Doge’s Mirror & Stair @Frari

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Doge’s Mirror & Stair @Frari almost by accident last spring, when I was wandering through San Polo after getting off the vaporetto at San Tomà. It’s tucked away on Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, this narrow little alley that’s got that classic Venetian vibe – think uneven cobblestones underfoot and the faint echo of church bells from the Frari Basilica just a stone’s throw away. Honestly, arriving there felt like stepping into one of those hidden pockets of Venice that tourists often miss, especially if you’re coming from the chaos of Rialto Bridge, which is only about a 10-minute walk if you don’t get lost in the side calles (and let’s be real, you probably will the first time). The place is a 3-star spot with an 8.3 rating that actually holds up – not flashy, but charming in that understated way old palazzos can be. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this friendly local guy named Marco, greeted me with a quick espresso and some tips on avoiding the crowds at nearby Campo San Polo, where you can grab a spritz without the tour groups overwhelming you.

What really won me over, though – and I mean this after staying in a bunch of Venetian spots over the years – is how the hotel captures that mix of history and quirky comfort. The name nods to the Doge’s Palace vibes, with these ornate mirrors and a winding staircase that creaks just enough to remind you you’re in a building that’s seen centuries (watch your step if you’ve got luggage, though – it’s steep and no elevator, which is par for the course in Venice). My room overlooked a quiet courtyard, nothing fancy but spotless, with wooden beams overhead and that musty, canal-side scent that seeps in when you crack the window at night. Mornings were my favorite: you’d hear the distant hum of market vendors setting up at the Rialto fish market, and if you pop out early, there’s this tiny bakery on Calle Larga dei Botteri – just around the corner – that does the best cornetti alla crema, all flaky and warm. It’s not dead silent at night, what with the occasional boat horn from the Grand Canal, but it’s way quieter than staying near San Marco, especially during high season in summer when the whole city buzzes until late. Oh, and practical note: no parking here (duh, it’s Venice), but if you’re arriving by train, it’s an easy 15-minute stroll from Santa Lucia station, dodging the occasional puddle after rain.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting – well, this is your spot. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and breakfast is basic (think continental with decent coffee, nothing gourmet), but for the price and that authentic San Polo immersion, it’s a gem. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season like October when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more magical. Trust me, skip the overpriced chains and settle in here – you’ll thank me when you’re sipping wine on a nearby bridge, watching the gondolas glide by without a horde in sight.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Hasbul from Malaysia – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Its super biq and super beautifull place close city centre..the host super good .. and i have wonderfull day in milan …the host also suprise me with wine for my birthday .. thankz i will recomand
  
  What could be improved: Everything perfect

• Součková from Czech Republic – 14 October 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is really big with a lot light. The kitchen is good with everything you need. Good location.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs in the apartment should be more cleaner.

• Amy from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location right in the heart of Venice and near the Rialto Bridge. Access instructions were clear and the owners messaged to check we had got in ok. Very clean and modern, good hairdryer, comfy bed! We didn’t use the kitchen but the facilities seemed good.
  
  What could be improved: The skylight in the bedroom lets lots of light in early in the morning! Fortunately we had brought eye masks as had read the reviews, but was still a little annoying.

• Jennifer from Canada – 16 September 2024 (7/10)

  The beds were comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: There wasn’t a coffee maker available, there wasn’t any paper towel or dishcloths, no storage or shelving for toiletries in the bathroom, there wasn’t a TV.

• Sam from United Kingdom – 5 June 2024 (9/10)

  The location was excellent. Close to lots of great restaurants and shops, especially Birreria la Corte, an amazing pizza and beer restaurant. Handy for the vaporetto from San Toma.
  
  What could be improved: This is nitpicking, but whilst the apartment was largely very clean, it could do with shelves dusting. There was a large collection of small glasses and cups, but could do with a couple of larger items.

• Kikisuki from United States – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  Lovely apartment with quite balcony. Excellent Hosts.

• Anthony from United Kingdom – 3 June 2023 (6/10)

  The apartment was nice. Instructions to finding apartment & accessing Apartment were really good, well planned. Staff was very helpful from changing my party from 3 to 4 people. Air conditioning was good. Good kitchen facilities bathroom very clean & modern. In a nice area, it is easy to access everywhere.
  
  What could be improved: No were to dry towels, washing line was over dirty plant pots – so towels dirty. No toaster. Ceiling in bedroom with single beds very low – kept banging heads on ceiling. Step into room with single beds very high & dangerous.
  Stairs slippy, my dad fell down them & broke his foot.

• Riccardo from Italy – 5 February 2025 (8/10)

  Linee moderne, molto molto ben attrezzata di tutto ciò che può servire
  
  What could be improved: Nota leggermente media, ma non negativa, Arredo molto minimal con alcuni spazi vuoti, nulla di grave.

• Tourres from France – 9 November 2024 (9/10)

  Propreté et standing appartement
  
  What could be improved: Bruit la nuit6 du commerce à proximité

• Pilar from Ireland – 20 April 2024 (9/10)

  El apartamento es muy muy bonito y tiene de todo. Habíamos estado en otros apartamentos en otras ciudades de Italia en los días anteriores, y no tenían tanto menaje como este. Nosotros desayunábamos y cenábamos en el apartamento, y tienes muchos cubiertos, sartenes, vasos… La zona está muy bien, tienes un supermercado Conad literal en la esquina de la calle, lo usábamos mucho.
  
  Nos pudimos comunicar en todo momento con el host por booking / Whatsapp y respondían super rápido.
  
  Tiene una 'habitación secreta'. Eramos 3 y yo dormí en el sofá cama. No sabia que la puerta de arriba frente al baño era el acceso a una segunda habitación 🤯 Intentamos abrirla varias veces pero parecía bloqueada, con lo cual pensábamos que se trataba de un armario. Sin embargo más tarde hablando con el host este me confirmó que se trataba de una habitación.
  
  ¡En general recomiendo sin duda alojarse aquí!
  
  What could be improved: Lo único que le falta a este apartamento es alguna cortina en la ventana del techo. Entraba mucha luz por las mañanas. Si eres delicado para dormir, te recomiendo que te lleves un antifaz.
  Si eres muy alto (más de 180cm) la ducha quizás te resulte algo incómoda pq el techo está inclinado y es muy bajo. Nosotros somos bajitos y no tuvimos problema, pero tenlo en cuenta.
  Le hace falta una limpieza en profundidad para ventanas y paredes, había muchas marcas de mosquitos que habían sido aplastados en las paredes.
  El apartamento está en una primera planta sin ascensor, y luego dentro está dividido en dos niveles. Mi padre es mayor y después de una semana viajando, estaba cansado de tantos escalones 😁 Lo normal de todas formas es que todos los apartamentos en Venecia no tengan ascensor porque son edificios antiguos.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities