Appartamento Calle Furlani

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled into Calle Furlani after weaving through those narrow Venice alleys – I mean, I got off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria and just followed my phone’s map, dodging a few delivery carts along the way – the Appartamento Calle Furlani felt like one of those hidden gems that locals whisper about. It’s tucked in the Castello district, which is honestly my favorite part of Venice because it’s got that authentic, lived-in feel without the San Marco mobs. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, with weathered stone steps leading up to your door – no fancy lobby, just a key code entry that worked like a charm after a quick email from the host. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season (early October, if you’re planning), and the street was quiet, save for the distant hum of boats on the canal and that faint salty scent that hangs in the air everywhere here. Parking? Well, forget about it – this is Venice, so you’re walking or water-taxiing everything, but it’s a blessing in disguise because it forces you to slow down and soak it in.

Inside, the apartment – and yeah, it’s more like a spacious, self-contained flat than a standard hotel room – surprised me with how bright and airy it was, especially for a 4-star spot rated a solid 9. The wooden beams on the ceiling give it this cozy, historic vibe, and there’s a little kitchenette where I whipped up espresso from beans I grabbed at the nearby market on Via Garibaldi (pro tip: hit that street for fresh produce and cheap wine; it’s where Venetians actually shop). The bed was super comfortable – firm mattress, crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender detergent – and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger. Honestly, the best part was the small balcony overlooking the calle; I’d sit there in the evenings with a spritz, listening to neighbors chatting in Italian below, feeling like I was part of the neighborhood rather than just passing through. Check-in was seamless – the owner messaged detailed instructions, and there was even a welcome basket with biscotti and a map marked with insider spots like a tiny bacaro around the corner for cicchetti. It’s not perfect, though – the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours (sort of expected in these old buildings), and if you’re noise-sensitive, note that mornings bring the clatter of cafe setups nearby. But nothing that ruined the stay.

All in all, if you’re after a Venice experience that feels real, not tourist-trappy, this place is it. It’s close enough to walk to the Biennale gardens or hop a boat to the islands, but far from the cruise ship chaos – perfect for couples or solo travelers who want space to breathe. I left wishing I’d booked longer; go in spring or fall to avoid the summer heat and crowds, and you’ll thank me. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you rethink those big-chain hotels.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $277. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Rohitha from United Kingdom – 22 September 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment was very central a 5-10 min walk from San Zaccaria. All the boat and Gondolas start from there. Restaurant's are 5 mins away too. Safe and nice area. The apartment was really nice too. There is a supermarket nearby also. AC and the equipment are also really good
  
  What could be improved: 4th floor. If you cannot climb steps, there are 65 of them. No canal view. However, the canals are one minute walk away from the door.

• Tomas from Czech Republic – 16 January 2025 (9/10)

  A lovely furnished spacy (above average for Venice) apartment with spirit. Two separate bedrooms, a living room, fully equipped kitchen with large eating table, spacy bathroom, additional toilet is an added value. Washing machine also useful. A lot of spirit. High floor gives opportunities to glimpse some church towers in the neighbourhood. Large supermarket 5 min walking.
  We have booked the appartment again 🙂
  
  What could be improved: The 4th floor is not for everybody (we enjoyed it :-)). Mosquito nets in the bedroom windows would be appreciated.

• Claudio from Belgium – 7 January 2025 (8/10)

  Lovely apartment in a relatively quiet residential area, but close to all the main attractions. It is well equipped, so you can have a meal there if you don't want to always go out and pay Venice extortionate restaurant prices. The hosts are very nice and responsive.
  
  What could be improved: Be aware that you have four steep flights of stairs to get to the apartment. Also, the fact that you are responsible to dispose of your own garbage is a bit of a nuisance.

• Michael from Australia – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  We loved our stay for 7 nights in Appartamento Calle Furlani. It has good natural light flooding in from the windows, and being on the fourth floor there are views out across the rooftops. The location in a quiet area suited us perfectly, and only a short walk to the waterfront, Piazza San Marco, the Arsenale, etc. There are many great places to eat (restaurants, bars, pasticceria, and more very close by.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is on the fourth floor, accessed by quite a steep set of stairs. We didn’t mind the stairs, however others may find the climb up a bit too much.

• Destiny from Germany – 24 July 2024 (8/10)

  A very inviting home that has everything you could need and then some. The location is fantastic, it’s incredibly quiet, lots of space and a separate toilet/shower area which is nice for multiple people.
  
  What could be improved: The floors had a weird curve, you always felt like it was slanted but truly that is the only complaint, we had a wait to meet the person to check us in but she apologized and was lovely hardly a negative but being honest

• Bronwyn from Australia – 19 July 2024 (8/10)

  Authentic apartment, live like the locals away from the busy tourist area but easy walking distance to restaurants and St Marks square.

• High from United States – 2 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great. We could walk to many places in Venice and also not far from the water bus. There was a clothes washer and dryer which was very nice.
  
  What could be improved: The only bad thing was the stairs and no elevator.

• Claudia from United States – 14 March 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, quiet part of town but easily accessible to everything. The apartment was very clean and well equipped. It was accessible only be stairs, but we knew that ahead of time and we didn't have an issue with it, after all it's Venice and there are stairs everywhere 🙂 The apartment had some contemporary touches such a a stylish kitchen and updated bathrooms. It was the perfect combination between a Venetian home and modern life. A very friendly lady met us at the door, explained how everything works and handed us our keys. Communication was great throughout. The internet was fast and reliable. A supermarket was nearby as well as several great gelato places and restaurants. We would certainly stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect, no complaints.

• Trevor from United Kingdom – 29 September 2023 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment in very convenient location
  
  What could be improved: Four flights of stairs and no lift

• Naama from Israel – 14 August 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment is situated in the city center. The staff was helpful. The apartment was equipped with everything l.
  
  What could be improved: 4th floor with no elevator. Apart from that, the apartment was wonderful

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities