GORGEOUS APARTMENT IN SAN MARCO

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon the Gorgeous Apartment in San Marco during a whirlwind trip to Venice last spring, and honestly, it was one of those finds that makes you feel like you’ve cracked the code on traveling in this over-touristed gem of a city. Tucked away at 3124 San Marco on the Piano Primo – which, you know, means first floor up a short flight of stairs, no elevator, so pack light if you’re hauling luggage – it’s right in the heart of the San Marco district. I remember arriving via vaporetto from the airport, dodging the crowds spilling out from Piazza San Marco, and weaving down Calle Larga San Marco until I spotted the unassuming door. Check-in was a breeze; it’s more like an apartment rental with a key code they email you ahead of time – no fussing with a front desk, which is perfect if you’re jet-lagged and just want to crash. Stepping inside, the place hits you with that classic Venetian charm: high ceilings with exposed wooden beams that creak a little underfoot, and these massive windows letting in the golden afternoon light reflecting off the nearby canals. It smelled faintly of old stone and fresh linens, you know, that mix that screams “authentic Italy” without trying too hard.

What really sold me, though – and I mean, I’ve stayed in a few spots around Venice that felt more like tourist traps – was how it balanced coziness with that prime location. The apartment’s got two bedrooms, a full kitchen where I whipped up espresso every morning (there’s a little machine stocked with pods, thank goodness), and a living area with plush sofas that begged for lazy evenings after pounding the pavements. From the windows, you get glimpses of the bustling Rio di San Moisè canal – not a full-on Grand Canal view, but close enough to hear the gentle lap of water and the occasional gondolier’s call, especially at dusk when things quiet down. It’s just a five-minute stroll to St. Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge, but here’s the insider tip: slip out early before the day-trippers flood in, and you’ll have those narrow calles almost to yourself. I wandered over to Campo Santo Stefano for a quick gelato at this tiny spot locals love – way better than the pricey traps near the square. Noise-wise, it’s lively during the day with all the foot traffic, but by night, it settles into a peaceful hum; well, except for the odd church bell or distant boat horn, which sort of adds to the romance. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re trying to stream something – but hey, you’re in Venice, put the phone down and soak it in.

All in all, if you’re after a 3-star spot that punches way above its weight with a 9.3 rating that feels earned, this apartment is a winner, especially for couples or small groups who want that lived-in feel without the hotel sterility. It’s not the cheapest – rates spike in high season like Carnevale – but you save on eating out by cooking simple pasta dinners with ingredients from the nearby market on Rio Terrà dei Assassini. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just ticked it off a list, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just remember to time your visits around the quieter shoulder seasons if you hate crowds; trust me, it makes all the difference.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $442. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 single bed for Max persons: 7

Reviews

• Perfect location, close to everything, great host – Amanda from United States – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  The communication with the host was excellent- very quick to respond and helped us find the apartment and reserve water taxi. Spacious, bright, clean apartment that was well appointed. Comfortable beds in a nice safe area close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Got a little lost on the way to the apartment so providing the cross street is helpful in navigating in Google Maps in Venice. Other than that, everything was great.

• Lovely apartment in Venice – Areta from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Apartment was spacious and beds were comfortable. Even though only one air conditioning it was powerful enough to cool down the whole apartment but leave it on especially when you leave to explore for the day so you come back to a cool place because you will need it 😉
  Close to San Marco square and other places to visit on foot.
  Antonio was wonderful and helpful, Grazie 😊
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen could use some everyday essentials such as salt and pepper, oil, paper towels, especially if your not staying for long. I've stayed at other places such as the one I'm staying at now and it has everything from salt and pepper, spices, oil, sugar, coffee, complimentary wine, snacks for the kids, washing powder, hair shampoo and body wash.
  It would just make the stay feel more like home away from home.
  A broken toilet seat and we were told it was apparently the last people who stayed there did it and wasn't replaced. Needs to be replaced as it was cutting into our bum cheeks but that's an easy fix and I'm sure Antonio is fixing asap 😊 Wonderful time in Venice.

• Exceptional – Lauren from Germany – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely place tucked in quiet area. Felt perfect for my family of 7
  
  What could be improved: Main shower had very low water pressure.

• I would stay here again if I came back to Venice. Highly recommended – Riza from United States – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very Clean, close to everything, wonderful host.
  
  What could be improved: Water pressure in the shower is low.
  Just an inconvenience really.

• Exceptional – Jiaxuan from China – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  the house is great, and you can find everything in the house, and the host is very nice to help us when we get lost with the transportation. it's a really good place to live if you want to experience the beauty of Venice. You can see the sunshine as well as the rain. Nice place and Nice people

• Antonio house was beautiful and very well kept. The location is superb as it is walking distance to pretty much everywhe – Kwanhathai from United States – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

  Location, cleanliness, amenities
  
  What could be improved: Mosquitoes

• Fabulous, fun and enjoyable – Celeste from Australia – 11 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location, cleanliness, space, facilities and the host was very nice and welcoming.
  
  What could be improved: Some toiletries would have been nice

• A perfect spot to enjoy Venice. – Gilbert from United States – 21 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location was PERFECT. Close to everything but far enough away from major tourist area.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• You can’t go wrong if you book this apartment – Ciro from Australia – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Good facilities with everything you could need. Great location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great stay! The host was very helpful and friendly and met us for check-in. – Barefoot from United States – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, very clean and comfortable. Had everything we needed. The host was very friendly and helpful

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities