DolceVita Apartments N 515 Redentore

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Redentore stop on Giudecca – you know, that quick hop across the Giudecca Canal from Zattere, where the Dorsoduro crowds thin out and things get a bit more real Venetian. Honestly, if you’re coming from the mainland or the airport, it’s a breeze with the water bus, but pack light because Calle S. Giacomo is one of those narrow, uneven alleys that wind through old warehouses and sleepy residential spots. No cars here, obviously – it’s Venice – so you’re wheeling your suitcase over cobblestones that echo a little too loudly in the quiet mornings. The DolceVita Apartments N 515 Redentore popped up right there at number 859, tucked into a restored building that feels like it’s been around since the Renaissance, with those faded red brick walls and wrought-iron balconies overlooking the canal. My first thought? This isn’t your flashy San Marco hotel; it’s more like crashing at a local’s place, with that authentic, lived-in charm. Check-in was straightforward – the host met me with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (and my even worse Italian), pointing out the nearest supermarket on Fondamenta delle Zitelle for grabbing fresh bread and prosciutto. Oh, and if you’re arriving late, heads up: the vaporetto runs less frequently after 10 PM, so time it right or you’ll be stuck waiting with the seagulls.

What really sold me on this spot – it’s rated an 8.2 for good reason, I mean, four stars without the pretension – was how it balances that apartment vibe with just enough perks to make you forget you’re not in a full hotel. The place I stayed in was spacious, sort of loft-like with high ceilings and these massive windows that let in the salty lagoon breeze; you can hear the gentle lap of water against the fondamenta below, especially at dawn when the fishing boats chug by. There’s a full kitchen – well-equipped with a Nespresso machine and even a dishwasher, which is a godsend after a day of wandering – and the bed was comfy, though the pillows were a tad firm for my taste (bring your own if you’re picky). It’s on Giudecca, so you’re away from the tourist hordes; think quiet evenings strolling to the Redentore Church, just a stone’s throw away, where locals gather for festivals in July – that fireworks show is legendary, but book early if you’re aiming for summer. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully peaceful compared to the mainland bustle, though you might catch the occasional church bell or delivery boat horn. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, but hey, that’s Venice for you – forces you to unplug and enjoy the view of San Giorgio Maggiore across the water. And in shoulder season, like early spring, it’s even better; fewer people, milder weather, and rates that don’t break the bank.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelm – you know, actually experiencing the city like a semi-local rather than elbowing through Piazza San Marco – this is your spot. It’s not perfect; the stairs up to the apartment might challenge you after a long day (no elevator in these old buildings), but that authenticity is what makes it special. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those sunset walks along the fondamenta, gelato in hand from the little place near Palanca stop. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that lingers with you, long after you’ve left the lagoon behind.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $371. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Lovely apartment would recommend with a few additions. – Marjie from United Kingdom – 15 September 2023 (8/10)

  Location, clean, good bathrooms.
  Agota was very helpful
  Facilities such as dishwasher and washing machine.
  
  What could be improved: No mirrors in bedrooms
  Pillows – really hard
  Needed some blankets, cups chipped
  On third floor with no lift.

• A quiet, simple apartment in a great location – Patricia from United States – 17 June 2024 (8/10)

  Location was great, easy walk to Redentore vaporetto stop. Spacious bedrooms, simply furnished. The windows were excellent at sound proofing. Kitchen had everything we needed though the dinnerware was rather dated.
  
  What could be improved: There were no hooks or racks for towels, and no full length mirrors in the bedrooms. There should be explanation about recycling/garbage in the apartment. The air conditioning required us calling the man who met us to come back and figure it out; it would be easier to provide this info to the guest on a poster or sheet in the apartment. A Smart TV would also be a good investment.

• Fabulous Venice Accommodation – Marion from Australia – 4 October 2023 (10/10)

  Fabulous central location just not directly by St Marco.. but only 3 stops away. Newly renovated.. very comfy. Supermarket and Vaporetta stop cl9se by plus a choice of restaurants.

• If I go back to Venice, I would try to stay at this house again – Flavia from Brazil – 17 September 2023 (10/10)

  On the day of arrival, the hostess picked us up on the vaporetto station and introduced us to the house. Furthermore she left a wine.
  
  The house is only 2 stations to the city center and the house looks new and it is well equipped.

• Ottima posizione – Paganini from Italy – 1 October 2024 (8/10)

  Ottima posizione, praticamente di fronte a San Marco
  Appartamento molto spazioso
  Appartamento dotato di 2 bagni
  Presenza di lavastoviglie
  
  What could be improved: Ultimo piano senza ascensore

• Very good – Jennifer from France – 8 June 2024 (8/10)

  La superficie du logement et sa proximité avec la navette maritime, la propreté et le calme
  
  What could be improved: Appartement en dernier étage sans ascenseur, la television ne fonctionnait pas

• Exceptional – Tertelici from Romania – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  Locație excelentă, foarte aproape de vaporeto, 2 stații de mers până în piața San Marco!
  Apartamentul foarte curat și spațios!
  Oricând m-aș întoarce cu mare drag!
  
  What could be improved: Domnul care se ocupa de check-in grăbit și era de datoria lui să ne arate și să ne rezolve toate problemele legate de înregistrarea noastră ca și oaspeți în Veneția!

• Goeie locatie en schoon maar ongezellige inrichting en ik miste een aantal dingen – Johanna from Netherlands – 13 October 2024 (6/10)

  Locatie en het was schoon
  
  What could be improved: Er waren nergens kapstokken en geen föhn en de inrichting vond ik ongezellig

• Very good – Romain from Switzerland – 5 May 2024 (8/10)

• Good – Edwin from United States – 10 July 2024 (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities