Bricola Biennale Apartments

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Bricola Biennale Apartments kind of by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer hordes descended. I’d taken the vaporetto from Santa Lucia station to the Arsenale stop – you know, that quick 20-minute ride along the Grand Canal that always feels like a mini adventure – and then it was just a short wander down Calle Schiavona in the Castello sestiere. Honestly, this part of town is a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of the San Marco circus; it’s got that lived-in vibe with locals chatting in the campos and little shops selling fresh pasta, but you’re still close enough to hop over to the Biennale gardens for a quiet stroll – especially magical during the art festival when everything buzzes with creativity. The building itself is tucked into one of those narrow, winding alleys that make Venice feel like a maze, and check-in was a breeze – no fancy lobby, just a friendly host who met me at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (pro tip: download a translation app if your Italian’s as rusty as mine). I mean, parking? Forget it, this is Venice – leave your car on the mainland and embrace the walking (or water bus) life.

Stepping inside my apartment – well, it was more like a cozy studio with a kitchenette that actually worked, which is a godsend when you’re craving a homemade espresso instead of overpriced café fare. The place has that classic Venetian charm: exposed wooden beams overhead, terracotta floors that are cool underfoot even on warmer days, and windows overlooking the calle where you can hear the faint lap of canal water and the occasional gondolier humming in the distance. Sensory-wise, it’s all there – the faint salty tang from the lagoon mixing with whatever’s baking at the panificio around the corner on Via Garibaldi, which is just a five-minute walk away and perfect for grabbing croissants at dawn. The bed was comfy enough, though the bathroom’s on the snug side (sort of typical for these old buildings), and there’s no elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor. Noise levels? Surprisingly peaceful at night, especially compared to the racket near Rialto; you might hear church bells from San Pietro di Castello in the morning, but it’s more atmospheric than annoying. And during high season, like July, the area stays relatively mellow – no throngs blocking your path, which lets you actually explore spots like the Arsenale shipyard without feeling herded.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to live like a local rather than just visit – maybe cook up some risotto with ingredients from the Rialto market (a 15-minute vaporetto away) or unwind on the tiny balcony with a spritz – Bricola’s a solid pick. It’s not luxurious, sure, with its 3-star setup and the occasional creaky floorboard, but that 8.1 rating feels spot-on for the value; I paid way less than those glossy hotels in Dorsoduro and got way more authenticity. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-peak when Venice feels like your own secret – just watch out for acqua alta in fall, and bring comfy shoes for all that cobblestone wandering.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $106. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Ahmet from Turkey – 25 September 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment was really clean and you can access necessary facilities easily. The host has given all important and needed informations. It was enough for everything. We can say that it is close to center of Venice. It is about 15 mins to arrive San Marco square.
  
  Security and safety were enough and acceptable.
  
  What could be improved: The cooker was broken. We couldn’t use it. But it wasn’t a problem.

• Ascencion from Australia – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  The property manager was super nice, and even provided advise on places to visit. The location was great and easy to move around. yet quiet at night. There was a washing machine and soap which was a great add-on as we were travelling for a few weeks.

• Alina from Netherlands – 26 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location was perfect for the Biennale, the luxury of an apartment was great, close to restaurants and shops, but quiet enough of a local experience.
  
  What could be improved: Some items in the kitchen could use an update, as well as the staining on the sheets.

• Craig from United Kingdom – 18 September 2024 (9/10)

  We loved how quiet it was from the hustle and bustle of it being the busiest time of the year. We loved the location as its not far to the centre. It was well equipped and the bed was soooo comfortable and all felt clean and cool in the apartment. Lovely stay
  
  What could be improved: Just that the shower was abit small and poor lighting in there.

• Catalina from Argentina – 20 July 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful and comfortable place!

• Richard from Australia – 15 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great location away from the main busy part of Venice & Enrico was lovely and assisted us with transport.
  
  What could be improved: Great space with kitchen and washing machine

• Miki from New Zealand – 12 July 2024 (8/10)

  It was ideal as away from hustle and bustle.
  
  What could be improved: It would be good if it had a coffee machine and a outdoor clothes line.

• Heike from South Africa – 17 June 2024 (8/10)

  Location – out of the busy congested areas but still close (especially to the biennale)-
  Apartment was well equipped and host was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Very dark apartment inside

• Rumleskie from Canada – 15 June 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic place to stay. Large kitchen area with fridge and cooktop.
  So close to coffee shops and markets.
  
  What could be improved: The first day and a half there was a terrible smell from the toilet.

• Schall from United States – 15 June 2024 (9/10)

  It was in the cutest area, the AC worked great, and our host was so welcoming!!
  
  What could be improved: The beds could definitely be more comfortable

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities