Artist House

Hotel Description

I remember arriving at Artist House in Dorsoduro last April, right when the cherry blossoms were starting to peek out along the Rio San Trovaso – you know, that little canal that winds through the neighborhood like a secret vein. I’d just hopped off the vaporetto at the Zattere stop, dodging a few tourists with their massive suitcases, and honestly, it was a relief to turn into the quieter streets of Dorsoduro. The hotel’s tucked away at Dorsoduro 1681, not far from the Accademia Bridge, but far enough from the San Marco crowds that you can actually hear birds chirping in the morning instead of just selfie sticks clicking. I mean, Venice can be overwhelming in high season – think packed vaporettos and overpriced gelato – but this spot feels like a locals’ hideout, with galleries like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection just a five-minute stroll away. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – this friendly guy named Marco – handed over my key with a quick chat about the best nearby osteria for cicchetti, and there wasn’t any of that stiff hotel formality you get in the bigger places. Oh, and parking? Well, forget about it – it’s Venice, after all – but they pointed me to a secure spot for my luggage if I’d come by train.

What really won me over, though, was how the place lives up to its name – Artist House feels like stepping into some bohemian painter’s dream, with exposed brick walls and these quirky murals in the lobby that sort of nod to the area’s artistic vibe without being too try-hard. My room on the second floor overlooked a tiny courtyard, and let me tell you, the bed was ridiculously comfortable, all crisp linens and that faint, fresh scent of lavender from the pillows (they must use some local laundry service). It’s a solid 4-star setup, nothing flashy, but with thoughtful touches like a minibar stocked with regional wines – I cracked open a Prosecco one evening and watched the sunset gild the rooftops. Breakfast was included, served in this sunny communal area with fresh cornetti and cappuccinos that rival the cafes on Campo Santa Margherita, just around the corner. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night, though you might hear the occasional boat horn from the Giudecca Canal if your window’s open – not a deal-breaker, but earplugs could help if you’re a light sleeper. And yeah, the Wi-Fi was spotty in the evenings when everyone logs on, but that’s Venice for you; it forces you to unplug a bit, which isn’t the worst thing.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venetian escape without the tourist trap hassle, Artist House is a gem – rated an 8.6 for good reason, I’d say. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are on the compact side, like most old buildings here, but the charm more than makes up for it. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of local life, wandering to hidden spots like the Squero di San Trovaso boatyard nearby. Honestly, book it for a spring trip when the crowds are thinner, and you’ll thank me – or at least, that’s what I keep telling my friends who ask for Venice recs.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $193. Studio Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely decoration + quiet neighbourhood = best stay – Patricia from Romania – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Stunning decoration, all looks exactly like in the pics, easy communication with hosts, quiet residential location.
  
  What could be improved: Bath is a bit leaky

• Superb – R from United Kingdom – 22 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great spot, great location. Would recommend.

• Exceptional – Александр from Germany – 2 September 2023 (10/10)

  Cozy apartment, helpful owner, large kitchen, quiet location, close to a shop and a river tram, 20 minutes walk to San Marco. The apartment has all household appliances, from hair dryers and coffee makers to dryers and air conditioners. Nearby there is a delicious inexpensive restaurant "OSTERIA DA TONI". This location is very convenient and next summer we are going to come back here again

• Fantastic clean and conveniently located apartment – Dominic from United States – 4 July 2023 (10/10)

  the appartment was very clean, and comfortable with everything we needed for our stay. It was quiet and out of the tourist huddle and bustle, yet very conveniently located – walkable and close to a boat peer. Our hosts were very welcoming, great communication and helpful throughout our stay.
  
  What could be improved: all was great!

• Delightful – Cmshearer from United Kingdom – 10 October 2022 (10/10)

  Quiet area away from tourist spots, but within walking distance to many areas and close to vaporetto. Interesting spacious flat, comfortable old style, its charm was its age. Good communication with owner who gave recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very nice stay at the Artist's House and wonderful visit to Venice – Mohamed from Canada – 22 August 2022 (10/10)

  I especially enjoyed the proximity of the apartment to the shore, vaporetto stops, a super market and many restaurants nearby. The wall art decorations in the place are impressive, but the apartment itself is comfortable, well equipped and spacious. We really enjoyed our stay there and I would definitely try to stay there again when I go back to Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Not Applicable

• Great stay for an enjoyable trip in Venice – Jessica from United States – 16 July 2022 (10/10)

  Great location outside the tourist area. It was an easy walk to get to all the major areas of Venice, and close to water taxis. The apartment is very comfortable and has all the necessary amenities. The apartment owner was incredibly helpful and assisted with getting us a taxis for our early airport departure. Would recommend this stay to anyone looking to visit Venice!

• Superb – Oleksandr from Norway – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  This is Venice. 😀
  Safe in the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: A lot of old personal belongings.
  It takes a long time for warm water to start flowing.

• Harmonious – Dace from Latvia – 17 September 2024 (9/10)

  Cozyness
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine

• Quirky apartment in a tranquil area – Claire from United Kingdom – 14 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location is wonderful in a tranquil part of Dorsodouro, close to the San Basilio vaporetto stop and a well stocked supermarket. It's also only a 10 minute walk to bustling San Margherita square and about 20 minutes to Peggy Guggenheim. The apartment has all you'd need for a short stay including a full kitchen (although we didn't cook while we were there). The apartment is full of interesting paintings and pictures, fitting to its name. The owners were helpful in providing a list of local restaurants to try. All in all, we could not have asked for more.
  
  What could be improved: The beds are not super comfortable in the twin room, and there's not really a living room area to relax in as a group.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities