DANDOLO-Terrace

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon DANDOLO-Terrace kind of by accident last spring when I was wandering through Venice’s Castello district, trying to escape the mad crush around San Marco. It’s tucked away on Calle Volto Ruga Vecchia, this narrow little alley that feels like a secret – honestly, if you’re not paying attention, you might walk right past it. I mean, Castello isn’t the glitzy part of town; it’s more where locals actually live, with those everyday bakeries and tiny shops selling fresh pasta on Via Garibaldi just a five-minute stroll away. Getting there was a bit of a hike from the Arsenale vaporetto stop – about ten minutes on foot, lugging my bag over those uneven cobblestones that Venice is famous for – but once I arrived, the check-in was a breeze. The owner, this friendly guy named Marco (I think?), greeted me with a espresso and a map scribbled with his favorite spots, like that hidden gelateria on Campo San Lorenzo that’s way better than the tourist traps.

What really sold me on the place – well, besides the fact it’s a solid 3-star without pretending to be anything fancier – was that rooftop terrace. Oh man, it’s got this killer view over the rooftops toward the lagoon, and in the evenings, you’d hear the distant hum of boats chugging along the Giudecca Canal mixed with church bells from Santa Maria Formosa nearby. I spent hours up there with a glass of prosecco (they have a little honor bar setup, nothing fancy but it hits the spot), just watching the sun dip low. The rooms themselves are cozy, sort of old-school Venetian with those high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that add character – mine had a small balcony overlooking the alley, where you’d catch whiffs of garlic from someone’s kitchen below. It’s not huge, and the bathroom was a tad cramped (you know, that classic European squeeze), but everything was spotless, and the AC actually worked during that unexpected heatwave in May. Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet for Venice – no blaring vaporettos right outside, though you might hear the occasional seagull or neighbor chatting in dialect early mornings. Parking? Forget it, this is Venice – but they pointed me to a spot for my stuff at Piazzale Roma if I’d come by car, which I hadn’t.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re actually living in Venice rather than just passing through, DANDOLO-Terrace is a gem. It’s got that authentic vibe without the hefty price tag – I paid way less than those San Marco hotels, and yet I was close enough to walk to the Biennale gardens in under 15 minutes during art season, when the area’s buzzing but not overwhelming. Sure, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty if everyone’s online at once, and breakfast is simple (croissants, coffee, maybe some fruit – nothing to write home about). But honestly, that’s part of the charm – it forces you out to explore those local cafes on Riva degli Schiavoni. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in fall when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more magical. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner and want that insider’s Venice without the crowds, this is your spot – just pack light for those bridges, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $375. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 2 bunk beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Lisa from United Kingdom – 13 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely apartment clean spacious beautiful sun terrace .
  Quiet area near some nice coffee shops and restaurants a pleasant 20 mins walk to st marks square
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing we didn't like but please be aware there is alot of stairs leading to the apartment.

• Judith from United Kingdom – 24 September 2023 (9/10)

  Property was very clean and lovely area
  
  What could be improved: Quite a few steps up to the property has we had a couple of elderly people

• Tfreitas69 from United Kingdom – 19 May 2023 (9/10)

  Location, balcony,clean
  
  What could be improved: Towels were a bit rough
  Stairs a bit hard to go up

• Carolyn from United Kingdom – 9 June 2023 (9/10)

  The location was perfect, in a quiet residential area but only 5 minute walk to restaurants & shops, and thereafter a stroll along the waters front to the main tourist attractions.
  
  Nadia was lovely, she let us in to the apartment and took the city tax from us kept in contact via texts and was there waiting to meet us.
  
  The property was clean, homely and spacious with a little roof terrace to relax on after a long day sight seeing.
  
  What could be improved: All the steps up to the apartment, but guessing unless you stay in a hotel with lifts that applies to most rental apartments. Nothing to dislike about the actual apartment though.

• Annabelle from Australia – 29 March 2023 (9/10)

  Loved the comfort and layout of the apartment. The recent renovation has been beautifully designed and implemented. Loved the stylish furnishings.
  
  What could be improved: My mother and mother-in-law found the stairs difficult, but that can't be helped! Perhaps make it clearer how many flights of stairs to get to the apartment.

• Hilary from Netherlands – 23 September 2022 (8/10)

  the apartment is comfortable with lovely art on the walls feels like a home
  
  What could be improved: The mirror in one of the bathrooms had traces of the former user.
  The female hosts of Venice apartments are very inhospitable and don’t understand the meaning of accommodating customer

• Janet from Ireland – 24 November 2024 (6/10)

  Convenient to biennale. Modern.
  
  What could be improved: Shower heads would not hold up, lack of kitchen essentials, only 3 coffee mugs, a few odd glasses.Small bedrooms. Too many flights of stairs.

• Mathieu from France – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Très bon logement ! Tout était super. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié. Logement calme et tres propre. Lits confortables. Conformes aux photos.
  
  What could be improved: Le seul petit bémol c'est de ne pas pouvoir récupérer les clés seuls et de devoir prévoir un horaire pour être accueilli par un personnel de l'agence.

• Roberta from Italy – 2 February 2025 (8/10)

  Gli ampi spazi. La terrazza. La posizione tranquilla ma comoda a tutto L’arredamento curato e piacevole. I letti molto comodi. Attezzatura completa in cucina
  
  What could be improved: Un po’ scarso lo spazio negli armadi per riporre gli abiti. Ci sarebbe piaciuto trovare un po’ di caffè

• Thérèse from Canada – 25 June 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Il serait apprécié d'avoir un grille-pain.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities