Castello Apartment with Garden R&R

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon the Castello Apartment with Garden R&R felt like uncovering one of those hidden gems in Venice that only locals whisper about – it’s tucked away on Salizada de le Gate in the Castello sestiere, right where the narrow calli start to feel more lived-in and less like a postcard. I mean, you’re not smack in the middle of the San Marco chaos with its endless tour groups and overpriced gelato stands; instead, you’re in a neighborhood that’s got that authentic Venetian vibe, with old nonnas hanging laundry from windows and the occasional whiff of fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Via Garibaldi. When I first arrived – dragging my suitcase over the uneven pavestones after hopping off the vaporetto at Arsenale – the place immediately struck me as a breath of fresh air. It’s rated a solid 8.7 for good reason, and honestly, as a 4-star spot, it punches above its weight without trying too hard to be fancy. The check-in was a breeze; the host met me right at the door with a warm “benvenuto” and a quick rundown of the keys – no stuffy lobby wait, just straight into the apartment, which is more like a cozy home than a sterile hotel room.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I say this as someone who’s stayed in a dozen Venice spots over the years – is that private garden. Oh man, it’s a little oasis, especially in a city where green space is about as rare as a quiet gondola ride. Picture this: you step out back in the morning, coffee in hand, and there’s this shaded courtyard with potted lemon trees rustling in the breeze, maybe a cat slinking by from the neighbor’s (Venice is full of them, you know). The apartment itself is spacious for Venice standards – think high ceilings with those classic wooden beams, a kitchenette that’s actually functional if you want to whip up some pasta from the market at Rialto (just a 15-minute walk away, by the way, dodging the occasional delivery boat horn on the way). Beds are comfy, linens fresh, and the bathroom’s got that modern touch with rainfall showers – no complaints there. But fair warning, it’s an old building, so the stairs might creak a bit, and if you’re here during high season in summer, you might hear faint echoes from the nearby Giardini della Biennale crowds during art festival time. Still, it’s blissfully quiet at night compared to the buzzier areas, and parking? Well, forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car on the mainland and embrace the water taxis. I spent evenings out there in the garden, listening to the distant lap of canal water and the bells from San Pietro di Castello church, feeling like I’d escaped the tourist grind.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to experience Venice like a local – wandering to hidden spots like the Arsenale’s naval museum or grabbing cicchetti at a bacaro on Campo San Lorenzo – this apartment is a winner. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty if everyone’s streaming at once, and you might need to stock up on bug spray for those garden mosquitos in July. But honestly, for the price and the R&R it promises (and delivers), I’d book it again in a heartbeat. It’s that rare spot where you can unwind after a day of bridge-hopping, maybe with a glass of prosecco under the stars, and wake up feeling like you’ve got the real Venice all to yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $278. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Superb – Kelli from United States – 7 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very nice and a good location

• Venice – Nezar from Bahrain – 27 August 2024 (9/10)

  very nice unit. very friendly check in process
  
  What could be improved: Venice has its own style .. if you have big no. of luggage then you may need to look to a place near the canals as this one a bit inside
  As a general comment. weather during August is Hot and Sunny in Venice

• Great stay with an excellent host. – Sarah from United States – 20 August 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great, not in the center of activity but close enough to see the sights easily.

• Great stay in new, clean and cool appartment. – Edwin from Netherlands – 12 August 2024 (9/10)

  The location, close to the city centre but not in the city centre, was great. It's a short 10 minute walk from the water(boat) to the appartment. The appartment has really all the facilities. The airconditioning was working very wel (three units, each room has it's own). It can be hot in the city, so coming home in a cool appartment was worth a lot for us.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing to complain about.

• This apartment was perfect in every way; comfort, cleanliness, location and gorgeous! – Liusmila from United States – 10 July 2024 (10/10)

  I absolutely loved this apartment. The host met me at the apartment and explained everything, took pictures of our passports and gave us the keys. Although you have to practice moving the key a bit to unlock snd lock the door, you end up getting the hang of it. The decor was stunning! So tastefully decorated. The layout of the place was perfect. Our two teenage kids slept in one room and had their own bathroom and we had the other room with our own bathroom. The beds were so comfortable. The water temperature was awesome. The kitchen had everything you’d need (although we only used the refrigerator) I wish it would have come with a chef. lol. Having a washer to wash our clothe came so in handy. They even had detergent. We hung the clothe to try and also put it on the rack. The air conditioning worked great; we were cold. It was located in a beautiful little area with things like restaurants and little markets nearby. Yet it was only about 12 minutes to St. Marks square. I loved everything about it and would definitely recommend it to so many! I can’t forget it was very, very clean!! That is most important for me.
  
  What could be improved: Well definitely if we had a chef cooking breakfast. That would have been spectacular! Lol!! Truly there was nothing wrong with the place…

• A wonderful location for some privacy, but also close walking distance to popular destinations. – Wendyo from United States – 2 February 2024 (10/10)

  The location was great! The apartment was perfect for what we needed (family of 5). The host was very kind and helpful in suggesting ideas. We also enjoyed the small restaurant/bar a few steps away where some of the local would hang out. It was easy for us to walk to many of the destinations on our list. Would definitely stay again.

• Great – Annette from Australia – 13 January 2024 (9/10)

  Location , size
  
  What could be improved: No kettle, lock difficult to use, tv in bedroom not working

• Exceptional – Andrija from Serbia – 30 December 2023 (10/10)

  The location was perfect, near the centre but not crowded. The apartment is cleand with spatious rooms and two bathrooms. It had all the amenitites we needed for our stay. Everything was great, and the host helped us with all we needed.

• Great location and lovely apartment in Venice – Laurie from United States – 1 August 2024 (8/10)

  Beautifully decorated and plenty of space. We enjoyed the outdoor terrazza.
  
  What could be improved: WiFi did not work

• The property was fine, but unfortunately, no wifi for two days access was difficult due to faulty locks, no towels for k – John from Australia – 24 August 2024 (7/10)

  Good location, great place to stay
  
  What could be improved: Everyday items missing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities