Appartamento 3 camere da letto – Holiday House 2

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Palanca stop on Giudecca – you know, that less frantic island across the lagoon from the main Venice chaos – and making my way down Calle degli Orti. It’s this narrow, winding street lined with these little hidden gardens (orti means gardens, after all, and you can actually smell the faint jasmine mixing with the salty air from the water). The address is 881 C, tucked away in a spot that’s quiet enough to hear the gentle lap of the canal waves at night, but honestly, if you’re not paying attention, you might walk right past it the first time. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the summer crowds have thinned out but the weather’s still mild – and check-in was a breeze; it’s one of those self-service setups with a key code sent via email, which worked like a charm, no waiting around for staff or anything. Well, sort of – there was a minor hiccup with the Wi-Fi code at first, but a quick message to the host sorted it out. The building itself feels authentically Venetian, with those worn stone steps leading up (mind you, no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing), and opening the door to Appartamento 3 camere da letto – or Holiday House 2, as it’s listed – was like stepping into a cozy, lived-in slice of local life.

What really won me over was how spacious it is for a 4-star spot in Venice – three bedrooms, each with these big, comfy beds that actually feel like they’re meant for sleeping, not just crashing after a day of sightseeing. The living area opens up to a small balcony overlooking the calle, where I spent mornings sipping coffee (there’s a basic kitchen setup with a Nespresso machine – a godsend) and watching neighbors hang laundry or chat in that melodic Venetian dialect. It’s not flashy, mind you – the decor’s a mix of modern minimalism and old-world charm, with exposed beams and tiled floors that stay cool even in the humidity. I mean, you’re not getting hotel bells and whistles like daily housekeeping (it’s more of a holiday rental vibe), but that’s part of what makes it special; it feels like your own pied-à-terre. Giudecca’s got that underrated appeal – stroll five minutes to the Fondamenta delle Zitelle for killer views of San Giorgio Maggiore, or hop on the number 2 vaporetto to San Marco in about 10 minutes. And noise? Forget the Piazza San Marco bustle; here, it’s blissfully quiet after dark, except maybe for the occasional boat horn echoing in the distance. We cooked pasta one night using groceries from the little coop supermarket nearby on Fondamenta San Giacomo – super practical, and way cheaper than eating out every meal.

All in all, if you’re after a Venice stay that lets you breathe without the overtourism crush – and hey, with an 8.8 rating, I’m not the only one who thinks so – this place is a solid pick, especially for families or small groups splitting the cost. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are on the compact side, and during peak summer, Giudecca can get a bit steamy without central AC (though there are fans). But honestly, waking up to that serene lagoon light filtering through the shutters, or wandering to Harry’s Dolci for a gelato just a short walk away, made it feel like I was living the real Venetian dream, not just visiting. I’d go back in a heartbeat – just time it for spring or fall to avoid the heat and hordes.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $216. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Lisa from United States – 18 May 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean. Everything was new and the decor was very nice. The beds were comfortable.
  We enjoyed the island and the neighborhood.
  
  What could be improved: The coffee maker was difficult to use.
  The blow dryer only had cold air.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 15 August 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely property for the three of us – clean, well equipped and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Last minute instructions to the property and then the wrong code to get in – caused us quite a lot of stress! I had to call three times to get right code and on the day of travel upload our travel documents.

• Taís from Germany – 23 June 2024 (9/10)

  Ample space with super comfortable beddings and squeaky clean with extra care to details like a very sweet welcoming folder with recommendations. Also the Giudecca island is a great way to experience Venice without being overcrowded with tourists.

• Miron from United Kingdom – 12 June 2024 (9/10)

  Quiet place

• Corynna from Romania – 21 May 2024 (9/10)

  Very nice appartment, clean, big
  
  What could be improved: The check in hour it could be more earlier, is situated. oppside of the main attractions that means extra costs for boats every time u want to go somewhere

• Paulo from Netherlands – 13 May 2024 (8/10)

  I loved staying in Giudecca, not crowded at all, really nice restaurant with a great view 2 blocks away and the apartment exceeded our expectations; very nice, clean and comfortable for a family of 4 adults and a 4 year old.
  
  What could be improved: Share more awareness in advance about the process to get into Venice these days. There's the tourist tax and you can not enter the city unless you paid them or register in advance. Having know about this in advance would have made the process smoother.

• Darcy from Canada – 30 April 2024 (8/10)

  It’s on Giudecca so it isn’t central and the result is things are a little quieter and the cost of things is a little cheaper because the island is a little less touristy

• Juriga from Slovakia – 22 April 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, modern and cozy apartment for really good price, 3 minutes from supermarket and boat transfer, we were satisfied and highly recommend to visit

• Marianne from United Kingdom – 31 March 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely property as described, ticked all the boxes.

• Martin from Germany – 22 July 2023 (9/10)

  Very bright, clean and quiet flat. Good location with good connection.
  
  What could be improved: All the bulbs in the flat are cold-white.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities