Appartamento San Tomà

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I stumbled upon Appartamento San Tomà, I was dragging my suitcase off the vaporetto at the San Tomà stop – that little landing right in the heart of San Polo, where the Grand Canal feels close enough to touch but not overwhelming. It’s tucked away on Calle Centanni, this narrow alley that’s all uneven cobblestones and faded frescoes on the walls, the kind that make you feel like you’ve stepped into one of those old Venetian paintings. Honestly, arriving in the late afternoon during shoulder season (think early October, when the summer crowds thin out but the light’s still golden) was perfect – no throngs of day-trippers blocking the way, just the distant hum of a gondolier calling out and the faint salty whiff from the canal. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with creaky wooden shutters and exposed beams that sort of whisper history at you. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me right at the door with a quick espresso and a map scribbled with insider spots – like that tiny bacaro around the corner on Campo San Polo where locals grab cicchetti for a euro or two. I mean, it’s not some flashy lobby affair; it’s more like borrowing a friend’s apartment, which felt refreshingly real after a day of dodging tour groups.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that authentic Venice vibe with just enough comfort to make you forget you’re in a city built on water. The apartment – well, it’s more of a spacious suite, really, with a kitchenette stocked with basics (fresh pasta from the nearby market on Rialto, if you’re into cooking) and these big windows overlooking the calle below. Mornings were my favorite: sunlight filtering through, the sound of church bells from Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari echoing softly – it’s only a five-minute wander away, past those hidden courtyards where laundry flaps in the breeze. And get this, even though you’re smack in San Polo, which can buzz during the day with folks heading to the Rialto Bridge (a quick 10-minute stroll across the canal), it quiets down beautifully at night. No car horns, obviously – Venice being Venice – but maybe a distant splash from a passing boat. The bed was plush, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger. That said, fair warning: there are stairs, like everywhere in this city, so pack light if you’re not up for hauling bags. Oh, and in peak summer, the alley might get a bit steamy – no AC blasting like in modern hotels, but the thick stone walls keep it cooler than you’d think.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that lets you live like a local without skimping on that 4-star polish – the 9.5 rating isn’t hype; it’s earned – Appartamento San Tomà is it. I’ve stayed in flashier places near San Marco, but they felt touristy, you know? This one’s got soul, perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting to explore on foot, maybe pop into the nearby Scuola Grande di San Rocco for those stunning Tintorettos. It’s the kind of place that makes you linger over breakfast on the balcony (yeah, there’s a small one), watching life unfold below, and honestly, it turned my quick Venice trip into something memorable. If you’re heading there, time it for evenings when the neighborhood’s osterias light up – trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $264. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Alexey from United States – 30 May 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is so much better than the pictures, it is a wonderful place to rest after exploring Venice. It is quiet, central and right next to the gondolas crossing that take you to the other side of the main canal. The place is newly renovated, has a comfortable bed and everything you need for a comfortable stay. We loved it

• Biljana from North Macedonia – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location – near to shops and bars also near vaporeto and gondola station. Cleanliness, well equipped, everything was new, good heating. The manager Valentina was very helpful, she solved our problem when we locked ourselves outside of the apartment very quickly! All in all our stay in Venice was great experience, we highly recommend Appartamento San Tomà!
  
  What could be improved: Not a thing

• Mateusz from Poland – 2 February 2025 (10/10)

  The apartament is fantastic, clean and well equipped, the localization is excellent. Everything at the highest level. We recommend and thank you.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Rdwbrussels from Belgium – 23 December 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful apartment in a quiet street close to a boat station and many touristic locations. The apartment is spacious, comfortable and fully equipped. Perfect for a nice stay in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is a bit dark. It has plenty of windows but the building across is literally 1,5m away (like most streets in Venice), so there isn't much natural light coming through.

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 4 October 2024 (10/10)

  Good location. Comfortable and clean.
  Air con and heating worked well .
  Well equiped kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: All good.

• Juhani from Estonia – 21 September 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location, clean, spacious
  
  What could be improved: Blankets and pillows were uncomfortable.

• Nicole from Australia – 7 July 2024 (10/10)

  Fabulous apartment walking distance to all the major attractions and with plenty of restaurants around. Incredibly comfortable beds and with everything you need. Arrived to find cold drinks , Bellini and cookies! Host was fantastic and went out of her way to help us when we left our passports behind.

• Laura from United States – 31 May 2024 (9/10)

  It a great spot and very comfy.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Jeffrey from Malta – 11 February 2024 (10/10)

  A lovely apartment ,clean and comfortable, would definitely book this place again for my next visit in Venice

• Ger from Netherlands – 7 October 2023 (10/10)

  Very nice apartment in the middle of Venice. Near to San Toma Vaporetta and also near to Rialto and just across from San Marco. In a quiet backstreet which allowed us to keep the windows (with fly-screens) open all night. Many places to eat on walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: Only thing we noticed was that the dishwasher is quite loud. We only used it on our last day to do some plates and glasses we used for breakfast so it didn't bother us. Would not like to have it running just before going to bed.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities