Attic Boutique San Marco R&R

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Attic Boutique San Marco R&R almost by accident last spring, right after dodging the throngs around Piazza San Marco – I mean, Venice in May can be a madhouse with all the day-trippers flooding in from the cruise ships. Tucked away on a quiet corner of Castello at 4136, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Arsenale vaporetto stop (super handy if you’re lugging bags from Santa Lucia station), but far enough from the main drag that you don’t hear the constant hum of vendors hawking gondola rides. Honestly, the address feels like a secret – you’re in this labyrinth of narrow calli, the kind where laundry hangs overhead and you catch whiffs of fresh espresso from hidden cafes, and suddenly there’s this unassuming door leading up to what feels like a cozy artist’s garret. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this chatty local named Marco (fitting, right?), handed over the keys with a map scribbled with his favorite spots for cicchetti – those little Venetian tapas that are way better than anything touristy.

What really sold me on the place was how it lives up to that “R&R” in the name – it’s all about unwinding after a day of weaving through crowds. The rooms are up in the attic, so yeah, there’s a bit of a climb (no elevator, which might be a drag if you’ve got heavy luggage or bad knees – fair warning), but once you’re there, it’s like your own little nest with slanted ceilings, exposed beams that smell faintly of aged wood, and these killer views over terracotta rooftops toward the lagoon. I stayed in one with a tiny balcony – nothing fancy, but perfect for sipping prosecco at sunset while church bells toll from San Giorgio dei Greci nearby. The bed was plush, sheets crisp and cool even in the humid air, and breakfast? Delivered right to your door in a basket – fresh cornetti, yogurt, and fruit that tasted like it came straight from the Rialto market. It’s not overly luxurious, mind you; the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours when everyone’s streaming, and the bathroom’s compact (typical Venice squeeze), but that’s part of the charm. Plus, it’s quiet at night – no rowdy bars spilling out below, just the occasional lap of canal water if you crack a window.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Venetian without the San Marco price tag or chaos, this is it. I spent four nights there and actually felt rested – you know, the kind of place where you linger over coffee instead of rushing out. It’s rated a solid 8.9 for good reason; couples or solo travelers would love it for the intimacy, though families might find it a tad snug. Just book ahead for summer – Castello gets busier then, but this hideaway stays serene. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those lazy mornings watching the city wake up from above.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $593. Penthouse Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Beverley from Australia – 1 February 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect.. this property is incredible. Check in and arrival was very easy, the apartment is large and beautiful. The apartment has 2 terraces. The one off the bedroom is smaller but quaint, the main terrace is stunning. A large terrace with incredible views of Venice and the grand canal. After many stays in Venice I would say this is the best position I have stayed in. Close to everything but i could have spent weeks on the terrace watching Venice pass by.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 13 January 2025 (9/10)

  The property is superb. The view from the balcony must be one of the best in Venice. It was incredibly accessible – just a couple of hundred metres from the San Marco-San Zaccaria ferry terminal stop. The lift made it easy to get our cases up to the third floor. All in all, a perfect appartment.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Yitao from China – 6 November 2024 (9/10)

  stunning view

• Peter from United Kingdom – 30 March 2024 (9/10)

  Best view in Venice!
  
  What could be improved: Some of the lighting didn’t work

• Radim from Czech Republic – 30 September 2023 (9/10)

  Amazing position close to everything important in Venice. Fantastic large terrace overlooking all the traffic jams on the sea.
  You cannot have such an experience in many places in the world. A restaurant and a boat bus stop just a few steps away.

• John from Australia – 26 September 2023 (9/10)

  I have been to Venice many times, and in recent times usually for three weeks, including this time last year.
  We also stayed in this apartment for three weeks and it was outstanding. The large terrace at the front has one of the best private views in Venice. The apartment is very comfortable despite the decor not being to my taste but the magnificent view makes up for almost anything. The bedroom opens onto the rear terrace which is cool and shady.
  An exceptional apartment.
  
  What could be improved: The "smart TV" was quite old and there was no internet connection. Obviously I did not go to Venice to watch TV but when you are staying three weeks it is nice to watch something on the streaming services. Even though I speak Italian there is not much on Italian television. When I commented on this the staff reacted and although it took over a week we did get a new TV.
  I hope future guests can enjoy it.

• Deb from Portugal – 30 May 2023 (9/10)

  This is our second visit. Love this place. Wonderfully calm, above the mayhem.

• David from United Kingdom – 22 April 2023 (8/10)

  The views and balcony
  
  What could be improved: Cost but it’s for the location so I get it!
  Maybe more items left ie on arrival, Coffee, Milk etc

• Igor from Slovenia – 2 April 2023 (9/10)

  Everything- big comfort apartment, balcony, perfect clean, hospitality, location, lift.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Sonya from United States – 15 February 2023 (9/10)

  We enjoyed the location, the balconies(view), the spaciousness and the ability to cook.
  
  What could be improved: It would be appreciated if some kind of small collapsable cart with wheels would be provided to transport things bought at the grocers.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities