Art & Culture Biennale – Venezia Sweet Stay

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Art & Culture Biennale – Venezia Sweet Stay almost by accident last summer, right when the Biennale was in full swing and Venice felt like one big, humid art installation. Tucked away on Calle del Prete Zoto O Cortugola in the Castello district – you know, that quieter eastern slice of the city where locals actually outnumber the tourists – it’s just a short wander from the Arsenale vaporetto stop. I mean, if you’re hauling luggage, forget taxis; Venice doesn’t do cars, so you’ll be hopping on a water bus or dragging your bags over those uneven stone bridges. But honestly, the location’s a gem – far enough from the San Marco chaos that you can hear the gentle lap of canal water at night instead of selfie-stick crowds, yet close enough to pop over to Giardini for the art exhibits in under 10 minutes. I arrived sweaty and disoriented after a delayed train from Milan, and the check-in was this low-key affair in a cozy lobby that smells faintly of old wood and espresso – no massive desk, just a friendly host who handed me a map scribbled with insider tips, like the best spot for cicchetti on nearby Via Garibaldi (pro tip: go early evening when the locals flood in).

What really hooked me, though, was how the place lives up to its name without feeling gimmicky. It’s a solid 4-star spot with that authentic Venetian vibe – think exposed brick walls in the rooms, adorned with prints from past Biennales, and beds that are surprisingly comfy after a day of pounding pavements. My room overlooked a narrow rio, and I’d wake up to the muffled calls of gondoliers echoing off the water – sort of romantic, if you ignore the occasional whiff of brackish tide when the wind shifts. The breakfast spread is nothing fancy, but it’s fresh: croissants that flake just right, strong coffee, and those little jars of apricot jam that taste homemade. Well, okay, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the mornings when everyone’s online – a minor gripe, especially if you’re trying to book tickets for the Peggy Guggenheim – but hey, it forces you to unplug and actually explore. And during peak season, like July when I was there, the streets outside stay lively till late with festival-goers, but the hotel’s thick walls keep things quiet inside. No elevator, mind you, so if stairs aren’t your thing (there are a couple of flights), request a lower floor upfront.

All in all, if you’re chasing that art-and-culture immersion without the overpriced San Polo glitz, this place nails it – rating around 8.3 feels spot on, I’d say. It’s not perfect; the bathroom was a tad compact for two people juggling toiletries, but the thoughtful touches, like fresh flowers in the common areas and recommendations for hidden osterias, made me feel like a temporary local. You’d care if you’re the type who wants Venice’s soul without the squeeze – come in shoulder season, like May or September, when the crowds thin and you can snag a canal-view room without breaking the bank. Trust me, after a few days here, you’ll leave with stories, not just snapshots.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $179. Superior Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• David from Ireland – 21 December 2024 (9/10)

  A good location within walking distance of St Mark’s Square. The accommodation had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The apartment was nice and warm in December with plenty of hot water. The WiFi was better than expected. (I could teach online without interruption). Good supermarket and trattoria very close. Easy transport from St Marco Airport. Would highly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: All was good.

• Shirley from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was fantastic. It was in the perfect location as wasn't to close to the hassle and bussle but was in perfect walking distance. The bed was lovely and comfortable and having everything we needed was great.
  
  What could be improved: The directions to get there were vague on the website and only after we phoned did we find we were at wrong door.

• Mau from France – 11 March 2024 (9/10)

  Really nice apartment with everything we needed! Very spacious in a calm area which is good after being walking around the crowded center all day. There is a nice park just next to the apartment. The view is beautiful at the end of day! The apartment was very clean! You are 15-20min from San Marco by foot walking alongside the sea which very nice especially at the sunset. You have also a Coop store 300m away. The agency that managed the apartment was really great! We received all the information needed. Great experience I would come back here for sure!
  
  What could be improved: I put only 9 just because the neighbors upstairs did a bit of noise. I don’t know what there were doing moving things around in their apartment. But that is not a big deal we still moved the place and the area.

• Raphael from France – 29 April 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great in a very quiet district, away from the crowded streets of Venice. It was only a few minutes walk to get to the nearest boat transportation stops or supermarkets.
  The apartment had all the equipment that we needed for cooking, and was plenty spacious for 2 people!
  Overall we had a great time during our 4-night stay.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately the neighbors were quite noisy with loud music playing until 2 am for several nights during our stay. Quite frustrating as the neighborhood is otherwise extremely quiet and peaceful. This is the only downside that we could find during our stay.

• Amber from Ireland – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is a real Venetian treasure: spacious, spotless, and full of charm, capturing the true spirit of the city. The interiors are beautifully designed, with authentic touches that make the stay even more special. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and we immediately felt at home.
  The location is perfect—peaceful yet just a short walk from Venice’s most beautiful spots.
  The host was kind and always available. A magical stay, we’ll definitely be back!

• Aisling from Ireland – 17 February 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent communication, very clean & comfortable, quiet, warm (heating was on for us on arrival, visited in winter), so welcoming. Very secure with double locks and keys. Safe neighbourhood. Walkable to all areas.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to report.

• Mizan from Sri Lanka – 11 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great apartment just a 15-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, located in a quiet and authentic area. Spacious, clean, and well-maintained, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and fast Wi-Fi. Perfect for those who want to experience Venice away from the crowds but still close to the city's heart. Friendly and helpful hosts. Highly recommended!

• Umega from Sri Lanka – 8 January 2025 (9/10)

  My reservation at another apartment was canceled, but the hosts were quick and professional in finding me this accommodation. The location is perfect, just a short walk from Piazza San Marco. In January, the apartment was warm, cozy, and had plenty of hot water. The WiFi worked perfectly, and the apartment was equipped with coffee pods and everything I needed. Big thanks to the staff!

• Yevhenii from France – 13 September 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean and light appartements

• Amanda from United States – 1 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location was in a quieter part of town, I spent a morning walking the neighborhood mostly alone or with locals- very memorable! The apartment itself was very clean and spacious (for 1-2), plus the air conditioning made it a great place to recharge. It was convenient to have a whole apartment so I could pick up food from the markets to enjoy at home too (fridge & microwave, cutlery, plates, & other appliances). The wifi & shower worked great, hosts were very responsive (coordinated over WhatsApp) and made me feel welcome!
  
  For light sleepers, generally I didn't have to wear earplugs. I could hear footsteps & shuffling from upstairs, but the ceilings were high enough/thick enough to make the sound feel more distant & was quiet after ~11pm. I could hear when neighbors who shared the entrance hallway came in, but didn't hear them after they entered their unit.
  
  What could be improved: The cleaner had a somewhat strong smell when I first came in, the AC definitely helped get rid of the smell but it lingered lightly in the bathroom. The distance also got a little hard later in the trip when I started to get more tired (was a mile walk from Piazza San Marco), so would suggest to keep the roundtrip in mind or get a travel pass (as there are some convenient vaporetto stops like Arsenale).

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities