Gioiello di Venezia, Suite Calle del Forno

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Gioiello di Venezia while wandering through the Castello district last spring – it’s tucked away on Calle del Forno, right at Castello 2098, and honestly, that whole area feels like the Venice locals actually live in, not the postcard version swarming with day-trippers. I mean, you’re just a short stroll from the Arsenale vaporetto stop, which makes getting there a breeze if you’re hauling luggage from the train station – no need to wrestle with those crowded bridges near San Marco. But fair warning, Venice being Venice, there’s no parking anywhere close; I left my rental car on the mainland and ferried over, which is pretty much the drill. The suite itself is in this charming old building, all narrow alleys and faded frescoes outside, and when I arrived around midday, the check-in was super low-key – the host met me at the door with a quick espresso and a rundown of the neighborhood spots, like that tiny bakery on Campo San Lorenzo where you can grab fresh cornetti that smell like heaven first thing in the morning.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world Venetian vibe with just enough modern comfort to make you forget you’re in a city built on water. The suite’s got these high ceilings and exposed beams that make it feel spacious, even if it’s not massive – I think it’s technically a 4-star spot with a solid 9 rating, and yeah, it earns it. There’s a little kitchenette where I whipped up pasta from ingredients I picked up at the Rialto market (pro tip: go early to avoid the crowds, and haggle a bit for the seafood), and the bed was ridiculously comfy, with linens that actually felt luxurious, not the stiff hotel stuff. Oh, and the bathroom – marble everywhere, and a shower that doesn’t flood the floor like some places I’ve stayed in Venice. It’s quiet at night, too, especially in the off-season; you might hear the occasional church bell from San Zaccaria or a gondolier singing faintly in the distance, but no blaring tour groups. That said, if you’re there in summer, the canals can get a bit whiffy during low tide – nothing a closed window can’t fix, but it’s one of those authentic quirks, you know? I spent evenings on the small balcony overlooking the calle, sipping prosecco and watching neighbors chat – felt more like crashing at a friend’s place than a hotel.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that lets you dip into Venice’s magic without the overwhelming hustle, Gioiello di Venezia is a gem. It’s not the flashy resort type – no pool or spa, but who needs that when you’re steps from the Biennale gardens for a peaceful walk? I’d recommend it for couples or solo travelers who want to feel immersed; families might find the stairs a hassle with kids. Book in shoulder season like April or October for the best rates and fewer people – trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping coffee in that bakery, feeling like you’ve got the city to yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $175. Apartment – Split Level with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Milena from Netherlands – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great equipped appartement on a perfect location. Everything was clean and tidy and the owners were super kind and flexible. A warm recommendation. We will be certainly be coming back here

• Exceptional – Graham from Ireland – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  Property was in a great location, close to the boat bus to get to the airport. And a short walk away from the crowds. But there's a nice street beside the accommodation with plenty of great restaurants, cafes and grocery stores for supplies. Very homely feel to the accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: Only thing I would of changed was a small TV in the bedroom for extra comfort. But besides that, everything else was perfect. The TV in the living room has Netflix and amazon prime.

• Hidden Gem – Tjon-a-fat from Suriname – 27 October 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is large, with more than enough space to sprawl out. Cafes, Restaurants and shops only 1 minute away. the area is not swamped with tourists the way the other side of the island is. The kitchen is fully stocked, with all the tools you could want.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom is on the bottom floor, while the main bedroom is 2 stories above that.

• Superb place from which to enjoy the Biennale. – Nigel from New Zealand – 24 October 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic location. Ideal for Biennale, and close to supermarket etc
  
  What could be improved: Mosquitoes. A screen at the top bathroom skylight would be good.
  
  Wished I’d moved the dining table before I cracked my head on the spiral staircase.
  
  Anna gave excellent instructions on how to get to apartment. However there are two Calle del Forno in Venice. We didn’t make sure we went the one off Via Garibaldi. Also on Anna’s photo of Google map, wrong street number identified.

• Superb – Francesco from Netherlands – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great finding! Top location if you visit Venice for the Biennale, on between giardini and arsenale! Quiet and comfortable! Great value for money

• Can't think of a better way to stay in Venice – Bruno from Belgium – 9 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location is in a calm and beautiful neighbourhood, it's a large appartment. It has all that's needed. The bed was quite comfortable. Communication with the host was via Whatsapp.

• As close to perfection as is possible for the price – Patrick from Ireland – 1 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was almost perfect. See below for outline of the property
  
  What could be improved: Steps.
  It's difficult to understand the property from the photos and description without seeing it. The following might help: GROUND FLOOR: 1 room – bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, bidet & washing machine (very spacious and high quality finish). FIRST FLOOR: 3 rooms – kitchen with bar counter, dining come TV area and living room (all 3 rooms are spacious and comfortable ). SECOND FLOOR: 1 room – bedroom with ensuite toilet, sink and bidet (bedroom is relatively spacious while bathroom is very small and tight).

• Exceptional – Paul from United Kingdom – 2 January 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is large and with a well equipped kitchen. the location was very near to the Arsenale boat stop and as we were there for the new year, very well placed for the firworks display (497 steps to be exact)
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing to dislike about this apartment. When I come back to Venice, I would not even look at another apartment.

• Interesting especially for young people – Stefan from Romania – 20 November 2023 (9/10)

  Communication with the host is excellent. Responds on WApp quite quickly. Access to the apartment is done by entering a code. The street is small, and access is through via Garibaldi. The first impression of the apartment was excellent. The apartment is atypical, being arranged on three levels (you have to climb stairs): on the ground floor is the bathroom, on the 1st floor is a living room, bedroom and kitchen, and on the 2nd floor (in the attic) is a bedroom and a toilet with a sink. The location has the major advantage that you can sit for discussions both in the living room and in the kitchen. The kitchen is quite well equipped, the only drawback being the lack of a microwave oven, but there is a gas oven. Nearby, on Via Garibaldi, there are restaurants and a supermarket (Coop). 6 minutes away is the Arsenal vaporetto station (direct line to Marco Polo Airport). San Marco Square is about 20 minutes away on foot.
  
  What could be improved: Because it has a lot of stairs, it is not recommended for the elderly or people with disabilities. Be careful around the corners because you can hit yourself. Turn on the light wherever you go in the apartment. The apartment is well located, but it is not in the central area. You need vaporeto for the train station/bus to the Treviso Airport. However, I fully recommend this apartment.

• Exceptional – Leya from United States – 4 November 2023 (10/10)

  The location was in a fantastic neighborhood. The apartment was quite large and everything was very clean and well taken care of. It was easy to get to using the Arsenal stop on the water taxi.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities