CORTE SCONTA Mini-Loft

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon CORTE SCONTA Mini-Loft almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mob scene. I’d hopped off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that stop that’s super handy because it’s just a quick walk from St. Mark’s but far enough to dodge the worst of the tourist traps – and wandered down Calle Muazzo in the Castello district. It’s one of those narrow, unassuming alleys that locals actually use, lined with old stone walls that smell faintly of salt water and whatever’s cooking in the apartments above. No cars, obviously – this is Venice, after all – so you’re hauling your luggage over bridges and cobblestones, but honestly, it’s part of the charm. The entrance is tucked away in this quiet courtyard (corte means courtyard, I think, which fits), and check-in was a breeze; the owner met me with a key and a quick rundown in broken English, no fuss, no long lines like at those big hotels near the Rialto.

What really won me over was the mini-loft itself – it’s compact, sure, more like a stylish apartment than a sprawling suite, but they’ve squeezed in everything you need without it feeling cramped. Up a short flight of stairs (watch your head if you’re tall), you open into this bright space with exposed wooden beams that creak just a little underfoot, adding that authentic old-Venice vibe. The bed’s comfy, king-sized actually, with crisp linens that smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and there’s a small kitchenette where I whipped up espresso every morning while listening to the distant hum of boats on the canal. The bathroom’s modern – rainfall shower and all – but I mean, the water pressure can be finicky, like in a lot of these historic buildings, so don’t expect a power blast. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s solid, which was a lifesaver for mapping out walks to nearby spots like the Arsenale or that hidden garden at San Francesco della Vigna. It’s quiet at night, too, especially in off-season; no party noise from the street, just the occasional lap of water or church bells in the distance – sort of meditative, you know?

Look, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting, this place is gold. Castello’s got that real neighborhood feel – think family-run osterias on Via Garibaldi where you can grab cicchetti and spritz for cheap, or the market at Santa Maria Formosa that’s way less chaotic than Rialto’s. It’s not perfect; the loft’s on the smaller side, so pack light, and in high season, you might hear more foot traffic outside. But with a 9.1 rating that feels earned, it’s a solid 4-star steal for couples or solo travelers who crave authenticity over glitz. I’d go back in a heartbeat – well, maybe in autumn next time, when the fog rolls in and makes everything even more magical.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $182. Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Mark from United States – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  The size of the Apt. was great, and it was hidden close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Marianne from Switzerland – 16 February 2025 (9/10)

  Everything! Its the perfect place to be! Easy ro find, non-touristc, easy ro find locals. The appartment itself is not mini but big-modern, very cosy, everything thing there. Heatable if needed, clean. For female travellers perfect-also for xouples of course. The handover of keys very sympatic and if you have a question you get an answer asap. I would book it again !!
  
  What could be improved: I did like everything!

• Denika from Ireland – 23 June 2024 (9/10)

  – Location was great. Quiet area but within 10-15mins walking of main attractions (Rialto bridge, San Marco square etc)
  – Ideal for summer as the apartment is dark and cool.
  – Comfortable bed
  – Good shower
  – Dishwasher and washing machine (but note no detergent)
  – Friendly staff
  – Luggage storage after check out
  – Self checkout via lockbox
  
  What could be improved: – The building had multiple apartments and there was no clear signage which one was ours so we checked all across multiple floors. Figured out that it was the first door on the right up the first stairs.
  – The door was hard to open. Had a 'knack' to it. Took us 10mins to figure out on first arrival
  – We're a couple and stayed for three nights but were only provided with two coffee pods

• Kzsu from Belgium – 21 November 2023 (9/10)

  Very clean, well-equipped flat, heating was working very well which was welcome in November. The neighbourhood is mostly residential and has a pleasant vibe. Very quiet place, comfortable bed.

• Glenda from United Kingdom – 4 September 2023 (8/10)

  Had a lovely time staying at this property! I landed in the morning and the staff were kind enough to allow me to check in a little earlier. Very spacious apartment, beautiful facilities to cook, do laundry etc.
  
  The images are completely accurate !
  
  I came for the Venice biennale and it was a 10/20 minute walk to most venues.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is a little bit further out from main tourist destinations which is not bad if you’re looking for a quiet space (and don’t mind walking a little longer for most things).
  
  It also has quite a dark/secluded entrance – not the best for solo travelers returning at night but even quite intimidating during the daytime.
  
  – Air conditioning only in bathroom & a little black mould around tiles !

• Jacquelyn from United States – 26 August 2023 (8/10)

  The apartment was clean, bright, and spacious. There were multiple ac units to keep the place very cool after a super hot day of exploring beautiful Venice! The location was excellent, very close to the main attractions. Kitchen tools were well stocked with even some staples included. I loved that it was an old building, plenty of character in those walls and brick columns.
  However, lots of technical details that turned me right off.
  
  What could be improved: Traveling to get to the apartment is arduous to say the least. You have to meet someone far away at a hotel that, in itself, is quite hard to find. Then, they give you a map and send you another 30 minutes away (at least) to try and find the apartment. Meanwhile, you're dragging luggage up and down tons of sets of stairs all across Venice. It literally took us two hours to finally get to the apartment from the time we arrived! Horrible set up! I don't understand why they can't just give you the door code in an email like all other Airbnb's I've stayed at. Do yourself a favor and buy the vaporetto ticket as soon as you exit the train station and use public transportation immediately. You'll thank me later lol.
  Shower door leaks. Just point the shower head down and you'll be fine. Smelled like pee in the bathroom.
  Garbage is a pain in the butt . They want you to get up and take the garbage out (after it's separated of course) starting at 630 EVERY morning! I don't go on vacation to be stressed out by garbage collection as they tell you you can be fined 170€ if you don't do it and/or do it right!
  The journey alone would keep me from booking again unless they updated to a better process. Maybe allow people to check in then have them come and pay the city tax, or send someone to the apartment to collect the tax after check in. Stop making people drag luggage across the city!

• Paul from Belgium – 10 July 2023 (9/10)

  Great space, everything worked well… The terrace / courtyard was an added bonus. Very comfy bed. Excellent bathroom.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was well equipped with plates etc, but to cook some basics were missing. No cheese/parmesan grater?! No lemon squeezer. No bread knife. No scissors. One small chopping board… A few extras in the kitchen would make a huge difference.
  
  And more toiletries in the bathroom – a bar of handsoap, please!
  
  To help, I bought various products for the flat – olive oil, washing machine tablets etc…
  
  Oh, the electric wires of the bedside lights are a little dodgy…
  
  Finally, there are slugs in the courtyard. Don't leave your washing out overnight unless you want a silver pattern all over ..

• Patricia from United Kingdom – 15 May 2023 (9/10)

  super quiet, comfortable bed, well equipped kitchen, lovely mugs, bowls etc, washing machine, outside terrace, near a bakers and supermarket.
  
  What could be improved: We arrived in the dark and the entrance down a narrow alley and then into a cavernous hall was very off putting BUT the flat is lovely.

• Wenzhen from Canada – 11 April 2023 (8/10)

  space is big

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 6 October 2022 (9/10)

  Great location with all amenities for a short break
  clean and bright within walking distance of all attractions .. terrace courtyard was a little gem for relaxing
  
  What could be improved: nothing

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Facilities