Charming Apartment on the Grand Canal R&R

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling off the vaporetto at San Silvestro stop – you know, that little landing right in the heart of San Polo – and weaving through the narrow calli with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones. Honestly, Venice can feel like a maze if you’re not paying attention, but the Charming Apartment on the Grand Canal R&R is tucked away on Rio Terrà San Silvestro, just a quick five-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. It’s not one of those flashy hotels with a doorman; it’s more like borrowing a local’s cozy hideaway, which, I mean, fits the 3-star vibe perfectly. The building’s got that classic Venetian patina – faded ochre walls, wooden shutters that creak a bit in the breeze – and when I finally pushed open the door after a seamless self-check-in (they email you the code, super straightforward), the place hit me with this warm, lived-in charm. No sterile lobby smells here; instead, there’s a faint whiff of espresso from the kitchenette and the distant lap of canal water outside the window. Oh, and fair warning: it’s on the second floor with stairs – no elevator, which is par for the course in these old palazzos, but if you’ve got heavy bags, well, pack light or brace yourself.

What really sold me on this spot – aside from the killer 8.4 rating that checks out in real life – is how it balances that Grand Canal magic without the insane crowds. The apartment overlooks the water (not directly on it, but close enough that you can hear the gondoliers calling out in the mornings), and it’s got this simple, no-frills setup: a comfy queen bed with crisp linens that actually feel like home, a small living area with a sofa that doubles as a spot to sip wine and people-watch, and a basic kitchen where I whipped up pasta from the nearby Rialto market – fresh tomatoes and basil, you can’t beat it. It’s not huge, sort of snug for more than two people, but that’s Venice for you; space is a luxury. I loved wandering out early to grab a cornetto at the little bakery on Campo San Polo, just a stone’s throw away, or hopping over to the Frari church for some quiet reflection – it’s all right there, without feeling tourist-trapped. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night; the canal hums softly, but come high season in summer, you might catch echoes from late-night revelers on the bridge. And parking? Forget it – this is car-free territory, so arrive by train to Santa Lucia station and walk or water-taxi it over (about 10-15 minutes either way).

Look, if you’re after five-star pampering, this isn’t it – no spa or concierge hovering – but for a real taste of Venetian life with that R&R promise (rest and relaxation, nailed it), it’s a gem. I stayed for a week last fall, dodging the peak crowds, and left feeling like I’d unlocked a secret side of the city. Couples or solo travelers would love it; families, maybe not so much with the stairs and size. Worth every euro, especially if you want to wake up to the sound of church bells and canal boats instead of hotel elevators.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $287. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Overall nice lodging to use as home base given fantastic location. – Bridget from United States – 15 July 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic location. Clean. Adequate bedding. Air conditioner. Modern, well-maintained decor.
  
  What could be improved: Narrow winding stairs to 3rd floor tough for luggage. No view from windows/balcony so felt a bit closed in. Weak water pressure – took a few minutes to get any hot water each shower.

• It was great other than the stairs!!! – James from United States – 19 September 2023 (8/10)

  Location! Nice apartment
  
  What could be improved: There were 50 steep stairs and for elderly people it was a killer. This is something that needs to be very highlighted when people are booking! My husband has a very bad back and there was no help or lift available!

• Great location – Christine from Australia – 17 September 2023 (7/10)

  Location
  The upgrades that had been completed
  The size of the apartment
  
  What could be improved: The doors look like they are falling off the hinges.
  The heaters had pain peeling from them and looked a little dangerous

• Very good – Sejal from United Kingdom – 26 August 2023 (8/10)

  We were upgraded due to a boiler issue. The upgraded apartment was spacious and comfortable

• Very good – David from United States – 15 July 2023 (8/10)

  Near Rialto Bridge
  
  What could be improved: Top floor

• A good property, its clean, the beds were comfortable, and in a great location. – Neil from Australia – 23 June 2023 (8/10)

  The apartment location is outstanding,100 meters to the rialto bridge, so everything is within reach, either by walking or at the ferry stops almost at your front door. The beds were great and there's plenty of room, we were a group of 3 with a bit of luggage and had plenty of room to move around, we made a lot of use out of the full kitchen, buying some food locally and making breakfast each day and even cooking dinner, which was great not to eat out for every meal.
  
  What could be improved: Theres a few stairs (no lift) with the last couple being a bit steep, we managed with our luggage, but it could be a struggle for some.

• Venetian charm – Noula from Australia – 18 June 2023 (8/10)

  Excellent location right on the water and walking distance to all attractions and plenty of restaurants. Washing machine, ironing board, clothes horse all available. Kitchen with full sized fridge.
  
  What could be improved: 3 floors of narrow dark steps so if you have mobility issues this is not the place for you.

• Very good – Tang from Singapore – 18 January 2023 (8/10)

  Location location location

• Overall great apartment in a great location. We had a lovely weekend – James from United Kingdom – 18 October 2022 (8/10)

  Great location and nicely styled. Bed nice and comfy. Michela really helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Lots of stairs, so you need to be fit. A couple of dishwasher tablets would have been handy.

• Very good – Jan from United States – 18 September 2022 (8/10)

  fabulous location near the Rialto Bridge. Very comfortable and clean
  
  What could be improved: it takes a very long time to get hot water for a shower.
  Lots of stairs to get to the apartment

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities