Best Windows

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling out of the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso stop – you know, that busy one right by the Grand Canal – and weaving through the afternoon crowds with my suitcase clattering over the uneven pavement. Honestly, Venice in high season is a madhouse, all those tourists snapping selfies with the pigeons, but there I was, spotting the sign for Best Windows tucked right into Piazza San Marco at number 144. It’s not some flashy entrance; more like a discreet doorway amid the historic facades, which actually made it feel authentic, like slipping into a local’s secret. I mean, you’re literally steps from the Basilica di San Marco – I could hear the bells chiming as I checked in, that deep, resonant peal that echoes across the square. The staff were friendly enough, a mix of Italians and internationals, and check-in was a breeze, no fuss even though I arrived sweaty from the July heat. They handed over a keycard (old-school charm with modern touches, I guess) and pointed me to the elevator – tiny, like most in Venice, but it got the job done without making me lug bags up stairs.

What really sold me on the place was the rooms – ours had these massive windows overlooking the piazza, hence the name, I suppose. Waking up to that view? Priceless. You’d pull back the heavy curtains and there it was: the Doge’s Palace glowing in the morning light, maybe a faint salty whiff from the lagoon if the breeze was right. It’s a 3-star spot, so don’t expect marble spas or infinity pools – rooms are compact, with that classic Venetian vibe of polished wood floors that creak a bit underfoot and bathrooms that are functional but tight (watch your elbows in the shower). Breakfast was solid, though – served in a cozy ground-floor room with fresh cornetti, cappuccino that actually tasted like it came from a neighborhood bar, and views of the square starting to wake up. Well, sort of – the piazza gets noisy by 9 a.m. with tour groups, but evenings are magic, especially off-season in November when it’s quieter and you can hear the distant lap of water against the gondola moorings. We wandered out to nearby spots like Calle Larga XXII Marzo for shopping or grabbed gelato at that little place behind the Correr Museum – everything’s walkable, no need for taxis since, you know, Venice and cars don’t mix. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the back rooms, but hey, who comes to Venice to scroll Instagram all day?

All in all, if you’re after that immersive Venice experience without breaking the bank – it’s got an 8.4 rating for a reason – Best Windows is a gem. It’s not perfect; the location means dealing with peak-hour bustle, and prices spike in summer, but for a couple nights, it felt like home base in the heart of it all. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in spring when the square’s less crowded and you can linger over an Aperol spritz at a café table without the mobs. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you, those windows framing the soul of the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $171. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Marianna from Germany – 29 September 2023 (9/10)

  It was a very good choice! Best location! We can only recommend this hotel. Next time only in Best Window!
  The receptionist was very professional and polite! He helped us a lot.

• Damian from Ireland – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  The photo does not lie. You walk out of the door onto San Marco piazza. I had asked for this for our 40th wedding anniversary. I was worried that we'd be in a side street hotel where you book in hut then we went to a splendid suite of 2 rooms. Gorgeous!
  
  What could be improved: All I'd ask is that the bath had an actual plug as I couldn't make the plug mechanism work. Such a disappointment when there was a bath on offer.

• Elena from Switzerland – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Excellente location with good price and room. I loved stay in the room 709! The only problem was to find the entry, I spend 30 minutes to find it and returned 3 times to reception located at another place to ask help. The guy at that time at reception could not explain correctly the location and I was late for private excursions for 30 minutes. In addition he was not very patient. Therefore I was obliged to pay half an hour of private excursions more than I should. Please take a photo of entry room and show it to hotel guest when explaining the entry. », it will be so easy! The way you explained it to me was not correct: you said I need to go under the clocks than will be exchange office , then murano glass shop, then i need to turn the right and then I will see the entry. Actually guy who was explaining it to me explained from his point of view stating in front of me. And in addition you do not need to go under the clock and there are two murano shops on both side and Ou need ti turn left and not right. So I was already furious and paid 40 euros more to my guide for waiting for me. It was the only disappointing point of my stay. The guy at reception who was at lunch time and next day were very nice and I could leave my bag for safe before entering the room! Do not go under the clock the entry is shown on the photo

• David from United States – 26 March 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment location was fantastic! However, if you’re a light sleeper the clock may disturb your sleep. It did not bother me at all but it did effect my husband’s sleep.
  
  What could be improved: It was a little hard to find the hotel lobby where you pick up keys for the apartment. The man running the lobby desk was not friendly or helpful and acted as if we were a nuisance.

• William from United States – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location of the room
  
  What could be improved: Having to register and get the keys are in a different location. And the narrow and numerous ally ways/streets makes it difficult to find

• Dennis from United Kingdom – 21 February 2025 (7/10)

  Location & size of room. Extremely comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Check in was a bit of a struggle as you had to go do around the corner at a different hotel. To be fair this was clearly documented but still a bit of a faff. Staff were very pleasant though & brought us directly to the room, including carrying our luggage

• Marta from Hungary – 9 January 2025 (8/10)

  It was truly a great location
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was awfully simple, and the breakfast room was small and smelly for so many guests…

• Catherine from United Kingdom – 29 December 2024 (9/10)

  Unbelievable location in St Marks Square, and a lovely room with plenty of space.
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything about our experience and were grateful we got the chance to stay somewhere so iconic.

• Inés from Guatemala – 18 December 2024 (9/10)

  The location is amazing, and the view is breathtaking, the rooms were big and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Fridge was not working, but that’s it.

• Despoina from Greece – 4 December 2024 (7/10)

  location / view superb
  
  What could be improved: check-in in another building-no contact when it needed

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities