Gold Venice Suite by Wonderful Italy

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Ca’ d’Oro stop – you know, that gorgeous Gothic palace right on the Grand Canal – and weaving my way through the narrow calles of Cannaregio to find the Gold Venice Suite. It’s tucked away on Priuli, just a stone’s throw from the Santa Lucia train station, which honestly makes it a godsend if you’re lugging bags from the mainland. No cars in Venice, obviously, but that short walk – maybe 10 minutes if you’re not stopping for a spritz – feels like a gentle intro to the city, past those little bacari where locals grab cicchetti in the evenings. I arrived in late spring, when the canals start to smell a bit more briny, but the air was buzzing with that pre-summer energy. Check-in was straightforward, sort of self-service with a code they email you – no fuss, which is perfect after a long train ride, though I did fumble with the door a bit in the dim hallway light.

What really won me over about this place – it’s run by Wonderful Italy, and yeah, it lives up to that – is how it feels like your own little Venetian hideaway without the insane prices of San Marco spots. The suite I stayed in had these high ceilings with exposed beams, you know, the kind that make you feel like you’re in an old palazzo, and the kitchenette was stocked just enough for whipping up a quick pasta after a day of wandering. Windows overlooked a quiet rio – that’s a small canal for the uninitiated – and in the mornings, I’d hear the soft lap of water against the stones mixed with distant church bells from the nearby Madonna dell’Orto. It’s in Cannaregio, which is less overrun than the tourist traps around Rialto; I mean, you can stroll to the Jewish Ghetto in five minutes for some killer kosher bakeries or hit Strada Nova for affordable eats. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night – no rowdy groups like you’d get closer to the station – but fair warning, during high season in July, the alleys can get echoey with suitcase wheels. The decor’s modern but nods to Venice with gold accents (hence the name, I suppose), and the bed was comfy enough, though the bathroom felt a tad compact – nothing a quick shower couldn’t fix.

All in all, if you’re after a solid 4-star spot that doesn’t scream “tourist trap,” this is it. The 8.1 rating feels spot-on; it’s not flawless – Wi-Fi dipped a couple times, and there’s no on-site staff 24/7 – but for the price, especially off-peak in fall when Venice quiets down, it’s a steal. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of local life, sipping coffee on the balcony while watching gondoliers practice their routes. You’d be smart to book it if you’re traveling with a partner or small group – splits the cost nicely – and want to escape the crowds without sacrificing that magical Venice vibe. Trust me, after dodging pigeons in Piazza San Marco, coming back here was like a deep breath.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $191. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• A very good, bright apartment with a good location. – Elīna from Latvia – 18 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, close to restaurants, shops. The apartment is bright, spacious, with all kitchen equipment and dishes.

• staff very helpful apartment in a brilliant location – Jo from United Kingdom – 14 May 2023 (9/10)

  fab location
  
  What could be improved: air conditioning unavailable

• Good apartment in a great location – Caroline from United States – 12 June 2024 (8/10)

  The location was great on a quiet street away from the tourists walking back and forth. The apartment was spacious and clean. The beds were fairly comfortable and the kitchen well equipped though we really didn't use it. The bathroom was nice. We were allowed to drop our bags prior to check-in which was a big help. It's very near the Alilaguna water taxi pickup/drop off at Ft de Nove A. The WI-FI information posted was incorrect but the manager promptly provided the correct info.
  
  What could be improved: The air conditioning (in both bedrooms and kitchen/living room) areas worked, but was quite weak and was more like a bit of fan. We were there in early June so temps were not yet very hot but the AC couldn't really cool as much as you'd expect. A couple of the pillows needed to be replaced and were pretty flat. The stairs in the entry area really needed sweeping as a lot of brick dust accumulated but no big deal.

• Good – Barna from Hungary – 11 April 2024 (7/10)

  perfect location
  
  What could be improved: really close and loud neighbours

• Very good – Vincent from Namibia – 27 July 2022 (8/10)

  It was spacious. Air conditioner excellent.

• Good – Christine from United Kingdom – 11 June 2023 (7/10)

  Could of been cleaner especially the microwave. Entrance stairs need a good brush .Needs painting wall stuffed all over .
  
  Great location easy to find

• Exceptional – Dalibor from Czech Republic – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  Nice, clean and well situated flat. I 100% recommend this flat for stay in Venice.

• Exceptional – Petra from Slovakia – 4 November 2024 (10/10)

  Really nice apartment in a great location. It’s perfect for 4 people to enjoy comfortably.

• The location is perfect the apartment is large the rooms are clear. – Viktor from Hungary – 23 June 2023 (10/10)

  The location is perfect the apartment is large the rooms are clear. So it was a great choice
  
  What could be improved: It's hard to open the front door (street – gets stuck in the floor)

• Exceptional – Maria from Bulgaria – 2 February 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment is very nice. Perfect location close to the points of interest and transport connections in a touristic area, but on a calm street. It's on the first floor above the street level. Comfortable beds and enough blankets, also option for hard or soft pillow. The kitchen is well equipped in case you want to prepare food. Very good communication with the staff – we received detailed instructions and additional information via email. The self check-in/ check-out is a great advantage in case of late arrival/ early departure.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities