Biennale Family Apartment in Venice

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Biennale Family Apartment during a trip to Venice last summer, right when the Biennale art exhibition was in full swing – honestly, if you’re timing your visit around that, this place is a godsend. Tucked away on Fondamenta Riello in the Castello district, it’s not smack in the middle of the San Marco chaos with all those pigeon-chasing tourists, but close enough to wander over to the Arsenale or Giardini della Biennale in about 10 minutes on foot. I remember arriving by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station – you hop off at the Celestia stop, and it’s just a short stroll along the canal, with that salty lagoon scent mixing with fresh bread from the little bakery on Via Garibaldi nearby. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian setups, all weathered brick and wooden shutters, and checking in was a breeze; the host met me right at the door with keys and a quick rundown – no fuss, no long lines like at those big hotels. Inside, it’s more like a cozy home than a sterile room – spacious enough for a family (we had four of us, including kids), with a full kitchen that saved us a fortune on meals. I mean, whipping up pasta with ingredients from the Rialto market beat eating out every night, especially when the apartment’s balcony overlooks this quiet rio where you can hear the gentle lap of water against the stones at dusk.

What really sold me, though, was how it felt authentically Venetian without trying too hard – you know, the kind of place where you wake up to church bells from San Pietro di Castello echoing softly, not blaring horns or crowds. It’s rated 9.2 for a reason; the beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just my imagination after a day of walking), and there’s decent Wi-Fi for planning your next vaporetto route. Sure, there are a few stairs to climb – no elevator, which is par for the course in old Venice buildings – and if you’re there in high season, the nearby streets can get a bit lively with art-goers spilling out from the exhibitions, but it quiets down by evening. We loved grabbing gelato from that unassuming spot on Campo San Lorenzo, just a five-minute walk away, or popping into the local osteria for cicchetti – those tiny Venetian tapas that pair perfectly with a spritz. Parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so leave the car on the mainland and embrace the boat life. Oh, and if you’re traveling with little ones, the apartment’s layout gives everyone space to spread out – no cramped hotel vibes here.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venice life rather than the glossy postcard version, this 4-star gem in Castello is worth every euro. It’s not perfect – the bathroom’s on the smaller side, and you might hear the occasional seagull squawk at dawn – but that’s what makes it feel lived-in and genuine. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the canals are misty and the whole area feels like your own secret corner of the city. Trust me, you’ll leave with stories, not just selfies.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $271. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Sheila from United States – 21 June 2024 (10/10)

  Michela was an excellent host, very attentive with helping arrange airport pick-up and giving easy instructions for public transportation. Apartment was perfect for a family of 5. Nice kitchen (with the cutest little dishwasher), washing machine, etc. Very clean. I loved the location. Easy enough to walk to the Grand Canal and all the sites, but in a non-touristy part of the island. Perfect!
  
  What could be improved: It was all wonderful.

• Jane from Australia – 9 February 2025 (9/10)

  Simple , clean, comfortable apartment in an excellent location. Friendly, timely and helpful communication from our host before and during our stay.
  
  What could be improved: Not a problem for us, but the 3 flights of stairs might be difficult for some people.

• Jeffrey from United States – 12 September 2024 (9/10)

  The property is adjacent to the city garden and promenade.
  It is an easy 15’ stroll to get piazza San Marco and ferry to Murano.
  
  What could be improved: Updated remotes to the AC and TV would be a plus.

• Aisling from Ireland – 2 July 2023 (9/10)

  Lovely spacious kitchen/ living room area.
  Fabulous shower and the air conditioning was a welcome respite from the heat.
  
  Michela went out of her way to provide us with baby equipment and she provided us with lots of useful information and recommendations about the area.

• Peta from Australia – 27 June 2023 (10/10)

  Excellent host, beautiful and clean apartment in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Aram from Armenia – 17 April 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment is well furnished and designed, very convenient facilities, everything is taken care of. The area around is great: it is safe and silent on one hand, but is also easy to reach and has a wide walking street a minute of walk away with shops, restaurants, bars and bakeries that leads towards the sea. Beds are super comfortable. Overall a perfect place to stay in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: It was not apparent from the description that the apartment is on the 3rd floor. That was a bit of challenge for my elderly mother. Otherwise nothing to complain about.

• Ross from Germany – 22 February 2023 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment, fantastic location with views of the canals out of each window with everything you'd ever need for a wonderful holiday. The host was very attentive and nothing was too much trouble, I would recommend and we will certainly be visiting again soon. Thank you Michela.

• Georgia from United Kingdom – 1 November 2022 (9/10)

  Excellent location, close to shops in a quieter location than central Venice. The flat was spotless clean, the beds very comfortable and spacious rooms for a family of 6. Michaella was only a message away with very good advise on local area.

• Trevor from Canada – 9 August 2022 (10/10)

  You absolutely MUST stay here if you want a glimpse of "real" Venice. This apartment is away from the crowds, in a part of Venice that still feels authentic and yet is close to grocery stores, a bakery, restaurants… even a fresh fruit and vegetable boat in the mornings! After walking through every neighborhood in Venice, we came to the conclusion that this apartment is in the most beautiful of all of them.
  It's situated on the edge of an extremely picturesque canal in a jumble of delightful alleyways filled with hanging laundry. You really get the sense that this is where local people live. The view from the master bedroom is of a cute, clean canal and the red-tiled roofs of the neighborhood. I literally squealed with delight upon opening the window. Actually, I squealed with delight the entire walk to the apartment after getting off of the Vaporetto – it's just so pretty. Biennale is everything we ever dreamed Venice could be but had been told was taken over by tourism. The real Venice lives on in this neighborhood!
  The apartment itself is a lovely haven after a busy day of sightseeing. The AC was wonderful and is in every room. The beds are very comfortable. There are great room-darkening shutters in each room. The bathroom is spacious and modern and the kitchen is very lovely. It was so nice to have a little living area to relax in as well. The fact that there was a washing machine and laundry line was fabulous.
  The host was extremely helpful and provided lots of information on the area. She answered any questions we had immediately via whatsapp.
  This apartment is very well located for taking the Vaporetto to Lido island, Murano Island, and up the Grand Canal as well as to the bus/train station and rental car area of Venice. It's an easy 20-minute walk to St. Mark's Square and yet you feel a world away from the crowds you'll find there.

• Stefanie from Germany – 4 June 2022 (10/10)

  The location of the apartment is perfect. Castello is very pretty, great local touch. Its only a 20 minute walk to the center of Venice. The owner Michela is a very caring host!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities