Giò&Giò Venice B&B

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Giò&Giò Venice B&B after a chaotic vaporetto ride from the station – you know, the kind where you’re elbow-to-elbow with tourists and their suitcases, dodging the spray from the Grand Canal. It’s tucked away on Calle delle Ostreghe, right in the heart of San Marco, just a stone’s throw from the elegant bustle of Campo San Fantin and that gorgeous La Fenice opera house. Honestly, finding it the first time was a bit of an adventure; the narrow alley twists like a secret passageway, and there’s no big sign screaming “hotel” – it’s more like knocking on a friend’s door. We arrived in the late afternoon during Carnevale season, when Venice is buzzing with masked revelers, but stepping inside felt like entering a cozy cocoon. The owners – I think Giò and Giò are a couple, or maybe siblings? – greeted us with this warm, unhurried vibe, offering espresso and chatting about the best hidden spots for cicchetti nearby, like that tiny bacaro on Calle della Mandola where locals grab spritzes without the crowds.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it nails that authentic Venetian charm without feeling stuffy or overdone. Our room was on the primo piano – that’s the first floor up, mind you, so expect a short flight of stairs (no elevator, which is par for the course in these old palazzos, but it might tire you out after a day of wandering). The space was compact, sure, like most spots in Venice, but it had these lovely high ceilings with exposed beams that made it feel airy, and the bed was ridiculously comfortable – soft linens that smelled faintly of lavender, probably from some local laundry trick. Breakfast was a highlight: served in a sunny communal area overlooking the calle, with fresh cornetti, homemade jams, and cappuccinos that rival anything from the cafes around Rialto. Oh, and the Wi-Fi was surprisingly zippy for such an old building – I mean, we streamed a movie one rainy evening without a hitch. Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet at night once the day-trippers clear out, though you might hear the occasional gondolier serenading below or church bells from San Moisè chiming in the morning. One minor gripe? The bathroom was on the smaller side, with that classic Italian shower setup where water goes everywhere if you’re not careful, but hey, it adds to the character.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels like a genuine slice of Venice life rather than a generic hotel chain, Giò&Giò is a gem – that 9.6 rating isn’t hype; it’s earned through those personal touches that make you feel like an insider. We stayed four nights last February, and it was the perfect base for exploring without the hassle of schlepping luggage across too many bridges. Just book ahead, especially in high season, because places like this fill up fast. You’d be missing out if you didn’t give it a shot – trust me, it’ll make your trip memorable in all the right ways.

Facilities