Appartamento Campo Ruga 314

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Appartamento Campo Ruga 314 during one of those endless Venice wanders – you know, when you’re dodging the crowds around San Marco and suddenly find yourself in Castello, where things feel a bit more real, less like a postcard. It’s tucked away on this quiet little campo off Via Garibaldi, which is honestly one of my favorite streets in the city because it’s got that everyday Venetian vibe with locals grabbing their morning coffee at unpretentious bars and kids playing soccer against ancient walls. Getting there was a breeze if you’re coming from the vaporetto stop at Arsenale – just a five-minute stroll, lugging your bags over a couple of bridges, but nothing too brutal. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, all weathered stone and those classic green shutters that creak a little in the breeze off the lagoon. Check-in was super low-key; the host met me right at the door with a set of keys and a quick rundown – no fancy lobby, just a warm “benvenuto” and some tips on where to get the best cicchetti nearby. Honestly, it felt more like crashing at a friend’s place than a hotel, which is kind of perfect for Venice where everything can seem so staged.

What really sold me on this spot – well, besides the fact that it’s actually an apartment, not some cramped room – was how it captures that lived-in magic without skimping on comfort. The place is spacious for a 4-star in Venice (I mean, you get a full kitchen with one of those old-school espresso makers that hisses like it’s got a personality), and the bedrooms have these high ceilings that make you feel like you’re in a mini palace. I loved waking up to the sound of church bells from Santa Maria Formosa – it’s just a short walk away – and the faint salty smell from the nearby canals drifting in through the windows. There’s no elevator, which could be a drag if you’ve got heavy luggage (fair warning, those stairs are steep and twisty), but once you’re up there, the views over the rooftops toward the Arsenale are worth it, especially at sunset when everything turns that golden-pink hue. It’s got all the practical bits too – strong Wi-Fi for planning your days, a washer that saved me after a muddy walk along the Fondamente Nove, and even a little balcony where I sipped cheap prosecco while watching neighbors hang laundry. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful for Castello; sure, you might hear the occasional boat horn in the distance, but nothing like the tourist buzz in Dorsoduro during high season. Oh, and if you’re here in summer, book early – this area gets lively with the Biennale crowd, but it’s never overwhelming.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to skip the overpriced hotels in the tourist traps and actually live like a Venetian for a few days, this is your spot. At a 9.4 rating, it’s no surprise – it’s clean, comfy, and puts you right in the heart of a neighborhood that’s got real soul, with spots like the market on Via Garibaldi for fresh produce or that hidden osteria around the corner serving killer spritzes. Sure, the bathroom’s a tad compact (typical Venice squeeze), but that’s a minor gripe compared to the freedom of having your own space. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole place feels like your private hideaway. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve uncovered a secret slice of the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $249. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Anna from Luxembourg – 25 February 2023 (10/10)

  Our stay at the Appartamento Campo Ruga 314 was brilliant. The communication with the owner and the caretaker was excellent. We were impressed by all the facilities that the apartment had and especially the kitchen which was fully equipped (dishwasher, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, all the utensils, etc). When we arrived there was even some bread, marmelade, butter, milk, tea, etc which was very thoughtful and very convenient for breakfast. The decoration and style of the apartment is really nice. Finally, we also liked the location as it’s in a less touristy neighbourhood which was calm and more original. Overall, we had a very cosy stay and we really enjoyed spending time in the apartment as much as we enjoyed strolling around beautiful Venice!

• Gabriella from Hungary – 18 November 2024 (10/10)

  Location and the fully renovated apartman
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good

• Sarah from Australia – 2 June 2024 (9/10)

  This was a great, spacious, clean apartment. A great base to discover the area, the Biennale/Arsenale and the rest of Venice. Because of it's location it was nice and quiet too and great local shops and eateries nearby.

• Giuseppe from United Kingdom – 16 April 2024 (10/10)

  The position was very nice .
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great

• Sally from United Kingdom – 2 April 2024 (9/10)

  We enjoyed that it was a 20 minute walk into the very centre along a lovely route. Also there was a local shop a few doors away for basics.
  
  What could be improved: We had to pay an extra €50 for arriving after 8.30pm and another €45 city tax.

• Ayuush from Switzerland – 5 February 2024 (10/10)

  Feels like home
  
  What could be improved: There was bread, jam, butter and coffee capsules prepared although breakfast was not included

• Gill from United Kingdom – 8 October 2023 (9/10)

  The property was situated in a quiet residential square – great for relaxing away from the busy areas
  
  What could be improved: At times noise from neighbours above was noticeable- not because they were noisy just a fact of no carpets and old buildings

• John from Australia – 27 September 2023 (10/10)

  The little touches like a welcome breakfast kit in the fridge . A wonderfully equipped kitchen.

• Olga from Canada – 31 May 2023 (9/10)

  The location was good. The apartment is on the quiet area of the city. The water taxi is in the short waking distance. The grocery store located near the apartment.

• Andreas from Switzerland – 12 May 2023 (8/10)

  Very calm, nice and stylish furniture, good kitchen equipement, yet we only ate breakfast. We would rent this appartement again, in this very nice part of Venice.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities