Gioiello di Venezia, Suite San Lio

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Gioiello di Venezia, Suite San Lio, after weaving through those narrow calli in Castello – you know, the ones that twist around like a maze and suddenly spit you out onto a quiet campo. It’s tucked away on San Lio, right at 5572/a, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge but far enough from the tourist crush that you actually hear locals chatting in Venetian dialect over morning espresso. I arrived mid-afternoon in late spring, when the canals start smelling a bit briny but the air’s still crisp, and honestly, finding the place was half the fun – or frustration, depending on your mood after lugging a suitcase over a few bridges. No parking woes here, obviously, since it’s Venice, but if you’re coming by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station, hop off at Rialto and it’s a quick five-minute walk, dodging the occasional delivery cart. Check-in was a breeze; the host – this warm Italian guy named Marco, I think – met me at the door with a key and a quick rundown in broken English, pointing out the old wooden beams in the entryway that creak just a little underfoot, like the building’s whispering its history.

What really sold me on this spot was how it feels like your own little Venetian hideaway, not some sterile hotel chain. It’s billed as a 4-star suite, and yeah, it lives up to that 9.3 rating with these spacious rooms that mix antique furniture – think velvet armchairs that sink just right – with modern touches like a sleek espresso machine and rainfall showers that steam up the marble bathroom. I stayed in one overlooking the campo, and mornings were magic: sunlight filtering through lace curtains, the faint chime of bells from nearby Santa Maria Formosa church, and no street noise at all, which is a godsend in a city that can get rowdy with tour groups by noon. Well, except for the occasional pigeon cooing on the windowsill – sort of charming, I mean, until one decides to make a mess. The kitchenette was a lifesaver for whipping up simple pasta from the market on Strada Nuova, and there’s even a small balcony where I sipped prosecco at dusk, watching the shadows lengthen over the rooftops. It’s not huge, mind you, and the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during peak hours, but for Venice, where space is premium, it felt luxurious without being over-the-top.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want to skip the impersonal big hotels around San Marco – which, let’s be real, can feel like a zoo in high season – this place is a gem. You’re steps from hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore, with its quirky stacks of books in gondolas, or a quick stroll to Campo San Giovanni e Paolo for gelato that tastes like actual pistachios, not some artificial stuff. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of local life, not just visited, and that’s rare in a city this overrun. Sure, it’s not the cheapest – expect to pay a premium for that suite vibe – but for couples or solo travelers craving authenticity, it’s worth every euro. Just pack light; those stairs up to the suite aren’t forgiving after a day of wandering.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $326. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Esme from South Africa – 20 July 2023 (10/10)

  The location was perfect. The apartment was bigger than what you would expect in Venice and very central and easy to get to from the water taxi. It was very comfortable and the air conditioning made it a perfect haven during the hot days. Even though it was in the middle of busy Venice, the apartment was peaceful and quiet.

• Athina from Greece – 23 December 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely spacious apartment in a very convenient location near Rialto and St Marcus square.
  Very clean and quiet.
  Plenty of space for our family, well equipped kitchen and two bathrooms (very useful with two daughters).
  Owner very helpful and prompt in responding to my questions
  Good coffee too!

• Pam from New Zealand – 12 November 2024 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: We were confused as on arrival we didn't know the instructions were in Whatsapp and not in booking dot com.

• Bianca from Romania – 26 October 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect.
  Great location and clean apartament.
  
  What could be improved: It s a little too dark in the living room, not enough lights.

• Paul from United Kingdom – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  Good size 2 bedroom apartment in a great central location close to the Rialto Bridge.
  
  What could be improved: Although not specifically the apartments problem, All in party got badly bitten by mosquitoes during the night. Could do with mosquito repellent plugs in bedrooms.

• Raymond from United Kingdom – 4 October 2024 (10/10)

  The property is in a perfect location in the centre of Venice, the property itself is fully modernised while retaining its character, beds nice and comfortable, showers good, coffee pod machine and full kitchen facilities if needed. The owner has thought of everything, all your basics, coffee pods, sugar, teabags, all cleaning items, basic gels, soap and shower caps. Beds lovely and clean with nice white fresh towels and bedding. Air conditioning although it was cold and wet in Venice so it was nice that the accommodation was warm and welcoming.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, I really couldn’t fault the Accomodation.

• Trudy from Australia – 2 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, comfy bed.
  
  What could be improved: Uncomfortable couch & no kettle.

• Kate from United Kingdom – 12 July 2024 (9/10)

  Central location,
  Well equipped
  Felt safe
  Air conditioning
  
  What could be improved: Mattress a bit too bouncy

• Niall from Ireland – 4 July 2024 (10/10)

  Very spacious, lots of amenities and close to everything in Venice. Less than 2 minute walk to rialto bridge and less than 4 minutes to Piazza S Marco.
  
  What could be improved: That I didn’t stay longer.

• Joana from United Kingdom – 25 June 2024 (10/10)

  everything was perfect , location, facilities.
  
  What could be improved: The only down part was we couldn’t leave the bags there a bit earlier

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities