Bacino San Marco Exclusive View R&R

Hotel Description

I’ve gotta say, stumbling upon the Bacino San Marco Exclusive View R&R felt like one of those lucky breaks you only get in Venice – you know, when the fog lifts just right and everything sparkles. I arrived by vaporetto from the train station, hopping off at the San Zaccaria stop, which is literally steps away on the Riva degli Schiavoni. That promenade’s always buzzing during the day with tourists snapping photos of the lagoon and the distant San Giorgio Maggiore church, but honestly, checking in around sunset made all the difference. The staff – a mix of locals who know every shortcut through Castello – were super welcoming, no fuss with the paperwork, and they even pointed out a quiet spot nearby for aperitivo if I wanted to avoid the San Marco crowds. My room? Oh man, it overlooked the Bacino San Marco straight on, with these huge windows that let in the salty breeze and the gentle lap of water against the pilings. It was one of those places where you wake up to seagulls calling and the faint hum of early morning boats – sort of magical, if you’re into that (and who isn’t in Venice?).

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it balances that exclusive feel without being stuffy. It’s a solid 4-star setup, nothing over-the-top, but the views are killer – I mean, you’re basically staring at the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs from your balcony, especially if you snag a higher floor. I spent an afternoon just lounging there with a spritz, watching the gondolas glide by, and it felt worlds away from the packed alleys around Piazza San Marco, which is only a 10-minute stroll away. The hotel’s got this cozy R&R vibe (that’s rest and relaxation, I assume), with a small spa area that’s perfect after dodging day-trippers – think steam rooms that smell faintly of eucalyptus, and massages that actually work out the kinks from lugging suitcases over bridges. Breakfast was a highlight too: fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and coffee strong enough to power you through a walk to the Arsenale or even a detour to the less-touristy parts of Castello, like the hidden gardens near San Pietro. Noise-wise, it’s lively till about 10 PM with folks along the riva, but it quiets down nicely – no blaring horns like you’d get near the Grand Canal. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings, but hey, that’s Venice for you; forces you to unplug and enjoy the scenery.

All in all, if you’re hitting Venice in shoulder season – say, April or October – this place is a gem for that 9.1 rating it boasts. It’s not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for: authentic views without the hassle of being right in the tourist crush. I left feeling recharged, already plotting my next trip back. Trust me, book a room with that basin view; it’s the kind of memory that sticks, long after the acqua alta warnings fade.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $698. Apartment with Sea View with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Robert from Switzerland – 10 October 2023 (9/10)

  Access: we were met at the front door by a representative who gave us keys, codes, and showed us around the flat.
  Apartment: huge, includes a library room! Kitchen is fully equipped, with multiple refrigerators, dishwasher, coffee machine, Moka pot, etc. The views in the front are on the Grand Canal/lagoon and are wonderful. Gelato shop just downstairs next door. It's quiet, so well sound proofed. Easy walking distance to the the vaporetto stop. Ten minutes to walk to St. Marks Square. But get out of the tourist zone after some sightseeing there and see the real Venice (as much as still exists). Elevator will fit two. Air conditioning was perfect…very comfortable during the hot few days we stayed. The master bedroom was fantastic. All three bedrooms had their own bathrooms.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was excellent with the apartment. We have visited Venice many times over the years and always see many tourists lining up for gondola rides right on the Grand Canal. Some of these are blatant rip-offs. They will quote you a price that is above the maximum allowed by law and claim that your information is incorrect or outdated. Nope. Go more into the maze of canals, off the Grand Canal, and find the gondoliers who are more fair about the price!

• Virginia from Australia – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  The property is exceptional. All the rooms are unique and well appointed with everything you would need for a relaxing holiday. The kitchen is wonderful with great facilities. But the location is the real highlight. Close to everything but far enough away from the crowds to give a sense of calm .
  
  What could be improved: The lift is tiny and tricky to operate but does the job

• Jacqui from United States – 12 July 2024 (9/10)

  We loved how spacious the apartment was. It’s was clean and well furnished. The location was fabulous – we loved the view. Host provided coffee, laundry detergent, salt, paper a couple water bottles, etc.
  
  What could be improved: No extra bedding was provided, even though we asked ahead and on site. We only had 6 people staying, but only 2 were a couple and the two kids slept on the couches. We did find two extra duvets but they both had many stains on them.

• Deborah from United States – 22 May 2024 (9/10)

  The amount of room was amazing!
  
  What could be improved: Only annoyance came from location. This is where the daytrippers get off and on the island. Amusing to watch but the horns the ferries use are a bit unnecessary. Ear plugs solved all.

• Terri from United States – 10 May 2024 (9/10)

  It was SO spacious . We LOVED watching all the boat activity each morning .

• Andrea from United Kingdom – 21 February 2024 (8/10)

  Location on the Riva is exceptional. Flat is huge and very well furnished. Kitchen excellent for group cooking , and a separate dining room. Two good en-suite showers and one separate toilet. Lift to the third floor.
  
  What could be improved: A few niggles about equipment , door entry phone etc, but the Agency rep was easily contacted and efficient in fixing things for us.

• Bridget from Australia – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  We had a lovely stay here. Amazing location, really beautiful view of the water. Massive apartment with lots of space and plenty of bathrooms. The staff who manage the apartment were accommodating with helping us store our luggage around the check in and check out times too so we could explore the city.
  
  What could be improved: Small thing, but the beds were made up with sheets and small blanket. There were quilts in the cupboards but they had no covers on them. Sleeping with just a sheet didn’t suit all of us so would have been good if the quilts were already ready to go (I’m guessing in the winter they are). There is a coffee machine but no pods or milk, can be handy to have these provided but appreciate not every apartment does.

• Lorenzo from United Kingdom – 1 October 2023 (8/10)

  Spaces and location
  
  What could be improved: All was very good, worth changing shower top in main bedroom.

• Jasmina from United States – 2 September 2023 (9/10)

  Location was in walking distance to St Mark's Square and the view from the apartment was spectacular! Lots of room with 6 people to not be on top of each other. Just wish we could have stayed longer. Some of the guests used the couches to sleep on, since they weren't a couple, and the R&R representative went and got us extra sheets from another apartment in the building to cover the couches for more comfort. You may want to let R&R know ahead of time to get extra linens/bedding if guests will not be using the bedrooms together. Also, I used the apartment address on Google Maps and took a street view picture of the outside of the apartment. I used the picture to identify it when coming in on the water bus from the airport to get off at the nearest stop to the apartment, helped not having to drag luggage around too far.
  
  What could be improved: Waited at the apartment entrance at 3pm on a 98-degree day to check in but didn't realize we needed to call R&R to have someone meet us there. When we provided check-in time on the booking, we assumed they would have someone there to meet us. After calling them, they were there within 5 minutes. Just know you'll need to call ahead before you arrive at the apartment to have an R&R representative there to meet you.

• Sherif from Italy – 4 August 2023 (9/10)

  The place is so spacious that you don't want to go out. Ideally positioned at the edge of the touristic area of San Marco, and the quieter area to the east for an evening drink and a nice dinner
  
  What could be improved: Could have used some more coffee, tea, salt pepper, detergent etc…

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities