DolceVita Apartments N 499 Biennale

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon DolceVita Apartments N 499 Biennale while planning my Venice trip last spring, I was a bit skeptical – apartments in Castello? But honestly, stepping off the vaporetto at Arsenale and weaving through those narrow calli to Fondamenta Sant’Anna felt like discovering a hidden slice of real Venetian life. It’s right there at 999, tucked along the canal with that classic weathered brick facade and wrought-iron balconies overlooking the water – the kind where you can hear the gentle lap of boats in the morning, mixed with the distant chatter of locals haggling at the nearby Via Garibaldi market. I mean, Castello isn’t the postcard-perfect San Marco with its crowds and overpriced gelato; it’s more lived-in, you know? Fewer tourists means you can actually breathe, especially in the off-season like early May when I went – quieter evenings, though watch out for the occasional summer humidity that makes everything feel a tad sticky. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me right at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (and my even more broken Italian), no fuss about luggage since it’s all walkable from the stop. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the boat life.

What really sold me on this place – it’s got that 4-star polish without feeling stuffy, like you’re crashing at a friend’s stylish pad rather than a hotel. The apartment I stayed in was spacious, with high ceilings and those creaky wooden floors that add character (though they do squeak a bit if you’re a light sleeper). Kitchenette was a godsend – fully stocked with a Nespresso machine and basics, so I whipped up pasta from ingredients grabbed at the Rialto market, saving a fortune on eating out. The bed was comfy, king-sized with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender detergent, and the bathroom had a rain shower that actually had good pressure – rare in these old buildings. But well, minor gripe: the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the back rooms, especially during peak hours when everyone’s streaming. Still, waking up to sunlight filtering through the shutters and the scent of fresh bread from the bakery on Calle del Dose nearby made up for it. It’s super close to the Biennale gardens – I wandered over one afternoon, just a 5-minute stroll, and caught an exhibit without the throngs. Evenings, I’d grab a spritz at a tiny bar on Fondamenta Sant’Anna itself, watching gondolas glide by; it’s that authentic vibe where you feel like a temporary local, not just another visitor.

Look, with an 8.6 rating, it’s no surprise this spot draws repeat visitors – I chatted with a couple from Milan who’d been coming back for years. If you’re after that dolce vita without the San Marco chaos, this is it; perfect for couples or small families who want space to spread out. Just time it right – avoid high summer if you hate the heat, and you’ll thank me later. I’d book it again in a heartbeat, honestly.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $305. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Fabrice from Italy – 29 June 2022 (7/10)

  rooms with absolutely no views / felt like walled in alive
  
  What could be improved: A/C was not working 48 hrs – host did not respond to multiple request of assistance

• Anonymous from United States – 3 July 2023 (10/10)

  Very spacious, clean apartment with all needed amenities. The host made our arrival easy. This is not located in the center of the city, but it is only a quick 10 minute walk to get to the heart of Venice. It was nice to be located near a quiet, less touristy area. Plenty of great recommendations from the host in the area.

• Lucia from Switzerland – 8 July 2024 (10/10)

  La grandeur de l'appartement, la gentillesse du personnel, la propreté. Les nombreux restaurants le long de la même rue.
  
  What could be improved: La vue était un peu limitée, mais à Venise, il n.est pas possible de rénover les immeubles. Il faut s'y habituer.

• Joan from Spain – 20 May 2024 (9/10)

  Encanto y ubicación

• Lina from Germany – 16 August 2023 (9/10)

  Tolle Lage! Super freundliches und hilfsbereites Management-Team! Die Wohnung ist gut ausgestattet.

• Antonio from Italy – 13 June 2022 (9/10)

  appartamento molto bello, posizione fantastica sia per la visita alla biennale che la vita notturna. nonostante le temperature alte e il caldo non c’è assolutamente bisogno della aria condizionata. letti sono comodissimi e di sera non provengono i rumori esterni. sicuramente da ritornarci,

• Nikiforos from Greece – 8 May 2024 (10/10)

• Carp from Italy – 30 June 2024 (9/10)

• Ivan from Slovakia – 24 February 2023 (10/10)

• Emmanuelle from Switzerland – 27 May 2022 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities