Gondolieri Terrace- Dimora Italia Collection –

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Accademia stop – you know, that big wooden bridge that sort of arches over the Grand Canal like it’s been there forever – and weaving my way through those narrow Dorsoduro alleys to find Gondolieri Terrace. It’s tucked away at Dorsoduro 542, right in the heart of this artsy neighborhood that’s honestly a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist crush around San Marco. I mean, Venice can feel overwhelming with all the day-trippers, but here? It’s quieter, more lived-in, with locals popping into corner cafes for their morning espresso and the faint echo of church bells mixing with the lap of canal water against stone. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos – think faded pink stucco walls and wrought-iron balconies that creak a bit when the wind picks up off the lagoon. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of friendly Italians who actually live in the area – handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby gelato spot (it’s Gelateria Nico, by the way, just a five-minute stroll along the Zattere promenade). No big lobby fuss, which I appreciated after lugging my bag over those uneven cobblestones – well, stairs are a thing in these old places, so pack light if you’re not up for a workout.

What really sets Gondolieri Terrace apart, though, is that terrace – oh man, it’s like your own private slice of Venice magic. Part of the Dimora Italia Collection, this 4-star spot feels more like a stylish apartment than a hotel, with rooms that have these high ceilings and exposed beams that smell faintly of aged wood and sea salt. I stayed in one overlooking a side canal, and honestly, waking up to the sound of gondoliers calling out to each other in the morning was straight out of a postcard – but real, you know? Not the staged stuff you get in busier spots. The decor’s a nice blend of modern comforts (think plush bedding that actually lets you sleep through the night, despite the occasional distant boat horn) and antique touches, like those heavy velvet curtains that block out the summer sun. It’s rated a solid 9.2 for good reason – clean, well-maintained, with little extras like a communal kitchen area where you can brew your own coffee and chat with other guests. That said, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms, especially during peak season when everyone’s streaming, and if you’re here in July, the humidity sneaks in – but hey, that’s Venice for you. Nearby, you’ve got the Peggy Guggenheim Collection just a stone’s throw away, perfect for a lazy afternoon dodging the crowds, or hop on a boat to San Giorgio Maggiore for sunset views that make the whole trip worthwhile.

Look, if you’re after that authentic Venetian vibe without the hassle – skipping the overpriced traps near the Rialto and settling into a spot where you can actually unwind – this is it. I’ve been back to Venice a few times now, and Gondolieri Terrace is where I’d steer friends; it’s got that balance of charm and practicality that makes you feel like you’re living the dream, not just visiting. Off-season in winter? Even better – quieter canals, cheaper rates, and that misty fog rolling in adds a whole atmospheric layer. Trust me, you’ll leave with stories, not just selfies.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $954. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Julija from Lithuania – 26 December 2024 (9/10)

  We liked everything about it- the location, the comfort, the cleanliness, the vibe. The terrace gives aditional charm to it. Everything is close enough. Perfect to stay with more people.

• Beatriz from Spain – 9 October 2023 (9/10)

  Elisa la chica que nos esperaba todo un encanto, muy atenta e intentando que todo fuera fenomenal.
  
  What could be improved: Al llegar el aire no funcionaba y pedían 700€ de fianza que al hacer la reserva en Booking no mencionó. Al final Elisa no lo cobro, yo le dije que el aire twmbien tenía que funciona y no funcionaba.

• Magdalena from Poland – 2 October 2023 (8/10)

  Taras – super
  Apartament – super
  Bardzo przytulna przestrzen
  Ladne pokoje, lazienki.
  Swietny kontakt z personelem
  Duza pomoc z ich strony
  
  What could be improved: – brak na wyposazeniu oliwy, recznika papierowego w kuchni, deski do krojenia
  – trzeba bylo wyniesc smieci po pobycie co bylo bardzo klopotliwe / serwis sprzatajacy powinien miec to w cenie. Ogromnie wysoka kara z brak wyniesienia smieci 170 euro
  – adres byl podany zupelnie inny niz faktucznie apartament, na bookingu pinezka tez zaznaczona w innym miejscu. Mega to wprowadzalo w blad i niestety pierwszego dnia zrobilo ogromne zamieszanie
  – cena – uwazam ze troche za wysoka biorac pod uwage wyposazenie i koniecznosc wyniesienia smieci

• Cao from Spain – 14 April 2022 (9/10)

  Todo ha sido increible. Muy recomendado para alojarse en Venecia.
  
  What could be improved: Se nos ha cortado el agua un día pero rapidamente lo solucionaron.

• Gerður from Iceland – 22 May 2023 (9/10)

• Hills from United Kingdom – 15 July 2022 (9/10)

• Markéta from Czech Republic – 15 April 2023 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities