Blu Suite

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that stop right by the Bridge of Sighs – and weaving through those narrow calli in Castello to find Blu Suite. It’s tucked away on Calle Dei Preti, this quiet little alley that’s honestly a godsend after the chaos of San Marco. Venice can feel like a maze if you’re not used to it, but once you spot the unassuming entrance, it’s like exhaling after holding your breath all day. I arrived in late spring, when the canals start smelling a bit briny but the crowds aren’t peak yet, and the check-in was a breeze – the staff, these friendly locals who speak great English, handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby gelato spot (it’s Gelateria Nico, by the way, just a 10-minute stroll toward the Arsenale). No massive lobby or anything flashy; it’s a 3-star spot, so expect that cozy, lived-in vibe with creaky wooden floors that whisper stories from who knows how many centuries ago.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that old-Venice charm with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable. My room – well, suite, I guess, though it’s more like a spacious apartment with a kitchenette – overlooked a tiny courtyard where you could hear distant church bells from San Giorgio dei Greci in the mornings. The beds are firm but comfy, the kind that don’t leave you aching after a day of pounding pavements, and there’s air conditioning that hums softly, which is clutch in humid summers. Honestly, the bathroom was a bit on the small side, with that classic Italian shower setup where you have to dodge the curtain, but the hot water was reliable, and they stock decent toiletries that don’t smell like cheap soap. I loved grabbing breakfast in the little on-site cafe – fresh cornetti and cappuccino, nothing gourmet, but it beats overpriced tourist traps. And location-wise, you’re steps from the Biennale gardens if you’re into art (go during the exhibition season for that buzz), or you can hop a boat to the Lido for a beach day. Oh, and a tip: if you’re traveling light, it’s perfect – no elevators in these old buildings, so pack accordingly. Noise? Minimal, especially at night when the alley quiets down, though you might hear the occasional gondola serenade echoing from the nearby rio.

All in all, with its 8.2 rating, Blu Suite feels like a smart pick for folks who want authentic Venice without the wallet-draining prices of those fancy spots on the Grand Canal. I mean, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty during busy times, and if you’re picky about modern luxuries, you might miss a gym or spa – but that’s Venice for you. It’s the kind of place where you wake up feeling like you’re part of the neighborhood, sipping espresso while watching locals head to work. If you’re visiting in shoulder season, like fall when the fog rolls in and everything gets that misty glow, it’s even better – fewer people, more magic. I’d go back in a heartbeat; it’s got that understated appeal that sticks with you long after you’ve left the lagoon.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $113. Triple Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $136. Deluxe Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $170. Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $168. Triple Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Superb – Jane from Australia – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, very welcoming and clean apartment. We enjoyed our stay here. 😊

• Recommended! – Maria from United Kingdom – 5 July 2025 (8/10)

  I like that the hotel is just near with the tourist spot and walkable!
  
  What could be improved: it was very hot during our stay , the air conditioning is not working properly as the room was still warm, we only stayed for 1day so it wasn't really a problem.

• Would definitely return. – Cheryl from United Kingdom – 24 June 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location. Superior triple room looking over canal. Large , modern bathroom and two double beds . Very clean. Beds very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Two flights of stairs but no problem for us at all .

• Good in general – Jéssica from Ireland – 9 June 2025 (7/10)

  Super friendly staff. Bathroom recently renovated, good shower, everything clean.
  
  What could be improved: AC was not cold enough even in the minimum temperature.

• Friendly staff , room and facilities good , great location – Stephen from Australia – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location, clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Beautiful stay near the beautiful canal – John from Qatar – 17 May 2025 (8/10)

  Room and Location
  Room was huge. We stayed in Rm 202 just overlooking the beautiful canal. The property is close to restaurants, ATM, police, small grocery, and especially to San Marco square.
  
  Customer Service
  Anisa was responsive and always checking if everything was in order.
  
  What could be improved: Just a few feedback for improvement, if you may:
  • the fridge is so small, may be next size bigger would be appropriate
  • microwave for reheating food is always necessity
  • some cutleries like fork, spoon, bread knives for those who want to eat in the room
  • some shelves in the toilet for toiletries and towels
  • please inform ahead that there are no elevator available
  
  Other than the above, we don't have any complaints. We enjoyed our stay.

• Great location, staff and clean facilities. – Terence from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff and clean facilities. Location was great.

• Definitely would visit again – Sam from United Kingdom – 15 April 2025 (9/10)

  Wonderful location – great views and we were made very welcome

• Good location nice views from room windows – Alyson from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location very good. Friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Separate but private bathroom. Key for bathroom door tricky to work at times. Very clean.

• Very good – Steven from United States – 8 April 2025 (8/10)

  AC and location was great!!
  
  What could be improved: Separate bathroom although private.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities