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $230. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Bogdan from Sweden – 23 July 2024 (9/10)

  The flat is located in a very good spot. You are near to everything. In the flat you can find everything you need from iron to kitchen stuff. The host Nina was very helpful and answeres very fast on watsapp to the messages. I really recommend it.

• Ian from United Kingdom – 14 March 2025 (9/10)

  Ceilings were beautiful,with the open beams

• Ian from New Zealand – 28 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location was awesome and within walking distance of most city landmarks. Host met us at the apartment on arrival. As well as taking us through the apartment facilities they marked out on a map our location in relation to the popular sites to visit.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, very good apartment

• Violeta from United Kingdom – 30 October 2024 (8/10)

  Very good location. Spacious apartment.

• Chris from United Kingdom – 27 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location is fantastic. Less than mins walk from the historical centre (the bells of St Mark's wake you in the morning). Supermarkets, bars, restaurants and key transport links are all within minutes, too.
  
  The apartment was lovely. It had so much space, was clean and all the facilities you could possibly need. The host was very friendly and informative. She kept in touch with us before and during the visit to make sure we understood everything.
  
  Our stay was perfect and we would love to return in the future.
  
  What could be improved: The mosquitos! But this is not a fault of the apartment, this is just the reality of having pale, Scottish skin in Venice😉

• Marc from United Kingdom – 30 July 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic location, spacious accommodation, excellent facilities, incredibly helpful host, and very effective air-con!
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing not to like about this property. Unless you don’t like to (or aren’t easily able to) climb steps

• Max from United Kingdom – 21 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Nina was very helpful. Gave us great tips on where to go and was always available if there was an issue.
  
  What could be improved: Shower is a little small but has lots of character!

• Alexandra from New Zealand – 3 July 2024 (9/10)

  Loved staying here – beautiful apartment, well equiped, right in the centre of Venice. Couldn’t have been more perfect for us. Host communicated very clearly too
  
  What could be improved: Nothing 😊 Be aware there are a few flights of stairs to climb – not a problem for us at all, but something to be aware of when booking.

• Kristine from Canada – 6 June 2024 (9/10)

  This apartment is very central, and has the best views!!!! The host is attentive and helpful. Did I say the views were amazing??? And twenty steps away the most authentic cafe for your morning latte and pastry.

• Macarena from Canada – 18 May 2024 (8/10)

  Everything was great, and the view and location were amazing. The bed was comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: You had to be in a good physical condition to go up and down the stairs, the wifi was very unstable and weak and the shower is tough if you're tall.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities