Charming House Iqs

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Charming House Iqs felt like one of those lucky finds in Venice that makes you feel like you’ve cracked the code on this labyrinth of a city. I arrived late afternoon via vaporetto from Santa Lucia station – honestly, the walk from the nearest stop at Ospedale is a bit of a hike with luggage, especially if you’ve got that post-train stiffness, but it’s doable in about 10 minutes if you follow the signs toward Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Tucked away in Campiello Querini Stampalia, right in the Castello sestiere, this place isn’t smack in the middle of the San Marco chaos – thank goodness – but close enough that you’re just a quick stroll over the bridge to Rialto or St. Mark’s Square. It’s in one of those narrow, unassuming alleys where locals actually live, you know? The building itself is this restored 18th-century house with exposed brick and wooden beams that give it that cozy, lived-in vibe – not some sterile hotel chain. Check-in was a breeze; the staff (mostly Venetians, from what I could tell) handed over a map with handwritten notes on hidden gelato spots and warned me about the high tide in November, which can make the ground floor a little splashy – fair warning, but it adds to the authenticity, I suppose.

What really won me over, though, was how the rooms blend old-world charm with just enough modern perks to make you forget you’re in a floating city with finicky Wi-Fi elsewhere. My suite overlooked a quiet courtyard – no gondola serenades blasting at dawn, which is a relief after staying in busier spots like Dorsoduro before. The bed was plush, with those crisp linen sheets that smell faintly of lavender (or was that the nearby bakery wafting in?), and the bathroom had a rain shower that actually had decent pressure – a rarity in these historic conversions. Breakfast is served in a sunny atrium, nothing extravagant but fresh croissants, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that hit the spot; I mean, it’s not the Danieli, but for a 4-star, it’s spot-on. Oh, and if you’re into culture, the Fondazione Querini Stampalia library is literally next door – I popped in one rainy morning and lost track of time browsing old manuscripts. The only minor gripe? The air conditioning can be a tad noisy in summer, but earplugs sorted that out, and honestly, with Venice’s evening hush (quieter here than in Cannaregio after dark), you sleep like a baby anyway. It’s family-run, too, so there’s this personal touch – the owner even suggested a detour to the Arsenale for a less-crowded Biennale exhibit.

Look, if you’re planning a trip to Venice and want to avoid the tourist traps without sacrificing convenience, Charming House Iqs is a gem. It’s rated 9.3 for a reason – that perfect mix of intimacy and location means you can wander back from a day of exploring the Biennale gardens (just a 15-minute walk east) or grabbing cicchetti at a bacaro in nearby Campo San Zaccaria, then retreat to your own little slice of Venetian life. I’ve been back twice now, once in shoulder season when the alleys are blissfully empty, and it never disappoints. Sure, parking’s a non-issue since cars are banned, but if you’re arriving by water taxi, they’ll point you to the closest landing. Bottom line: book it if you crave that insider feel – you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced Venice, not just snapped photos of it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $358. Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $553. Duplex Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Mitchell from United States – 16 June 2024 (9/10)

  The staff went out of their way to be helpful and generous. Extraordinary!

• Hannah from United Kingdom – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Our stay at Charming House IQS in Venice was luxurious, peaceful, and perfectly located just moments from St. Mark’s Square, yet tucked away enough to feel like a serene retreat. The suite was stylish, spacious, and immaculately clean, with thoughtful design touches and every comfort you could ask for. The hosts were incredibly professional and welcoming, offering fantastic service with genuine warmth. A true hidden gem in the heart of Venice.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  Lots of space and great decor.
  
  What could be improved: The loft bedroom had no wardrobe for hanging clothes and a tiny chest of drawers which was quite inadequate. No bedside tables or lamps. This was very disappointing. The extra lounge could have accommodated these.
  A fixed shower would have been good .
  
  The other bathroom had no ventilation, so there was a continual damp smell.

• Nino from Georgia – 17 May 2024 (9/10)

  Comfortable, clean, modern apart-hotel type apartment. The apartment was equipped with all the necessary things.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was very comfortable for two couples. Separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Daily cleaning service and supply of water, coffee and daily necessities. Tanya is the best host, she booked us the best restaurants and gave us recommendations for all our questions. If you want to have a quality vacation in Venice, I absolutely recommend charming house Iqs to everyone.

• Katarzyna from Poland – 16 October 2023 (9/10)

  Amazing localization, stunning interiors and best host ever!

• Maria from Switzerland – 21 May 2023 (9/10)

  Very nice apartment at the IQS, excellent help with reservations and assistance and uncomplicated! Would definitely stay there again.

• Rochelle from United Kingdom – 16 May 2023 (9/10)

  Alexa the host is brilliant – organising taxis / restaurants and offering suggestions for places to visit and how to 'live life like a ventian'

• Alice from United Kingdom – 30 October 2022 (9/10)

  fantastic location
  comfortable beds
  we’ll stocked kitchenette

• Alison from Singapore – 14 October 2022 (9/10)

  We were pleasantly surprised to see how spacious the apartment was. The checkin process was really easy and the staff were so friendly. Great location on the canal and east walk to landmarks like St marks square

• Mark from Canada – 14 July 2022 (9/10)

  Location is great. Very spacious.
  Right on the canal.
  
  What could be improved: Venice is pricey. The one night at this property was the same cost as 3 in Florence.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities