Bacanal Apartment

Hotel Description

Oh man, stepping into the Bacanal Apartment after weaving through those twisty alleys in Castello – you know, that neighborhood that’s got this gritty, lived-in vibe without all the San Marco crowds – it felt like I’d stumbled into a secret hideout. I mean, the address is right on Calle del Pistor, this narrow little street off the beaten path, and honestly, finding it the first time was a bit of an adventure; no grand entrance, just a discreet door on the primo piano (that’s the first floor, for us non-Italians). But once you’re up those stairs, it opens up into this cozy, four-star setup that’s more like crashing at a stylish friend’s place than a sterile hotel room. The place smells faintly of old stone and fresh linens – that classic Venice mix – and the wooden beams overhead give it this authentic canal-house charm. I arrived in the off-season, early November, when the fog rolls in and everything quiets down, and it was perfect for unwinding after a day dodging vaporettos.

What really sold me, though, was how it balances that apartment feel with thoughtful touches – like a full kitchenette stocked with basics (espresso maker included, thank goodness, because mornings without proper coffee in Italy? No thanks). The living area has these big windows overlooking the calle, letting in that soft, diffused light that makes Venice feel magical, even on rainy days. And get this, it’s surprisingly quiet at night; sure, you might hear the occasional gondolier singing faintly in the distance or church bells from nearby San Pietro di Castello, but it’s not the nonstop buzz of Piazza San Marco. Well, one minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re streaming heavy stuff – I had to restart the router once – but for checking emails or mapping out your next walk to the Arsenale (just a five-minute stroll away), it’s fine. The bathroom’s modern, with a rain shower that actually has good pressure, which is a win in these old buildings. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so you’re arriving by water taxi or on foot from the vaporetto stop at Celestia, which is super close and makes lugging bags less of a hassle.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to live like a local – grabbing groceries from the market on Via Garibaldi (that lively strip with bakeries and bars where Venetians actually hang out) and cooking up a simple pasta dinner – this spot’s a gem. It’s got that high 9.5 rating for a reason; it’s not flashy, but it’s real, with enough space for a couple or small family to spread out without feeling cramped. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the Biennale gardens are blooming just down the way – you know what, book it before the summer hordes descend and prices spike. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve got Venice all figured out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $182. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Lynelle from United States – 12 October 2023 (10/10)

  It was very comfortable and homey. A wonderful location. Lots of restaurants. Close to vaporetto stops & the Biennale. Great host and hostess.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great!

• Alan from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, a short walk to the central area but quiet at night, we slept well. Useful shops a few minutes walk away, excellent bread and croissants from the bakery. A bread knife would have been useful.but everything else we needed was present, even weighing scales.

• Stacy from United States – 19 March 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful communication before we arrived. The owner met us at the water taxi and walked us to the apartment. The apartment was exactly as listed. Very clean, completely stocked with essentials including coffee, milk, juice and snacks. Very thoughtful! The location was perfect. Plenty of restaurants/bars, a grocery store a few steps away but respectful. They closed around 11 pm so we never had any issues with street noise. A 10 minute walk to the central square.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was wonderful- nothing not to like.

• Niamh from Ireland – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious clean apartment. Well equipped. Close to shops and restaurants and a short walk to the water bus.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was very good.

• Damian from United Kingdom – 2 November 2024 (10/10)

  The location was excellent in a quiet alley, which was lovely and quiet at night. The apartment had everything we could wish for and was very comfortable. The host was very reliable and accommodating. It was a great place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 14 August 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious and clean, had everything we needed, great location away from the centre but within east reach and in a proper community. Helpful host.
  
  What could be improved: Aircon in the bedrooms would have been good, but we were cool enough at night

• Uliabird from Poland – 11 August 2024 (10/10)

  Wszystko było doskonale! / Everything was excellent!
  
  What could be improved: Nic/ Nothing.

• Rinne from Belgium – 8 August 2024 (9/10)

  The location is ideal: not to crowded but lots of good restaurants, bars and shops. Perfect to visit the biennale (in between Arsenale and Giardini).
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Ioannis from Greece – 6 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location,clean, comfortable

• Shannon from United States – 28 June 2024 (8/10)

  Great location nicely appointed
  
  What could be improved: No issue with the property. There was a misunderstanding at checkout that the host handled in a less than ideal way. Unfortunately our daughter was physically ill while at the property. We cleaned it well and bagged the 2 towels used. No property damage. The towels could be washed. The host chased us down and threw the bag of towels at us while cussing at us. We reached out to him to explain what happened and offered to pay for the towels and he only made the situation worse. Maybe he was having a bad day. He was nice and helpful at check in.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities