Appartamento Rio de la Fornace

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Appartamento Rio de la Fornace almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – well, not really by accident, but you know how it is when you’re wandering the back canals of Dorsoduro, trying to dodge the San Marco crowds. It’s tucked away at Dorsoduro 393, right along this narrow rio (that’s a small canal, for the uninitiated) that gives the place its name, and honestly, the location is a godsend if you’re after that quieter side of Venice. I got off the vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico – it’s just a short walk from there, maybe five minutes if you’re not lugging too much baggage over those little bridges. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with weathered stone and wrought-iron balconies overlooking the water; I arrived in the late afternoon, and the sun was glinting off the rio, mixing with that faint, briny smell of the lagoon – not overpowering, mind you, but enough to remind you you’re in Venice proper. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (and my even more broken Italian), no fuss like at those big hotels near the Rialto. Oh, and fair warning: it’s an old building, so there are stairs – no elevator – which might be a hassle if you’ve got heavy suitcases, but hey, that’s authentic Venice for you.

What really won me over, though, was how the apartment feels like a real home base in a city that can sometimes feel like a theme park. It’s rated a solid 8.9 for good reason – four stars, but without that stuffy hotel vibe. My place had these high ceilings with exposed beams (a bit creaky, I’ll admit, especially at night when the wind picks up), a cozy living area with plush sofas that begged for an afternoon siesta, and a kitchenette stocked with basics – think fresh coffee grounds and a fridge big enough for market finds from the nearby Rialto. I mean, who wants to eat out every meal when you can grab cicchetti from a bacaro on Campo Santa Margherita, just a 10-minute stroll away? The bedroom overlooked the canal, and mornings were magic with the sound of gondoliers chatting in dialect filtering up – not too noisy, actually, since Dorsoduro quiets down after dark, unlike the party spots over in Cannaregio. There’s Wi-Fi that works surprisingly well for streaming (I caught up on some shows after a long day of walking), and the bathroom was spotless, with those thick towels that feel like a hug after dodging acqua alta puddles in winter. One minor gripe: the air conditioning can be a tad finicky in peak summer heat, but opening the windows to that canal breeze usually does the trick – just watch for mosquitoes if you’re there in July.

All in all, if you’re plotting a Venice escape and want to feel like you’re living the local life rather than just passing through, this spot’s a winner. It’s not the cheapest, but for the price, you get that rare blend of comfort and immersion – think sipping prosecco on your balcony while watching vaporettos chug by, or nipping out to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection around the corner without battling tour groups. I stayed in early fall, when the crowds thin out and the light’s all golden, and it was perfect; summer might be busier, but even then, Dorsoduro keeps its charm. Honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – it’s the kind of place that makes you linger a day longer, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $271. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• great – Susanne from Austria – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  easy checkin, close to vaporetto-stop, good walking distance to a lot of sights, museums, supermarket/s, bars …, friendly and helpful host, well-equiped flat.

• Good value in a perfect location. – Grazyna from United States – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location, spaciousness, balcony, comfort. Very accommodating and friendly host.
  
  What could be improved: Third flight with no elevator.

• A very enjoyable stay in the heart of Dorsoduro – Kerry from Australia – 28 November 2024 (8/10)

  This is a quaint and beautifully furnished apartment in a fantastic location in Dorsoduro. It is just around the corner from the Peggy Guggenheim gallery and a host of restaurants. The kitchen is modern with many appliances and useful things. The bathroom is very small but modern and there is good hot water for showers.
  
  What could be improved: The main bed was extremely hard and resulted in bad backs. There were few pillows, all very flat. We found one spare in the cupboard, but had to purchase another one to be able to get any sleep.

• Attractive modern apartment especially suitable for families – John from Germany – 14 June 2024 (9/10)

  The Appartamento Rio de la Fornace provides comfortable and convenient accommodation for up to four persons. As it is on the third floor and benefits from large windows and high ceilings, it is unusually bright and airy. It is in very good condition and is well equipped. Indeed there is a clothes washer as well as a dishwasher.
  
  The location of the apartment calls for comment. Because the apartment is a short walk from two very useful vaporetto ("water bus") stops and the Accademia bridge over the Grand Canal, it is conveniently located for reaching many places in Venice. However, individuals who are not familiar with Venice may struggle both to find the apartment and to benefit fully from the Vaporetto services. For that reason, among others, the apartment may not be a good choice for travellers who plan to stay only briefly in Venice.
  
  Although the apartment is in a relatively modern building, the neighbourhood has plenty of character as well as small restaurants and cafés.
  
  Interestingly, the apartment is very near to a little-used Vaporetto stop offering direct service to the Giardini, one of the two principal locations of the Biennale.
  
  What could be improved: Potential guests should be aware that the apartment is on the third floor and that there is no lift/elevator. They should also be aware of the absolute maximum of four persons including infants and small children.

• Perfection – Francesca from United Kingdom – 21 April 2024 (10/10)

  Best apt I’ve ever stayed in Venice. Great communication. Quiet. Great location. Can’t wait to come back
  
  What could be improved: No full length mirror – literally only little thing!

• Great apartment for a reasonable price – Hanna from United States – 8 September 2023 (9/10)

  Everything was great: apartment was clean, spacious and well-stocked with basic supplies. The host is friendly and responded quickly. The keys were in a lock box – easy to pick up at any check-in time. There are a supermarket and public transportation stops near by.

• Exceptional – Ian from United Kingdom – 21 August 2023 (10/10)

  Was comfortable, felt very Venitian, air con was superb, location great
  
  What could be improved: Only one small 3 seater setteure. Would have preferred another comfortable chair / settee

• Nina was very caring and responsive to all our questions and needs. Easy communication on whatsapp. – Linda from Latvia – 21 June 2023 (9/10)

  The location is great. Close to vaporetto stops in all directions as well as close to the Academy Bridge. A very quiet place away from the crowds. View from the window to the garden. I definitely recommend it for both work and family vacation trips, because the 2 separate bedrooms create a spacious and bright feeling. Not a sign of the musty smell so common in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Fighting mosquitoes

• Exceptional – Krzysztof from Poland – 23 April 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment.

• Wonderful place to stay – Catherine from United Kingdom – 28 March 2023 (10/10)

  Nina was very helpful and contactable by WhatsApp, before and during stay. Easy key collection from lockbox with clearly numbered keys for ease. Apartment easy to find. Exactly as described. Comfortable living area and well appointed kitchen. toiletries/washing up liquid/washing machine liquid and basics like sugar/salt/pepper provided. Capsule coffee machine and 2 stovetop coffee makers. Large fridge and freezer.
  Nina quickly provided additional pillows on request.
  Delightful outlook, with sky and rooftops from living room, and dual aspect balcony accessed through main bedroom looks over a garden and a monastery converted into a ?6th form college. I need an open aspect to be happy. Quiet Neighbours always a bonus.
  Quiet residential area with friendly residents but very close to Zattere and Accademia vaporetto stops. We got water taxi to take us from and to airport dropping us at Spirito Santo vaporetto stop, for ease with our luggage.
  Nina had left clear instructions for waste disposal and directions to the garbage disposal boat placements which need to be used for domestic waste and recycling by 8.30 am.
  
  What could be improved: We usually find beds firmer in Italy than at home so it takes a while to adjust.
  More mosquitoes than we expected at this time of year, so needed to buy mosquito burners- not really a reflection on the apartment though, more our lack of foresight.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities