Biennale Palace R&R

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Biennale Palace R&R felt like one of those lucky finds in Venice that makes you feel like you’ve cracked the code on avoiding the tourist crush. I mean, it’s tucked away in this quiet little campiello – that’s Campiello Fianco la Chiesa, right off the beaten path in Castello – and honestly, after dragging my suitcase from the Arsenale vaporetto stop (which is just a five-minute walk, thank goodness, no bridges to haul over), I was relieved to find it so unassuming. The entrance is through this narrow alley that smells faintly of salt water and fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Via Garibaldi – you know, that lively street with the locals’ market where you can grab a cheap spritz and watch nonnas haggling over veggies. It’s not flashy at all, this 3-star spot, but that’s kind of its charm; the facade blends right in with the weathered ochre buildings, and when I checked in around midday, the owner – this chatty guy named Marco – handed me my key with a grin and a tip about the best time to hit the nearby Giardini della Biennale (early morning, before the art crowds descend, especially during exhibition season in summer).

What really won me over, though, was how the place nails that cozy, lived-in Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a sliver of canal – nothing grand like the Grand Canal views you pay a fortune for in San Marco, but it had this soft morning light filtering through lace curtains, and the bed was surprisingly comfy, with those thick duvets that make you want to linger (though, fair warning, the AC can be a bit noisy if you’re a light sleeper, especially in July’s humidity). Breakfast is served in this tiny courtyard – think fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and maybe some prosciutto if you’re lucky – and it’s included, which is a godsend when you’re budgeting for gondola rides. I spent afternoons wandering out to the Riva degli Schiavoni for that classic waterfront stroll, or popping into the hidden church of San Francesco della Vigna just a stone’s throw away; it’s one of those spots locals love for its quiet cloister, away from the Piazza San Marco madness. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and take the train in, but the hotel’s got a deal with a nearby luggage service if you need it.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venice without the inflated prices or the constant buzz – well, this is it. The 8.4 rating feels spot-on; it’s not perfect (the Wi-Fi can lag during peak hours, sort of like the vaporettos in rush hour), but for a relaxed base to explore Castello’s underrated gems, like the quirky bookshops on Salizada San Lio or sunset walks along the lagoon, it’s hard to beat. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in fall when the fog rolls in and everything feels a tad more magical – just pack light and embrace the narrow stairs, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $205. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Gabriel-alexandru from Romania – 22 March 2024 (9/10)

  The stay here was great, the location is close to 2 waterbus stops and it is in a very quiet area of Venice. The apartment was well equipped, the AC units worked great, everything was really clean and the bed and pillows were really amazing, had some great rest. The host Pietro was also very helpful, contacted us in time, met us for the check-in and to give us the keys and answered whenever we had questions. Really amazing place to stay, well worth the price.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing negative to say about this place!

• Mariola from United Kingdom – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  n/a
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Robert from France – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great location – very clean and quiet. Easy 10 minute walk to the Grand Canal and the vaporetto at Arsenale. We really appreciated the assistance from Pietro on the day of our arrival. He was in constant communication throughout the day and even met us at the boat dock to take us to the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Communications with the management company prior to our arrival in Venice could have been better.

• Robert from United States – 5 September 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: More attention to details in the apt. Were needed. The sink was plugged up, there were only 3 teaspoons, the coffee moka didn’t work on the induction stove, coffee capsules were the wrong size, the attachment on the dryer didn’t fit etc.

• Andrea from United Kingdom – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent base from which to explore Venice. Very peaceful location yet only a short walk to all the sights. Brilliant having 2 bathrooms and the kitchen was well appointed. Bedrooms were both a good size. Air conditioning was fab in the 30+ degree heat. Pietro from the rental company was great and very accommodating.

• Brandi from United States – 15 July 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was clean and comfortable and spacious. We were happy to have two bathrooms with showers and air condition in all the rooms. The host was very nice and helpful and there were nice restaurants about 5-10 mins walk.
  
  What could be improved: The distance to the city center was farther by foot than we realized, a vaporetto pass would have been good to have.

• Evangelos from United States – 6 July 2024 (9/10)

  Nice, comfortable and good location

• Ana from United States – 30 June 2024 (9/10)

  Gorgeous apartment

• Lesnny from United States – 23 June 2024 (9/10)

  Dishwasher and nice area close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Only thing is that the table was too big when you have the open sofa-bed. Other than that is a great place for families.

• Monique from United States – 29 January 2024 (9/10)

  I liked that the property was in a quiet area where locals lived. We felt safe. And the area close by had a supermarket, bar, restaurants, and a public waterbus stop all within 3-6 minutes walk.
  
  The apartment was extremely clean . Beds and pillows were very comfortable. It was tiny, but that is to be expected in Europe.
  
  Kitchenware was well stocked. And everything worked well (heater, stove, coffee machine,towel warmer, etc)
  
  What could be improved: I wouldn’t say it was a dislike, because I did appreciate the safety aspect of it all. But there are two keys, one for actual apartment and one for front door/ building entrance. Upon checking out you are to leave the apartment keys in the apartment but we then were locked in the building because we didn’t have a key to let us out of the building entrance. It was scary because we were stuck for a while and had to catch a waterbus and airplane shuttle. So before closing the keys in make sure the front building door is unlocked

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities