Domus Superior

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Domus Superior almost by accident last spring – I’d been wandering the narrow calli of San Marco after getting off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso, you know, that stop right by the Grand Canal where the gondolas bob like they’re waiting for a party. The hotel’s tucked away at 2561 Sestiere di San Marco, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza San Marco, but honestly, it feels like a quiet little secret amid all the tourist chaos. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – this friendly older guy named Marco, I think – handed over the keys with a smile and a quick tip about avoiding the midday crowds by ducking into the nearby Campo Santo Stefano for a spritz instead. No elevators here, mind you, which might be a hassle if you’re lugging heavy bags up those creaky wooden stairs, but it adds to that old Venetian charm, like stepping into a canal-side palazzo from another era. The lobby’s small, with these worn marble floors that echo your footsteps and a faint scent of espresso drifting from the breakfast nook – nothing fancy, but it sets a cozy tone right away.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that historic vibe with just enough modern perks to make you feel pampered without overdoing it. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard – well, more like a sliver of sky and some ivy-clinging walls – and it had these high ceilings with exposed beams that made it feel airy, even if the space was on the snug side (Venice hotels, right? They’re all about that compact elegance). The bed was super comfy, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works – no weak dribbles here. Breakfast is included, and it’s a highlight: fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos served in a sunny room where you can hear the distant chime of church bells from La Fenice theater just around the corner on Calle Larga XXII Marzo. I mean, you’re steps from spots like Harry’s Bar for a Bellini if you’re into that scene, but the hotel’s position means you can slip out early for a peaceful walk to the Rialto Bridge before the day-trippers flood in. Oh, and a heads up – summers get noisy with all the street performers and suitcase wheels rumbling on the cobblestones, but come off-season, like in March, it’s blissfully quiet after dark.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star spot that doesn’t scream “tourist trap” but delivers a solid 9.2-worth of authenticity, Domus Superior is a gem. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and there’s no real parking (duh, it’s Venice – water taxis or feet only), but that’s part of the adventure. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just passed through. You’d be smart to book it for a romantic getaway or even a solo trip; just pack light and embrace the serendipity.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $330. Classic Double Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Ali from United Arab Emirates – 31 July 2022 (10/10)

  great location. nice view. well equipped room.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Jade from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (10/10)

  The location was fantastic, staff were so attentive and helpful. There is a private boat dock at the hotel so we got a transfer to and from the airport which was such a treat. Excellent sized room, immaculately clean, with an incredible view that matched the photo on booking.com exactly. The bed was very comfortable. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was all great.

• Ray from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  Loved our place in Venice, nice view and nice room.

• Michelle from Australia – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  We loved our Stay at Domus Superior. We caught a water taxi right to the back door from the airport which was booked by the hotel. Would highly recommend spending a little extra to arrive this way. Everything was within walking distance, such a great location. The room was fantastic and the view from the balcony amazing. The staff were always helpful, would highly recommend this hotel.

• Ronen from Israel – 14 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent accommodation, service experience, Marco helped us and gave us a lot of tips, the hotel is clean, the room is clean, the location is excellent

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

  Location ideal….quiet, nice canal views, but near central stuff. Very comfy spacious bed. Fabulous shower.
  
  What could be improved: I would have appreciated a bath mat so shower not slippy…us oldies need one!

• Andrew from United States – 13 March 2025 (10/10)

  Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had abroad. The location and room were beautiful. The room was spacious and the views from the room were amazing with gondolas floating by just below the windows. The host, Marco, was sweet and very communicative. I highly recommend!

• Markos from United Kingdom – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location was fantastic, the room was stylish and the bed comfortable. The view from the windows was lovely and the bathroom has been recently renovated.
  
  What could be improved: We would have appreciated more coffee and a few croissants in the morning which is a reasonable expectation considering the cost of accommodation. Also a bit more space to store your things away would have helped.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 22 February 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment and great location

• Yvette from Australia – 20 February 2025 (8/10)

  Property is in a great location. The propert itself is beautiful with a wonderful canal view. Welcoming bottle of wine was appreciated. Shower and bed lovely.Hosts organised water taxi from airport which was a great relief.
  
  What could be improved: We were going to be charged for extra coffee pods (limit is 2 per day) which is a bit steep considering price of room and no breakfast. No lift which was not to bad for us being on 2nd floor.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities