DolceVita Apartments N 495 Biennale

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon DolceVita Apartments N 495 Biennale almost by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at Arsenale – you know, that stop that’s always a bit less chaotic than the ones closer to San Marco. It’s tucked away on Calle de l’Anzolo in Castello, this quieter neighborhood that’s got that authentic Venetian vibe without the throngs of day-trippers spilling out of every piazza. Honestly, arriving felt like a relief after lugging my bag over those little bridges; the entrance is unassuming, just a heavy wooden door with a buzzer, and the check-in was super straightforward – no fuss, just a friendly host who handed over the keys and pointed out the nearest bacaro for a quick spritz. I mean, it’s not a massive hotel lobby or anything, more like stepping into someone’s well-kept apartment building, which sort of sets the tone for the whole stay. The place is rated a solid 9, and yeah, it earns it with that four-star polish, but without feeling overly fancy or pretentious.

What really won me over was how the apartments blend that old-world charm with modern touches – think exposed brick walls (a bit rough around the edges, which I loved) and these big windows that let in the morning light reflecting off the canal just a stone’s throw away. My unit had a kitchenette that actually worked – not one of those half-hearted setups where the stove barely heats up – and I whipped up pasta from the market on Via Garibaldi, which is like a five-minute stroll from here. You can hear the faint lap of water against the stones at night, and there’s this subtle salty scent that drifts in, reminding you you’re in Venice proper, not some mainland suburb. It’s near the Biennale gardens, too – perfect if you’re into art; I wandered over during the off-season when it’s blissfully empty, no lines or crowds. Well, parking isn’t a thing here (duh, it’s Venice), but getting around on foot or by boat is a breeze, and the noise level is low-key – mostly just church bells and the occasional seagull, though you might catch some chatter from locals heading to the Arsenale shipyard in the mornings. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re on the upper floors, but hey, who comes to Venice to scroll endlessly? The beds are comfy, the bathrooms spotless (with those heated towel racks that feel like a hug after a damp day), and there’s even a little terrace option in some units where you can sip coffee and watch the world – or at least the neighborhood cats – go by.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels like a home base rather than a pit stop, this is it. It’s not the glitzy San Marco scene, but that’s the beauty – you’re immersed in Castello’s everyday rhythm, close enough to hop over to the Rialto (about a 15-minute walk, dodging the occasional tourist group) but far from the constant buzz. I stayed during shoulder season, and it was peaceful; summers might get busier with Biennale crowds, so book ahead. Honestly, it made my trip – gave me that dolce vita feeling without breaking the bank, and I’d go back in a heartbeat for another lazy afternoon exploring those hidden calli. If Venice overwhelms you sometimes, this place grounds it all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $426. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Quiert, clean and good location for the Biennale – Palm from Denmark – 24 September 2024 (10/10)

  It was quiet, close to the biennale area and very clean. Good beds
  
  What could be improved: We vere satisfied

• The house was great and Elena was super helpful. – Karen from United States – 22 October 2023 (10/10)

  It was a great location because it as close to everything but away from the crowds. It was peaceful.

• Nice and comfortable little house within Venice. – Günter from Austria – 8 June 2023 (9/10)

  Very nice and comfortable little house within Venice. Best approach is with water taxi. By feet about 40 minutes to walk. Quite surrounding, not too much other tourists around.

• The perfect place for a family! – Oscar from Sweden – 21 February 2023 (10/10)

  perfect location!

• A fantastic apartment for a visit to Venice – Rachael from United Kingdom – 29 October 2022 (9/10)

  Fantastic apartment for our 4 night stay in Venice. We were a party of six, so we (two adults, two teenagers) slept in the upper floor bedrooms and our parents took the ground floor room, which gave us all our own space and privacy.
  The shared areas (sitting room and kitchen) were comfortable and pleasant to use, the apartment was stylishly decorated and well-equipped.
  We enjoyed the location, being a short walk from St Mark's, Rialto, etc, but in a quieter area away from the main tourist spaces.
  Elena was extremely nice and very helpful before and during our stay.

• 5-star property – we would book again – Irina from Switzerland – 14 August 2022 (10/10)

  clean, spacious, cute, great location outside of tourism area and close to Biennale and Arsenal
  we loved it and had a fantastic time
  Elena was super helpful, always reachable and helped wirh whatever she could sort – top noch service!
  
  What could be improved: –

• Beautiful little gem of a house in a quiet residential area. – Rosie from United Kingdom – 4 October 2023 (9/10)

  This was a gem of a find. The location was superb; very quiet. It was well stocked with condiments, tableware, and cleaning and washing products. The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows. The living room was particularly nice to sit in on an afternoon with a book and a cuppa.
  
  What could be improved: If I was to be picky, the house was a little dusty with cobwebs and lots of squashed mosquitoes.

• Séjour authentique dans le quartier de Castello – Jean-marc from France – 20 April 2025 (8/10)

  Jolie maison indépendante décorée avec goût, idéale pour 2 couples avec ses 3 niveaux. Quartier authentique à l’écart de l’agitation touristique.
  
  What could be improved: Accueil expéditif, heureusement que nous connaissons bien Venise. Peu d’informations communiquées. En revanche, beaucoup d’insistance sur les règles d’évacuation des ordures ménagères ! Aucune solution proposée pour entreposer nos bagages avant d’entrer dans la maison et en attendant de reprendre l’avion (pourtant nous avons trouvé un hôtel à proximité qui offre ce service).

• Exceptional – Daniela from Switzerland – 31 October 2024 (10/10)

  der grüne Salone

• Exceptional – Anton from Ukraine – 22 November 2022 (10/10)

  Очень стильный и качественный отдельный дом.
  Тихое место. Удобное месторасположение. Приветливые хозяева, всегда на связи.
  Однозначно рекомендую для 4-6 человек.

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