Biennale Art 1886

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Biennale Art 1886 almost by accident last summer – well, not really by accident, but you know how Venice works, with its maze of alleys that can turn a quick walk into an adventure. I’d hopped off the vaporetto at Arsenale, dodging the usual throng of day-trippers with their gelato cones melting in the heat, and wandered down Via Garibaldi, that lively strip with its mix of local grocers and unpretentious osterias where you can grab a spritz for a couple euros. The hotel’s tucked away on Campo Ruga, a quiet little square that’s mercifully off the main tourist drag, but close enough to the action that you feel connected without the constant buzz. Honestly, arriving there felt like stepping into a hidden pocket of old Venice – the building’s got this charming 19th-century facade, all faded ochre walls and wrought-iron balconies, and inside, the lobby smells faintly of polished wood and fresh espresso from the breakfast bar. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who speak that rapid-fire Venetian dialect – handed over my key with a smile and a tip about the best nearby cicchetti spot (try the baccalà mantecato at that tiny bar on Riva degli Schiavoni, it’s divine). No parking hassles, obviously, since cars are a non-issue here, but if you’re lugging bags from the train station, it’s about a 20-minute stroll or a short water bus ride, which is way better than schlepping through San Marco’s crowds.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s stayed in a dozen Venetian spots over the years – is how it weaves in that artistic vibe without feeling forced. The name nods to the Biennale, and during the art fair season (odd years, like 2023, when the pavilions are packed), it’s perfectly positioned; you’re just a five-minute walk from the Giardini, where all the installations spill out into the gardens. My room was on the second floor, overlooking the campo – compact, sure, like most in Venice (don’t expect sprawling suites unless you’re splurging elsewhere), but with these high ceilings and original terrazzo floors that add a touch of history. The bed was comfy, sheets crisp and cool against the humid air, and there’s a little balcony where I sipped my morning coffee listening to the distant hum of boats on the lagoon. Amenities are solid for a 4-star: free Wi-Fi that actually works (a rarity in these old buildings), a minibar stocked with local wines, and a bathroom with rain showers that rinse off the day’s sweat nicely. One minor gripe? The air conditioning can be a bit noisy at night, especially in peak summer when the canals get that briny whiff – but earplugs sorted it, and honestly, it’s a small price for the authenticity.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want something more than a generic chain hotel, this is it – that 9.2 rating isn’t hype; it’s earned from folks like me who appreciate the blend of comfort and character. It’s quiet in the evenings, away from the Campo San Polo party scene, but you can easily pop over to Dorsoduro for galleries or hop a vaporetto to the islands. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just visited – and isn’t that what travel’s all about? Book it for the off-season if you can; winters are magical here, with misty mornings and fewer crowds, making the whole experience even more intimate.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $243. Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Unbelievable host. Great location. Beautiful apartment. – Sheldon from United Kingdom – 11 June 2024 (10/10)

  The property was well located and exactly as the pictures appeared. The host, Giansergio, communicated to an unbelievable standard and was always willing to answer questions and provide great recommendations (highly recommend going to the restaurants in his welcome book with various tips, tricks and recommendations).
  
  The apartment was clean, tidy and beautiful. It is clear the Giansergio takes great pride in his apartment and his guests experience through simple things like providing bottled water, a bottle of champagne, slippers and basic toiletries.

• Lovely place – Ioana-alexandra from Romania – 6 April 2024 (10/10)

  The stay was PERFECT. Firstly, I want to say that the host, Dott. G. Borella was amazing, responding very promptly to any questions or issues we had. The apartment was clean and well equipped with everything you need. The checkin process was very easy, as well as leaving our luggage after check out, everything was taken care of from arriving until leaving. The location is great with a lot of great restaurant nearby, away from the tourist crowds. I highly recommend this place without any doubt. Thank you for a perfect stay!☺️

• Hidden pearl in Venice! – Kristel from Estonia – 26 April 2023 (9/10)

  very stylish and artistic looking! modern and old at the same time!

• A gem in Venice! – Sonali from Germany – 9 January 2023 (10/10)

  A gem in Venice! This artsy apartment is located away from the chaos in the city yet very well connected to the city centre by foot an public transport. The apartment was clean and comfortable and the host was very helpful. Smooth check-in process remotely managed by the host.
  
  What could be improved: The kitchen is very basic but includes a fridge, coffee machine and utensils. You can not cook in the flat but there of plenty of options nearby to eat outside at local prices.

• Very good – Sylvia from Austria – 30 July 2022 (8/10)

  The location for visiting Biennale.
  The interior design is artful and creative.
  
  What could be improved: There is no kitchen.

• Very good – Agnieszka from Poland – 22 August 2022 (8/10)

  Very good location – not busy with tourists and 10 mins walk to the ferry station. The apartament is very spacious and has cafe machine and small fridge. Air condition and wifi.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment wasn't cleaned for 10 days. The fridge has stopped working after 2 or 3 days and couldn't use it almost by the end of my 10 days stay. I had a problem with keys and opening the apartament door.

• Gelegen abseits der Touristenströme, perfekt für eine “Venedig einmal anders”-Reise – Martin from Austria – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Das Apartment ist klein, aber sehr fein. Sehr liebevolle Einrichtung und sehr sauber. Der Host hatte sich sehr gekümmert und war sehr hilfreich.
  
  What could be improved: Alles sehr gut.

• Schön. – Andrea from Germany – 31 October 2024 (9/10)

  Sehr schön möbliert, sehr freundlicher Gastgeber, der hilfreiche Tips für Restaurants pp gab. Sehr schöner Blick über Arsenale
  
  What could be improved: Treppenhaus für ältere Menschen nur bedingt geeignet

• Exceptional – Thomas from Germany – 16 October 2023 (10/10)

  Eine wunderschöne kleine Wohnung in Castello. Ideal gelegen für den Besuch der Biennale.
  Der Vermieter ist freundlich und hilfsbereit. Jederzeit gerne wieder!

• aussergewöhnlich liebevoll prima – Manuela from Switzerland – 14 May 2023 (10/10)

  wunderschönes Appartement mit viel Liebe eingerichtet und sehr kunstvoll

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