Aria e Luce Suites a Venezia

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Aria e Luce Suites a Venezia last spring, right when the cherry blossoms were starting to peek out in the nearby Giardini della Biennale – you know, that quiet green spot in Castello where locals actually hang out, away from the San Marco madness. I’d just hopped off a vaporetto at Arsenale, dodging the usual throng of day-trippers with their gelato cones, and wandered down those narrow calli toward Sestiere Castello, 5189. It’s tucked on a side street off Campo San Zaccaria, honestly one of those places that feels like a secret even though it’s only a 10-minute stroll from the Rialto Bridge. Check-in was a breeze – no long lines or stuffy desk clerks; the owner, this warm Venetian guy named Marco (I think? Well, something like that), greeted me with a quick espresso and chatted about the best time to hit the fish market at Rialto, early mornings before the crowds descend. The building itself is this restored 19th-century palazzo, all faded frescoes and creaky wooden beams that give it that authentic Venice vibe – not the glossy tourist trap kind, but the sort where you can hear the gentle lap of canal water against the stones at night, especially if you crack a window during those still evenings in May.

What really won me over, though, were the suites themselves – airy and flooded with light, just like the name promises (Aria e Luce, get it?). My room overlooked a tiny courtyard with potted lemon trees, and the high ceilings made it feel way bigger than it probably was; I mean, in Venice, space is gold, right? The bed was this massive, cloud-like thing with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender – none of that musty canal odor you sometimes get in older spots. They’ve got modern touches too, like a sleek espresso machine and free Wi-Fi that actually works without dropping every five minutes, which is a godsend when you’re trying to navigate Google Maps through the labyrinth of alleys. Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, yogurt, and fruit served in a sunny communal area – nothing over-the-top, but it beats the overpriced cafes on the main drags. Oh, and a small heads-up: if you’re a light sleeper, the bells from the nearby San Zaccaria church might wake you at dawn, but honestly, it’s part of the charm, like a gentle nudge to get out and explore before the tour groups flood in. Parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging).

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star stay that feels genuinely Venetian without the hefty price tag – we’re talking around 200-300 euros a night off-season – this place is a gem. It’s got that 9.6 rating for a reason; I left feeling like I’d actually lived in Venice for a bit, not just passed through. Sure, the lack of an elevator means lugging bags up a flight or two (pack light!), but that’s minor compared to the peace of Castello’s backstreets, where you can grab a spritz at a local bacaro on Via Garibaldi and watch the world go by. If you’re visiting during Biennale season, book early – it gets buzzing, but in the best way. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for skipping the cookie-cutter hotels closer to the Grand Canal.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $128. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $178. One-Bedroom Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $214. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fabulous accommodation, great location, excellent hosts. – Helen from United Kingdom – 5 July 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was beautiful, incredibly well equipped with the bonus of a spacious terrace.
  Our hosts could not have been more helpful without being intrusive.
  We would highly recommend this accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A lovely stay in the heart of Venice – Benn from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location, friendly and communicative hosts, and a lovely room.
  
  Arianna and Luca made contact with us well in advance of our stay to provide us with thorough and comprehensive instructions on how to find the property. A couple of days in advance, they each messaged me individually to provide some further information (including in respect of forms we needed to fill out on arrival) and also to inform us about how to claim exemption to a newly implemented Venice tax. They’re really lovely hosts, who go well out of their way to ensure that the stay is comfortable and seamless.
  
  Amenities in the room are good (including coffee machine and snacks), and the private bathroom in our room was great.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Perfect 5 night stay in Venice – Martin from Australia – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Overall attention to detail was 10/10. Very thoughtful hosts who did everything to make us feel comfortable. Location was perfect and close to the main attractions of Venice.

• Great Venice stay – Peter from South Africa – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Location and dealing with the helpful Arianna
  
  What could be improved: Not much

• Had a wonderful few days in Venice, no one can fully explain just how amazing an experience it is, helped by having the – Martin from United Kingdom – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, just 10 minutes walk to St Peter’s Square, Rialto Bridge and 2 minutes to Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Lovely top floor apartment, good size kitchen, dining area and bedroom with plenty of storage space, great bathroom, and spotless throughout. Also has a lovely balcony, with table and chairs, which gets the sun most of the day. Our hosts Aria and Luce were amazing, nothing too much for them, left us a bottle of Prosecco to welcome us, plenty of nibbles as well. I can’t recommend this apartment highly enough.
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Nice three day stop over before heading out of Trieste for a cruise – Bill from Canada – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  In a quant neighborhood close to restaurants and shops
  
  What could be improved: Best to travel light as there are 3 flights to navigate into the floor where suite is located as well as two bridges to navigate from the Rialto
  This is not a negative of the appt. Just a reminder of the challenges of Venice.

• Superb – Hendrik from South Africa – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great room, nice kitchen. Central located, you can walk everywhere!
  
  What could be improved: Very nice and clean with huge bedroom, nice bathroom and kitchen. The only negative was that the shower was quite small. The owners were really helpful!

• We had a wonderful time are hoping to return soon! – Jaime from United Kingdom – 9 April 2025 (10/10)

  We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Luca and Arianna were fantastic hosts. The suite was clean and spacious. We will definitely be returning!

• Delightful and relaxing. – Deborah from United States – 18 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was conveniently located. The room was lovely and the hosts were welcoming and responsive. They provided information about the area and what to see and, gave recommendations for places to eat.
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Nice and easy – Apilak from Thailand – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  design and atmosphere.
  
  What could be improved: small entrance

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities