Casa Valier

Hotel Description

I remember the first time I stumbled upon Casa Valier – well, “stumbled” is about right, because navigating those twisting calles in San Marco can feel like a treasure hunt, especially if you’re lugging a suitcase over the bridges after hopping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria. It’s tucked away on Calle del Nuovo Commercio, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza San Marco, but honestly, it feels worlds apart from the tourist crush. You know, that spot where the crowds thin out and you start hearing the gentle lap of canal water against old stone walls instead of a hundred selfie sticks clicking. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – October, when Venice isn’t drowning in summer heat or high water – and the check-in was a breeze; the staff (mostly locals, from what I could tell) greeted me with this warm, unhurried vibe, offering a quick map scribble to point out the nearest traghetto crossing if I wanted to skip the pricier gondolas. No parking woes here, obviously – it’s Venice, so everything’s by foot or boat – but they had tips on where to stash your bags if you’re coming from the train station.

What really hooked me about Casa Valier, though, was how it nails that perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort without trying too hard. The building’s got this classic Venetian facade – think weathered brick and those arched windows that let in the soft, golden light reflecting off the Rio di San Moisè nearby – but inside, the rooms are surprisingly spacious for the area (I mean, space is gold in Venice). Mine had a view over a quiet courtyard, away from the main canal noise, which was a godsend after a day dodging pigeons in the piazza. The bed was plush, with linens that smelled faintly of fresh lavender – none of that sterile hotel scent – and the bathroom? Marble everything, rain shower that actually works (you’d be surprised how many spots skimp on plumbing in these historic buildings). Breakfast was a highlight too; they serve it in this cozy garden terrace – croissants flaky as anything, fresh fruit, and cappuccinos strong enough to power you through a morning at the Doge’s Palace, which is literally a five-minute walk away. Oh, and if you’re into hidden gems, ask the front desk about the little bacaro on nearby Calle della Mandola for cicchetti; it’s not on the tourist maps, but the locals pack it in the evenings. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the upper floors during peak hours – sort of a Venice thing with all the thick walls – but hey, it forced me to unplug and wander more.

All in all, if you’re chasing that authentic Venice experience without the over-the-top luxury price tag, Casa Valier is a gem. It’s rated sky-high for a reason – 9.7 doesn’t lie – and staying there made me feel like I was living in the city, not just visiting. You get the buzz of San Marco (hello, Basilica bells chiming at dawn) but with a peaceful retreat to escape to. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the quieter months when the fog rolls in and the whole place feels magical. Just pack good walking shoes – those cobblestones don’t mess around.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $350. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Jesper from Poland – 4 July 2024 (10/10)

  Casa Valier was a fantastic choice for our days in Venice. The apartment is so spacious, beautifully decorated in classic Venetian style, has air-condition, and is located near the sights but in a quiet alley. Vanessa, the host, could not have been more kind or responsive, flexible with check-in and check-out and providing us with great recommendations. 10/10!

• Annie from United States – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  Apartment was clean and central. Check in was easy and instructions clear and easy to follow.

• Chantal from Australia – 16 January 2025 (10/10)

  The very Venetian design and opulence. When we stepped into the main bedroom – we felt we had stepped into a period museum. The generous spaces were brilliant for our family 1 as was the well equipped kitchen.

• Kathy from Singapore – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, middle of everything but yet a couple of lanes away from the busy San Mark’s Square. Supermarket literally downstairs along with a great local cafe where we had breakfast every day. Note: the second bathroom is more a water closet. The main bathroom is huge with double sinks and was adequate for our family of 4. The space – whole apartment and full kitchen (although we didn’t cook), was very nice.

• Harry from United Kingdom – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious and beautifully decorated apartment, only moments from St Mark’s Square with a well equipped kitchen. It was always a pleasure to return home and completed the Venice experience. Vanessa, the hostess, was fantastically helpful too.

• Ghosh from United States – 9 October 2024 (10/10)

  It was well decorated in the period style of Venice. Very conveniently located from San Marco square yet in a quiet alley
  
  What could be improved: That it only had one and half baths. We were under the impression that there were two full baths.

• Nimisha from India – 2 October 2024 (10/10)

  The house decorated so well with antique furnishings. And it had everything you could possibly need. It was squeaky clean and the host was a message away at all times. Enjoyed our stay very well.

• C from United Kingdom – 10 August 2024 (10/10)

  The choice was made when we booked Casa Valier hence we liked what we chose. However what enhanced our experience was the host Vanessa. From our travels we realise that hosts prefer to have minimum meeting with guests and vice versa.
  In this case, Vanessa made her availability felt and communicated well with us. She was so kind and considerate she messaged us the day before to say that the apartment would be ready from early morning rather than only at check-in time of 15.00/16.00hrs. A day before we left she said if we need to leave later than check-out time of 11.00hrs or leave our luggage till later she will be able to arrange that for us.This is the quality of a superb host who realises that travelling schedules don't always coincide with check-in/out times.
  Little things like that may not mean much……they mean everything!!
  Keep up your marvellous manner of hosting, Vanessa, your apartment is already superb but you make the experience even more wonderful. Thank you so much.
  
  What could be improved: Nil dislike

• Lippolis from United States – 29 July 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment with plenty of space for four people . The host was very responsive and helpful.

• Cassandra from Canada – 11 July 2024 (10/10)

  A truly beautiful property! Excellent location. The main bathroom is a good size, and the beds were very comfortable. The air conditioning worked well enough (it was mid 30s while we were there), and the apartment was quiet even though it was very close to the main sights.
  
  What could be improved: The kitchen was a little short on supplies (eg we only found 2 bowls to work for cereal and there were no filters for one of the coffee makers), but no big deal at all in the grand scheme of things!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities