Biennale Venice Charme Apartment

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Arsenale – you know, that stop that’s always a bit less chaotic than San Zaccaria – and weaving my way through those narrow calles in Castello to find the Biennale Venice Charme Apartment. It’s tucked away in Corte de le Colonne, this quiet little courtyard off the beaten path, and honestly, after dodging the crowds around St. Mark’s, it felt like a breath of fresh air. No grand lobby or anything – just a sturdy wooden door on the second floor (mind the stairs, they’re steep but add to the old-Venice vibe), and the host met me right on time with a quick handover of keys and a few insider tips on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. The place is rated a solid 9.4 for a reason; it’s got that authentic four-star charm without trying too hard, you know? I mean, the exposed wooden beams and those terra-cotta floors immediately made me feel like I’d stumbled into a local’s home rather than some sterile rental.

What really won me over was how it blends right into the neighborhood – Castello’s the kind of district where you hear more Italian chatter than tour groups, especially in the evenings when folks spill out from spots like the nearby Osteria al Portego for aperitivo. The apartment itself is cozy, with a full kitchen that smelled faintly of fresh herbs from the market (pro tip: hit the Rialto early mornings for produce, it’s a 20-minute stroll away). The bedroom windows overlook the corte, so you get that soft echo of footsteps on stone and the occasional church bell – not too noisy, but lively enough to remind you you’re in Venice. I appreciated the little touches, like the Nespresso machine for morning coffee and the fluffy towels that actually felt luxurious after a day of walking. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is car-free Venice, but if you’re lugging bags, the walk from the vaporetto is doable, about 10 minutes, though it can feel longer in summer heat. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during peak hours, but nothing that ruined the stay – I just used it as an excuse to unplug and wander over to the Giardini della Biennale, which is literally steps away. If you’re into art, timing your visit during the Biennale season turns the whole area into this vibrant hub, with exhibits popping up everywhere.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that lets you live like a Venetian rather than just visit, this is it – well, sort of, because let’s be real, nothing beats the real thing, but it comes close. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the canals are quieter and you can snag a table at that hidden trattoria on Via Garibaldi without a wait. It’s not the flashiest, but that’s the point; it’s genuine, comfortable, and leaves you with stories, not just selfies. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $341. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Heike from Germany – 16 December 2023 (10/10)

  Friendly, thoughtful, perfect logistices and setting,.

• Aline from Italy – 18 November 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic location, quiet but very central. Spacious flat, well equipped and clean .
  The owner was very helpful and available to answer questions.

• Ghazala from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic location, close to tourist attractions and transport links but far enough to be nice and quiet and to feel like we were living with local Venetians. Very clean home with a well-equipped kitchen, had everything we needed. Comfortable beds and seating. Stylish decor.
  
  What could be improved: The air-con kept the bedrooms cool (though very noisy, had to use ear buds to sleep). No air-con in living area made it very uncomfortable to relax there. Leaving bedroom doors open helped to cool it slightly.
  Too many delicate ornaments everywhere and worry about accidentally damaging them.

• Jody from United States – 25 September 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely apartment close to a beautiful park, with lots of restaurants and other stores close by.

• Giulia from Italy – 5 September 2024 (10/10)

  Pulita, curata in ogni dettaglio, location perfetta, ospite gentile
  
  What could be improved: Niente

• Kim from Canada – 21 August 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful and great location
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything.

• Rebecca from United States – 15 August 2024 (10/10)

  The AC worked well and was need in the summer in Venice. The decorations were nice and made the apartment feel like home. Enzo was very generous with welcome drinks, snacks, and coffee. The washing machine worked well. The neighborhood was nice and quiet and close to the water bus stop.
  
  What could be improved: There were AC units in the bedrooms, but not in the living area. A fan was provided and this worked out for our group.

• Deidre from United States – 8 August 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment made you feel like a Venetian. Enzo was amazing – such a gracious host. We had friends who stayed in an apartment a couple of streets who were amazed at how well he took care of us (their experience didn’t compare). Truly amazing!
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t use the AC because we were literally leaving when we realized it wasn’t plugged in. That was our fault (LOL as the kids say).

• Thomas from United States – 1 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location and charm. Good air conditioning. Quiet. The owner is an excellent host over wifi and e-mail.
  
  What could be improved: 1. American travelers need to be reminded that our third floor is Europe’s second floor. That means a two story walk up to the apartment, not one.
  2. The beds are in bad shape. The bed to the left as you enter has an almost broken mattress. The other mattress is ridged at the jointer of,apparently, two mattresses. Sleeping comfortably is a key requirement.
  3. The number of written warnings pasted to the walls is excessive.
  4 The shower screen is not easy and the splash of water into the bathroom is undesirable.
  5 if these problems were addressed it would be a five star property.

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

  Enzo was a fantastic host, came all the way to pick us up and gave amazing recommendatio s

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities