B&B HORTUS

B&B HORTUS Overview

First Impressions

Walking down Calle Lunga San Barnaba, you might almost miss B&B HORTUS — and that’s actually part of its charm. This three-star gem sits tucked away in the Dorsoduro district, where the tourist crowds thin out and you get a real taste of Venetian neighborhood life. The entrance is understated in that perfectly Italian way, but once you step inside, you realize you’ve found something special.

Location & Neighborhood

Honestly, the location is what makes this place shine. You’re in Venice, but not the Venice where cruise ship passengers swarm around — this is the artsy, bohemian side of Dorsoduro. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is just a few minutes’ walk away, and you can reach the Accademia Bridge without breaking a sweat. What I love most is how you can slip away from the main tourist routes and find yourself on quiet fondamenta where locals actually live and work. The nearby Campo Santa Margherita buzzes with university students and aperitivo spots that feel authentically Venetian.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was compact — well, this is Venice, so you expect that — but thoughtfully designed. Everything has its place, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable for a smaller property. The bathroom was modern and clean, which isn’t always a given in historic Venetian buildings. You know what impressed me most? The attention to detail in the furnishings and the way natural light filters in during the morning hours. It’s not flashy, but there’s a warmth here that makes you feel at home rather than just passing through.

Daily Rhythms

Mornings start gently here — there’s no grand restaurant or elaborate buffet setup, but the breakfast they serve hits the right notes. Fresh pastries, good coffee, and that unhurried Italian pace that reminds you to slow down. I found myself lingering longer than usual, planning my day while watching the neighborhood come to life outside. The staff genuinely seems to care about your experience, offering suggestions that go beyond the typical tourist checklist. They’ll point you toward the best bacaro for cicchetti or tell you which vaporetto stop to use for fewer crowds.

Why Guests Love It

The 9.7 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve stayed here — it’s that rare combination of location, value, and genuine hospitality that’s getting harder to find in Venice. Couples especially seem drawn to the intimate atmosphere and the romantic setting of Dorsoduro itself. You’re close enough to the major sights but far enough from the chaos to actually enjoy your evenings together. The neighborhood has this lovely residential feel where you can grab groceries at the local shops or sit by the Giudecca Canal watching boats drift by. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting it.

B&B HORTUS Accommodations

Reviews of B&B HORTUS

• Jacqueline from Singapore – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  The B&B was a lovely and comfortable stay. It was very clean and we could help ourselves to a variety of beverages. Breakfast was good, too. The hosts were lovely and helpful. Toiletries were a wide range of products, sufficient for most travellers. We were a family of 3 and my son had a section of the room to himself, which he liked. We each were issued a card key which opened all the doors we would need to reach our room. That was useful as we need not find ourselves relying on 1 key holder. The bed was very comfortable for us, too. It was a good stay and we got to roam Venice outside of the crowded St Mark's Square area, as we were in Venice the last weekend of Carnivale. It was also an area where we didn't have to climb any bridges to reach the stop where Alilaguna (water bus to airport) would take us to Venice Marco Polo airport. So that was helpful while carrying our travel backpacks.

• Christian from Switzerland – 1 January 2025 (10/10)

  Exceptionally well managed place by Janina and Gianni. Lovely neighborhood, garden, great breakfast. I will return.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Petra from United States – 30 October 2024 (10/10)

  The location was perfect for exploring Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Not applicable

• Mark from Australia – 30 October 2024 (10/10)

  The breakfast was a delicious selection ranging from cereals, fruit, cold cuts, pastries etc. and freshly brewed coffee,
  Location was super convenient – 5 min walk to the Vaparetto terminal. Good restaurants and bars in close vicinity.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all was good

• Summer from United States – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  The bar was set high with our stay and B & B Hortus! We compared everything else we experienced throughout Italy to this slice of heaven. It was the soft landing we needed after a long flight, and it was the perfect introduction to Italy. The breakfast offering was outstanding, the beds were incredible, the bathroom was fantastic, the entire place was even cuter than the pictures, the location was perfect and quiet, and we fondly nicknamed our host "Our Italian Mom" because she was so sweet and caring. The only downside would be that the beds are so wonderful that it was hard to get up in the morning and explore. We just wanted to stay there!
  
  We would definitely recommend B & B Hortus to anyone who is visiting Venice, and if we come back this will be the only place we stay!
  
  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with visitors and being so sweet and accommodating!

• Sandra from Canada – 20 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location was perfect and the facility and staff were lovely. Breakfast was so great each morning. Best cappuccino we’ve had.
  
  What could be improved: Liked everything

• Patricia from United States – 17 October 2024 (10/10)

  The hosts were friendly and informative.
  The breakfasts were amazing!
  The location is perfect in a quiet neighborhood away from the crowds but within easy walking distance of pretty much anywhere.
  
  What could be improved: Not a thing!

• Molly from United Kingdom – 17 October 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely little places hidden in its own courtyard with garden. The room was really comfortable with everything you could need, shower was great. The staff were so friendly and helpful, made you feel very welcome. The breakfast is fantastic! Great range of food, and could cater to my friend who was vegan. Also let us leave our bags till later in the day after we checked out. Would definitely stay here again.

• Anne from Canada – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  The room was very well laid out and all of the creature comforts for travellers were provided. It was exceptionally clean. The owners were very friendly and welcoming. The breakfast was fabulous.
  
  What could be improved: There is no sign or indication on the street of the B&B. I walked past it several times until I looked for the street address. A small, tasteful sign would help travellers a lot, especially at night since the street is narrow and dark then.

• Matthew from United States – 9 March 2024 (10/10)

  The building was incredibly quaint and in a quiet part of town, but was updated and modern inside. The service and amenities were amazing! Breakfast was delicious and the staff was incredibly helpful! We loved our stay, and would recommend it to anyone!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

Surroundings

Facilities