Casa Marco Polo

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Rialto – you know, that bustling stop where the Grand Canal feels like it’s pulsing with life – and weaving through those narrow calli toward Campo del Milion. It’s one of those tucked-away squares in San Polo that most tourists zip right past, but honestly, it’s got this quiet charm, especially early in the morning before the day-trippers flood in. Casa Marco Polo sits right there, in what feels like a slice of old Venice – actually, it’s said to be near where Marco Polo himself lived, which adds this cool historical vibe without trying too hard. I arrived a bit sweaty from the summer heat (Venice in July, what was I thinking?), and the check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly local guy named Luca who handed over the key with a quick tip on avoiding the crowds by hitting the nearby fish market at dawn. The building’s facade is all weathered stone and arched windows, blending right into the neighborhood, and stepping inside, there’s this faint scent of aged wood and fresh linen that immediately makes you feel like you’ve escaped the tourist chaos.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world feel with stuff that actually matters when you’re traveling. My room – well, suite, I guess – overlooked the campo, with these massive wooden beams overhead and a bed that was ridiculously comfortable, like sinking into a cloud after a day of pounding pavements. No elevator, mind you (it’s a historic building, so stairs it is – a bit of a workout if you’ve got heavy bags), but the views made up for it: you could hear the soft lap of canal water from the Rio di San Polo just around the corner, and at night, it’s surprisingly quiet for being so central. Breakfast was a highlight – served in this cozy courtyard with vines creeping up the walls – think fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake the dead, all while chatting with other guests about hidden spots like the little bacaro bars in nearby Campo San Giacomo. The staff knows their stuff too; one evening, they pointed me toward a shortcut to the Rialto Bridge that skips the main throng, saving me from elbowing through selfie sticks. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s solid – important if you’re like me and need to upload photos without cursing under your breath.

Look, if you’re after that authentic Venice experience without the gimmicks, Casa Marco Polo is it. It’s not perfect – the rooms can feel a tad compact if you’re spreading out with souvenirs, and during high season, you might hear the occasional gondola serenade echoing from the canal – but that’s Venice for you, right? I mean, with a 9.9 rating, it’s clear others feel the same. Staying here made me appreciate the slower side of the city, like wandering to the Erbaria market for fresh fruit or catching a sunset vaporetto ride back. If you’re planning a trip, book it – especially off-peak in spring or fall when the squares empty out and it feels like your own private corner of La Serenissima. You won’t regret it; I sure didn’t.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $494. Apartment with 2 extra-large double beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Alma from Mexico – 17 July 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment was big and very clean ,the A/C unit worked perfectly, we had plenty of towels, wine glasses, big beds and Claudia, our host went out of her way to make our stay extra special. She even greeted us with a bottle of Prosseco, so we all sat outside and toasted while we saw happy families ride the Gondolas right outside our terrace. Thank you for everything Claudia 🌷
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect 👌🏻

• Atal from Turkey – 16 March 2025 (10/10)

  The aura was amazing!! Besides that our host Claudia is beyond that:) for sure we will come again ❤️

• Vasanthi from United States – 5 January 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic host. Claudia is amazing. The location is perfect. Having drinks and matching the gondola go by is simply amazing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dorian from United States – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  The owner met us at the dock and welcomed us to her property. It was a great space and a great location. The owner explained everything to us. She took great care of us. We can't wait to go back again!

• Michael from United Kingdom – 2 December 2024 (10/10)

  The charm, the location, the calm yet so central, and how special it is.
  Last but not least, Claudia, the host, who was so helpful throughout; a real gem!
  Thank you!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Leslie from United States – 30 November 2024 (10/10)

  Our host Claudia was lovely. Very helpful at all times.

• Stevie from United States – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Not a thing

• Porfirio from United States – 16 November 2024 (10/10)

  The owner, a very pleasant lady named Carmen, personally handed the keys to us and was waiting for our arrival at the time I told her I would arrive.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, Carmen and her husband were wonderful.

• Michelle from United States – 7 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great. Love how you are in the heart of the city and walking distance to everything we did. The host was very nice and helpful.

• Robertson from New Zealand – 29 October 2024 (10/10)

  This is a fantastic apartment!! The location is excellent and it is surprisingly quiet given the central location. It is right on the canal with a private jetty, which seemed to be quite unique – it felt like a true Venice experience. The hosts are absolutely fantastic, they are so accommodating and offered to assist with any tour bookings and reservations we wanted. I highly recommend boking this apartment!!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities