APPARTAMENTO STELLA

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Appartamento Stella after a long vaporetto ride from the airport – you know, the kind where you’re wedged between tourists and their luggage, the salty lagoon air whipping your face. It’s tucked away on Calle Stella in Cannaregio, this quieter corner of Venice that’s honestly a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos around San Marco. I mean, sure, it’s not right on the Grand Canal, but that’s kind of the point – you’re just a short wander from the Fondamenta Nuove, where you can catch a boat to Murano without the massive crowds. Walking up to the place, the narrow calle feels like stepping back in time, with those uneven stone pavements that make your suitcase wheels rattle, and the faint echo of church bells from nearby Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Check-in was straightforward, no fancy lobby or anything; it’s more like an apartment setup, and the host handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best local osteria for cicchetti – those little Venetian snacks that are basically mandatory after a day of exploring.

Inside, it’s got that authentic Venetian charm without trying too hard – think exposed wooden beams overhead, creaky floors that whisper stories from who knows how many centuries, and big windows letting in the soft light off the canal (well, a side one, not the main drag, so it’s peaceful at night). The rooms are spacious for Venice standards, with a kitchenette that’s a godsend if you’re tired of overpriced tourist menus – I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the Rialto market, just a 15-minute stroll away. Honestly, the 4-star vibe comes through in the comfy beds and modern bathrooms, but it’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, and there are stairs to climb since, you know, elevators aren’t a thing in most old buildings here. But oh, the views – from my window, I watched gondolas glide by in the morning mist, and the smell of fresh espresso from the corner café wafted up, mixing with that briny canal scent that’s so uniquely Venice. It’s rated around 7.7, which feels right; it’s solid, not luxurious, but perfect for travelers who want to feel like they’re living in the city rather than just visiting. Noise-wise, Cannaregio quiets down after dark, especially off-season when the summer hordes thin out – no blaring music or tour groups yelling at midnight.

All in all, if you’re plotting a Venice trip and want to dodge the San Polo bustle, Appartamento Stella’s a smart pick. It’s got that insider feel, close enough to Strada Nova for gelato runs or quick hops to the Jewish Ghetto with its hidden synagogues and kosher spots – I spent an afternoon there, totally worth it. Sure, parking’s nonexistent (hello, no cars in Venice), so pack light and embrace the walk, but that’s part of the magic. I’d go back in a heartbeat for a longer stay, maybe in spring when the wisteria blooms and the whole area smells like flowers instead of just water. If you’re after value and a real slice of Venetian life, this place delivers – just don’t expect five-star polish, and you’ll love it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $191. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Alessandra from Italy – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  cleaniness, availability and kindness of staff, communication
  
  What could be improved: quite noisy from the above floors

• Mehmet – 26 September 2023 (8/10)

  amazing location in the Cannaregio district, with easy access to many popular locations in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: due to the structure of the building, you could hear neighbors in the building easily; but since we didn't stay in most of the time, it was not a big problem

• Klaus from Germany – 29 May 2023 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The Appartement was cold during the night . Other things were perfekt

• Benoit from France – 15 February 2023 (8/10)

  Amazing location near every point of interest but in a calm area of the city
  Great equipment and comfort
  
  What could be improved: Smell from the drain can be a bit incomodating

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 15 January 2023 (8/10)

  Location is excellent…very close to Vaporetto stop for easy connections to the airport and northern islands of Murano, Burano etc, but also close enough to easily walk to key places, e.g Rialto and St Mark’s. There is an excellent little bakery in the square and also a fresh fish stall…fresh veg stall 5 minutes walk. Perfect!
  Apartment very well equipped…coffee machine was brilliant ( note Lavazza coffee pods not Nespresso type…delicious coffee! )
  Very comfortable and stylish place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: Much has been said about the noise…it is true that footsteps from upstairs are clearly heard…at times it sounds like a herd of elephants running around, but that’s all…no music or shouting or anything of that nature.
  
  As a female travelling alone I was slightly unsettled that the door cannot be locked from inside and it is a keyless system with codes instead, so anyone knowing the code could come into the apartment freely. Regularly changing the code would solve this.
  
  Sometimes there was an unpleasant drain like smell within the apartment.

• Laura from United Kingdom – 9 August 2022 (9/10)

  Location was great!
  Clean and comfortable! Good bed.
  Nice modern bathroom.
  Washing machine was a plus.
  
  What could be improved: Beware of the lady living above :)) she almost knocked our door down shouting and screaming for not locking the main entrance door in the building after 22:00.. 5 min right after we got there on the 1st night.
  We got the message after that so everything was ok.

• Arasolpi from Finland – 16 May 2024 (8/10)

  Spacious flat, everything needed found there. Nice location, easy to get in.
  
  What could be improved: Venice was a little bit moist and the heating was complicated.

• Rozelle from South Africa – 11 April 2024 (9/10)

  Just perfect. Close to vaporetto stop and walkable to everything else. Everything you need in kitchen, friendly host!

• Aleksandra from Poland – 21 August 2022 (9/10)

  Great localization, flat was very clean and spacious. All the things we needed were here – we were especially glad to find iron. Air conditioning was present in the flat, so it was easier to stand very hot nights. I strongly recommend this accomodation 🙂

• Arek67 from Italy – 25 July 2022 (9/10)

  It is comfortable, new, absolutely full equipped apartment with still good price – comfort – location balance taking into account Venice standards. I cannot add anything else about apartment equipment and comfort because we had all we could need and many more we even didn't touch, but I want to say one thing: often on the map seeing the location you think it is far from the Piazza San Marco… no! it isn't! very simple way by 15 min you are there. There is also very convenient (many lines) Vaporetto station (Fondamente Nuovo) easy to go to Murano, Burano, Torcello. It has close supermarket and at night it is absolutely quiet. Everything works, everything digital.
  
  What could be improved: I would go to "inferno" if I have complained…

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