Glass House – Loft 2 minutes to Rialto Bridge & View

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Glass House – Loft while planning a quick escape to Venice last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – especially if you’re not into the massive hotel chains that dot the Grand Canal. Tucked away in San Polo on Campiello del Sol, up on the second floor (piano secondo, as they say here), it’s literally a two-minute stroll to the Rialto Bridge. I mean, you step out the door, dodge a couple of those narrow calli with their uneven stones – watch your ankles if you’re lugging a suitcase – and boom, you’re right there amid the market stalls selling fresh artichokes and that briny smell of the lagoon wafting up. Arriving by vaporetto from Piazzale Roma was a breeze; I hopped off at the San Silvestro stop, which is maybe a five-minute walk, and the host met me at the door with keys in hand – no fuss, no waiting in some sterile lobby. The place feels more like borrowing a friend’s stylish apartment than a standard hotel stay, with these massive windows that flood the space with light, giving you peekaboo views of rooftops and the occasional gondola slipping by below. Oh, and in the evenings, when the tourist crowds thin out around 8 pm, it’s surprisingly quiet for being so central – just the distant hum of water taxis and maybe a church bell or two.

What really sold me was how lived-in and thoughtful it all felt, you know? The loft’s got this open-plan vibe with exposed beams – sort of industrial chic meets Venetian charm – and a kitchenette that’s actually stocked with basics like olive oil and a proper espresso maker, which saved me a fortune on breakfasts. I whipped up some pasta with ingredients from the Rialto fish market (pro tip: go early, before 9 am, to beat the lines and snag the freshest squid). The bed’s comfy, king-sized, with linens that smell faintly of lavender – none of that stiff hotel starch – and the bathroom’s modern, with a rain shower that blasts away the day’s humidity. Well, minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, like when everyone’s streaming in the afternoon, but hey, you’re in Venice – put the phone down and wander over to Campo San Polo for a spritz at one of those unassuming bars where locals gossip over cicchetti. It’s rated 9.4 for a reason, and as a 4-star spot, it punches above its weight without the pretension. I even caught a glimpse of the bridge from the window at sunset, all golden and hazy, which made the whole stay feel magical.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice during shoulder season – say, April or October, when it’s not sweltering and packed – this loft is a gem for couples or solo travelers who want that authentic slice of life without breaking the bank. It’s not perfect; stairs only (no elevator, so pack light), and the neighborhood can get noisy with delivery boats early mornings, but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat – actually, I already recommended it to my sister for her anniversary trip. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret corner of the city, steps from the action but with your own cozy retreat.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $256. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Would happily stay again – Tony from New Zealand – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, a few alleys away from the grand canal. Very clean. Spacious, Character property with exposed beams
  
  What could be improved: Leaving

• Very good – Dana from United States – 14 June 2025 (8/10)

  Perfect location. Michael, the host was very accommodating and accessible. He is quick to reply and very helpful!

• We enjoyed our stay and would stay again. – Anne-marie from Australia – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was a bit smaller than i expected, but it was fine for 4 adults. Great location near The Rialto. It was very clean and seemed quite new, the washing machine was handy. There was a washing line but hardly any pegs to use. Micheal was very responsive on the check in day and gave some restaurant recommendations.
  
  What could be improved: No response from host until check in day, even though I messaged a couple of weeks earlier. No airer to put washing on to dry.

• Great spot, great price – Fleur from Australia – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great spot to stay in Venice. We arrived very late due to a delayed flight and the staff were suoer helpful. Only wish we could have stayed longer.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs were a lot with our heavy suitcases – and we are fit and young(ish).

• Great Venice Apartment – Mark from Australia – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  Owner communicated well.
  Property large good quality fittings.
  Washing machine bonus. Terrific location. Would stay again.
  
  What could be improved: This is not a criticism but there are a lot of stairs to this lovely third floor property. No lift. I only mention this as people may find access difficult.

• Excellent location, fantastic apartment, great host – Stuart from United Kingdom – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic location from which to see Venice. Wonderful traditional property with quality fittings, very clean & comfortable. Michael the host was excellent, great communication and so helpful. Totally recommended.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. All positive.

• Great little 3rd floor apartment – Terry from United Kingdom – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Modern, clean, fully kitted out, and in a good location.
  Michael, the host, answered any queries quickly.
  
  What could be improved: It was no problem for us, but the clue is in the name … the Loft. It's up 3 flights of stairs.

• Very good – Anonymous from United Kingdom – 10 May 2025 (8/10)

  Nice and clean apartment, good location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• A peaceful oasis in a busy city – Sharon from United Kingdom – 9 May 2025 (10/10)

  Glass House is a most beautiful apartment in the centre of Venice. Its location on a quiet square, minutes from the Rialto means it is a quiet oasis in a busy city. The views over roof tops are amazing, the glass mezzanine floor makes it feel bright and airy. The kitchen has everything you need to cook a great meal, there is a fresh fish market minutes from the flat and little supermarkets. The flat was very clean and there is a washing machine and dishwasher.. Michael is a great host, answering our questions. The flat has everything you need for a comfortable stay in an amazing city.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything about the flat, there are 4 flights of stairs to the flat which is worth knowing, to carry your bags up. It was a positive for us as being so high meant the flat was peaceful and gave us the views.

• A perfect stay in a unique apartment, close to everything. – Wendy from Australia – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  It was very well located in a quiet neighbourhood just a few minutes walk to the Rialto and the ferry.
  
  What could be improved: There were a lot of steps

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities