GranDELUX-Canal – BBC Venice Grand Tour 2024 recorded here!

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the GranDELUX-Canal during a solo trip to Venice last spring, and honestly, it was one of those spots that just clicks – not flashy, but with that understated charm that makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a local secret. Tucked away in Dorsoduro at 715, right by the Guggenheim Museum, it’s on this quiet little stretch where the canal laps gently against old stone walls. I remember arriving via vaporetto from Santa Lucia station – hop off at Accademia, wander down Fondamenta Zattere with its gelato spots and that salty sea breeze mixing with espresso scents from corner cafes, and boom, you’re there in about 10 minutes. No lugging suitcases over endless bridges, which is a godsend in Venice, I mean, who needs that hassle after a long flight? The building itself has this weathered, romantic facade – think faded terracotta and wrought-iron balconies overlooking the water – and checking in was a breeze; the staff, mostly locals with that warm Italian flair, sorted me out in no time, even recommending a hidden osteria nearby for cicchetti that wasn’t overrun by tourists.

What really sets this place apart, though – and this is kind of fun – is that the BBC filmed parts of their Venice Grand Tour 2024 right here, which I only learned after spotting a plaque in the lobby. It’s a 3-star joint, sure, but with an 8.9 rating that feels earned; my room was cozy, not huge, but spotless with these high ceilings and a view straight onto the canal (ask for one facing south if you can – the morning light is magical, all golden ripples and gondoliers calling out). The bed was comfy enough to crash after a day of dodging crowds in San Marco, and there’s this little breakfast spread in the courtyard – fresh cornetti, strong coffee, and those tiny jars of apricot jam that taste like summer. Well, minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, you’re in Venice – put the phone down and listen to the water taxis humming by. It’s peaceful here in Dorsoduro, away from the Piazza San Marco chaos, but close enough to pop over via the Accademia Bridge for sunset views. I wandered to Campo Santa Margherita at night, just a five-minute stroll, for cheap spritzes and that lively student vibe – way better than the tourist traps in Cannaregio.

All in all, if you’re after authentic Venice without breaking the bank, this is it – especially in shoulder season like April or October, when the canals aren’t jammed and you can actually hear yourself think. It’s not perfect; the air con hummed a bit loud in my room, and parking? Forget it, this is car-free territory, but that’s Venice for you. Still, waking up to church bells from nearby San Trovaso and that faint, briny canal smell – it sticks with you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, you know? It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a temporary local, not just another visitor snapping selfies.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $607. Deluxe Apartment with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Ian from United Kingdom – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location was perfect. The private jetty onto the Grand Canal was fantastic. Morning cappuccino watching Venice go by.!
  The apartment was very clean and comfortable with everything you could need in place.
  Very highly recommended.!!

• Jacobs from United States – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Astoundingly terrific location with private dock. We took a private taxi from the airport directly to the property. Met by rep of company who communicated well and was so nice. The property is perfect for the venice experience. Well stocked, clean and quiet. It is not possible to photograph what it actually is like. Near the vaporetto stop to travel the canals. Just perfect!!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Angelaharburn from United Kingdom – 4 July 2024 (9/10)

  Perfectly placed in the beautiful Dusoduro region of Venice. Totally spoilt with outdoor space both on the jetty overlooking the Grand Canal and the beautiful little terrace garden at the back.
  
  What could be improved: The underfloor air conditioning system was extremely efficient but it's the first time we haven't been able to control the temperature in an apartment ourselves. At times it became rather too cool for our comfort.

• Barry from Australia – 26 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location was perfect. The private dock and courtyard were absolute treats. We far prefer this location to St Marks Square. Far less crowded with more of a neighbourhood feel.
  
  What could be improved: It was a little too cold. But one only needs to open the doors – which have insect screens – and the unit can be warmed pretty quickly. The front door has a lock too.

• Bisselberg from United States – 23 March 2024 (9/10)

  Everything! The beautiful decorations. The deck/dock on the Grand Canal. The private walled garden. It’s truly hard to describe how wonderful this apartment is for a stay in Venice.

• Danielle from United States – 25 April 2023 (9/10)

  the view and dock were unbeatable! it was clean and they gave you robes and slippers too. The place itself was gorgeous and designed with a Venice flair. owner was very communicative and gave us an extra blanket when needed it the first day and they left us little bottles of champagne (we repaid the favor and left a bottle of Prosecco from our wine tour because it was too much to carry to naples!)
  
  What could be improved: They expect you to take out your own trash everyday or at-least before you leave at 6-8am in the morning. the trash isn’t right outside the door either, you have to walk at-least 8-10 minutes down to the main docks to put it out, otherwise you get charged $200 A BAG. For over $500 USD a night I expect the owners to find a way to take out the trash after we leave. I’ve done airbnbs before and had no problem cleaning before we leave but the anxiety of the trash everyday that early in the morning was not what I expected for that much money a night. also they also didn’t service out room everyday to replenish toilet paper or coffee, which we dealt with but again, just mentioning it. overall it was a lovely stay and I know Venice is an island but if I had paid less for this place, I’d be fine with taking out my own trash .5miles away but not that early, not that far of a walk away, not every day and not for that much money per night. just a warning to others because $200 bucks per trash bag you leave is a crazy expensive and kind of ridiculous when you’re paying that much per night. still overall it was a great stay but anxiety ridden with the trash at the end

• Charlie from Australia – 12 April 2023 (9/10)

  Absolute location! Resting on the edge of the Grand Canal with a private jetty to watch the boats go by whilst enjoying a drink. The apartment is small but very comfortable. Everything we needed was provided.
  
  What could be improved: Be careful with the small ants that might appear around the sink. Not lots of them so manageable.

• Joseph from United States – 9 October 2022 (9/10)

  It was on the Grand Canal, it was beautiful
  
  What could be improved: only one set of towels, we had to wash and hang dry the towels as there was no dryer

• David from Australia – 16 November 2024 (8/10)

  Great location with its own jetty and garden

• Marco from France – 9 April 2024 (9/10)

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