Fenice Double Canal view by LionHost

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Fenice Double Canal View by LionHost almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mosh pit. Tucked away on Calle del Caffettier in the San Marco district – that’s that labyrinth of narrow alleys just a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco – it’s one of those spots that feels like a secret even though it’s smack in the middle of everything. I remember dragging my suitcase over the uneven cobblestones from the vaporetto stop at San Marco Vallaresso, dodging a few pigeons and the occasional delivery guy hauling crates of fresh produce. Honestly, no cars in Venice means you’re walking everywhere, which is a workout, but it beats traffic jams any day. Check-in was a breeze; the host from LionHost met me at the door with a quick handshake and a map scribbled with insider tips – like where to grab the best cicchetti at a tiny bacaro around the corner on Calle della Mandola. The building’s got that classic Venetian vibe, all weathered stone and wrought-iron balconies, but it’s not some crumbling relic; they’ve spruced it up without losing the charm.

What really sold me was the room – I mean, it’s called “Double Canal View” for a reason, and boy does it deliver. My window overlooked not just one, but two intersecting canals, with gondolas gliding by like they were in a postcard (though, fair warning, the gondoliers’ singing can get a bit cheesy if you’re trying to nap in the afternoon). The space itself is cozy – we’re talking 3-star Venice cozy, so think compact with high ceilings and those creaky wooden floors that echo every step – but it had everything I needed: a comfy queen bed with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, a mini-fridge stocked with water (a lifesaver in the humidity), and a bathroom that, while small, had hot water on demand and those fluffy towels you actually want to use. I spent mornings sipping espresso on the little balcony, watching the light bounce off the water and listening to the distant hum of market vendors setting up near Rialto Bridge, which is just a 10-minute stroll away. Oh, and if you’re into opera, La Fenice theater is literally steps from here – I caught a show one night and walked back in under five minutes, no taxi nonsense. That said, the area buzzes during the day with tourists snapping selfies, so earplugs might be your friend if you’re a light sleeper; it quiets down after dark, though, especially off-season.

All in all, if you’re looking for that authentic Venice experience without breaking the bank – and let’s be real, with an 8.8 rating, it’s punching above its 3-star weight – this place is a gem. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty when everyone’s streaming at once, and there are stairs to climb (no elevator, classic old building quirk), but those views and the location make up for it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in the fall when the fog rolls in and everything feels a tad more mysterious. Just pack light, wander the calles, and let the city work its magic – you won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $150. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Ekaterina from France – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  I had a fantastic vacation! The apartment had an amazing view—just like in the movies. The location is perfect for scenic walks and offers quick access to the city's most famous attractions. One of the highlights for me was being able to take a break during the hot days and relax in the cool, air-conditioned apartment with fresh air. It was a real pleasure to come back and recharge in such a comfortable space. Highly recommended!

• Beautiful to hear the singing gondola men out the window. – Marcelle from Australia – 12 April 2025 (10/10)

  Large, beautiful with amazing views.

• Exceptional – Sabra from United Kingdom – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great view and location.

• Very good – Richardt from South Africa – 18 March 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, and facilities. Comfortable apartment.
  
  What could be improved: It needs a bit of maintenance, but was very clean and neat.

• Superb apartment, superb view – Teo from Romania – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is simply amazing. And I’m saying this as a traveler who researched a lot and compared a lot of prices before coming to Venice. The requirements of the property were very civilized. The apartment was very cosy, tastefully decorated and had all the facilities necessary for a comfortable stay, not to mention the best part: the view! Amazing at all hours of the day.
  
  What could be improved: I panicked about being asked a deposit since I never encountered that before on booking but the deposit was returned in 3 days after our departure so we had no issues with that after all. It was all good. Nothing we didn’t like. Everything was perfect.

• Spacious apartment in great location – Joanne from United Kingdom – 10 January 2025 (10/10)

  Really spacious apartment. Clean, comfortable, well equipped, Venetian-style decor. Top floor, corner location with canals surrounding and great views from large windows all around. Lovely private courtyard entrance with lift.
  
  What could be improved: Some window hinges need fixing so all windows can be opened (lovely canal views from all)

• Superb – Craig from United States – 25 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great with serenading gondoliers on both canals and great views from all the windows.
  
  All of that with beautiful furnishings and oil paintings made it seem like we were staying in a tourist attraction. The bedroom door sealed tight and seemed nearly soundproof if you closed up the shutters properly. It made for a quiet dark sanctuary in a very comfortable bed for wonderful rest and sleep after days of overdoing it as a tourist.
  
  The bathroom was very nice too with quality fixtures and some impressive mirror work which made it seem expansive and luxurious.
  
  So much to see so close by but a very quiet neighbourhood after 10 or so.
  
  What could be improved: Took us a bit to figure out all the electrical switches and operate the stove. Found on online manual for stove so solved that problem because we were unfamiliar with using that type of stove. We were never able to get the dishwasher to work but it was not a big deal with large dish-rack and great view out the kitchen window too.

• Perfect base to explore Venice – Leianne from Ireland – 25 August 2024 (10/10)

  This properly is perfect to explore the best location in Venice. It was clean and tranquil. Host was super supportive and helpful and reactive to queries and recommendations
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all

• Perfect location, really beautiful building, clean, comfortable and ideal base for the whole of Venice … and Wow! What a – Nikki from United Kingdom – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, really beautiful building, clean, comfortable and ideal… great view in the mornings too!
  
  What could be improved: The plug sockets were not standard so our travel adapters were not suitable to charge our phones… but it is a beautiful old building so I suppose that’s to be expected and there were a couple of adapters that fitted for lamps that were there so we used those. Some spare adapters that fit those particular sockets would have been helpful but we managed ok and everything else was perfect!

• Great experience overall. Perfect to spend 2-3 nights in Venice. – Felipe from Spain – 20 May 2024 (10/10)

  Location, space, views.
  
  What could be improved: A bit expensive.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities