Central Apartment

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Central Apartment during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring, right when the crowds were starting to thicken but the air still had that crisp, salty bite from the lagoon. It’s tucked away on Calle Tasca in the Castello district – not the flashy San Marco side, but that quieter, more lived-in part of town where you can actually hear locals chatting over espresso instead of just tour groups shuffling by. I mean, getting there was a bit of a maze; I hopped off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria and wandered through those narrow calli, dodging the occasional delivery cart – no cars in Venice, obviously, which is a blessing and a curse if you’re lugging a suitcase. But honestly, once I found the place at number 5389, it felt like uncovering a hidden gem. The building’s this charming old palazzo with weathered stone steps and those classic wooden shutters that creak just a little in the breeze. Check-in was a breeze – the host met me right on time, handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood spots, like that tiny bakery around the corner on Calle del Dose where they do the best fritelle during Carnival season. It’s rated a solid 9.6 for a reason, you know? Four stars, but it doesn’t scream luxury; it’s more like staying in a friend’s well-kept apartment, with that authentic Venetian vibe – think exposed beams and terracotta floors that feel cool underfoot after a day of pounding the pavements.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that central spot without the chaos. You’re a stone’s throw from the Arsenale – I walked there in under 10 minutes for the Biennale exhibits, which were buzzing but not overwhelming in May – and it’s easy to nip over to Riva degli Schiavoni for a sunset stroll along the water, where the smell of fried seafood from the street vendors mixes with the canal’s briny tang. The apartment itself? Spacious for Venice standards, with a kitchenette that actually had decent pots and pans – I whipped up a simple pasta one night using stuff from the Rialto market, which is just a 15-minute jaunt away if you avoid the peak tourist hours. The bed was comfy, sheets fresh and crisp, and there’s AC that hums quietly, a godsend in the humid summers. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful; the alley’s off the main drag, so you get more of that gentle lapping of water against boats than blaring horns or partiers – well, except maybe during the Festa del Redentore in July, when fireworks light up the whole area. Oh, and a minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty if everyone’s streaming at once, but hey, that’s Venice for you – forces you to unplug and wander. I appreciated the little touches, like the fresh towels and that welcome bottle of prosecco chilling in the fridge; it made settling in feel personal, not cookie-cutter.

All in all, if you’re after a place that lets you live like a local without skimping on comfort, Central Apartment is a no-brainer. It’s not the glitzy hotel scene – sort of the opposite, actually – but that’s what makes it special for repeat visitors like me who want to escape the San Marco crush. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when Castello feels even more like your own secret corner of the city. Trust me, book it and you’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping coffee on that tiny balcony, watching the world (or at least a sliver of Venice) go by.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $210. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

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

  Wonderful location. Very easy and helpful host.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Iordanis from Greece – 27 January 2025 (10/10)

  Centrally located, clean and great host

• Dave from Ireland – 24 October 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, very comfortable apartment

• Chris from United Kingdom – 31 July 2024 (8/10)

  Very comfortable and well equipped!
  
  What could be improved: The stairs up to the property are extremely steep! This particular property is not suitable for older people with health issues.

• Donna from Hong Kong – 15 July 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic spacious apartment in a great location. Very well equipped kitchen, it had an iron and ironing board (for those who are bad at packing) a powerful hairdryer and a full length mirror. Home from home!

• Miodrag from Serbia – 7 June 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment has everything necessary for food preparation, even much more. We didn't use the kitchen to prepare food, except for making coffee. Everything is fantastically equipped.
  
  What could be improved: The stay was extremely pleasant and after walking and sightseeing the apartment provided a real rest and comfort.

• Irene from Austria – 25 October 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment is beautifully furnished and very well positioned, within approx 7-8 minutes‘ walking distance to Piazza San Marco or Ponte Rialto (and very important: just a few steps away from the best gelateria in Venice). Also something out of the ordinary for Venice: the apartment is really spacious and with lots of natural light.
  The hosts are super friendly and prepared practical instructions and dining recommendations.
  
  The bedsheets, towels, bath products and appliances are of great quality, and there are enough supplies in the kitchen (including actual Nespresso tabs) and bathroom – a clear sign that the hosts care about the guests‘ experience and want them to feel like home – which we did.
  
  Thank you, Alessandra and Riccardo! We had an amazing time.

• David from Australia – 16 October 2023 (10/10)

  The location of Central Apartment is excellent. A supermarket is to be found only a few metres from the front door. There are terrific restaurants that suit couples or families close by. The Rialto and the Piazza San Marco (and therefore the nearest vaporetti stops) are at most five minutes walk away. The apartment is large for Venice. There is ample space in the kitchen – there is even a dining table there. And the living room and main bedroom are both a good size, too. Alessandra the host was fantastic. She messaged me while I was still sitting in the plane at Marco Polo Airport, and from there via WhatsApp talked me through the process of getting to the apartment! On my arrival, she gave me all the advice I needed, as to where things were; and she presented me with a detailed map of the city. She also organised an extra cleaning of the apartment, because my wife was only joining me after a few days had passed, and Alessandra wanted her to arrive to find a perfectly made bed, a clean bathroom, & etc.. If I come back to Venice, I'll certainly stay in Central Apartment, should it be available. I had a marvellous holiday here!

• Mosa from South Africa – 28 July 2022 (9/10)

  The location of the place was perfect and central. Wifi was strong and apartment very clean.

• Jennifer from United Kingdom – 26 July 2022 (10/10)

  in a main area but very quiet, the hosts were amazing and the apartment was perfect the toastie maker was great for breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities