Hotel Abbazia

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the train at Santa Lucia station after that long ride from Milan, lugging my suitcase over the Ponte degli Scalzi – you know, that big bridge right outside – and thinking, thank goodness Hotel Abbazia is just a quick five-minute stroll away down Calle Priuli Dei Cavaletti. It’s tucked into the Cannaregio district, which honestly feels like the real Venice, away from the tourist crush around San Marco. I mean, you’re close enough to wander over to the Jewish Ghetto for some authentic cicchetti at those little bars on Fondamenta della Misericordia, or hop a vaporetto to the Rialto Market in the mornings when it’s buzzing with locals haggling over fresh squid and artichokes. But here’s the thing: no cars in Venice, obviously, so parking isn’t even a worry – just leave your worries at the station and embrace the walk. The hotel itself is in this old abbey building from the 1800s, with these thick stone walls that sort of muffle the outside world. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly Venetians, I think – were chatty but not pushy, handing over a room key with a quick tip about avoiding the midday crowds at the nearby Strada Nova if I wanted a quieter coffee spot.

What really won me over, though, was that inner garden courtyard – it’s like a secret oasis, all green and shady with climbing vines and these weathered benches where you can sip an espresso in the morning without the canal smells wafting in (though, let’s be real, Venice does have that faint briny tang everywhere). My room was on the second floor, overlooking it, and yeah, it’s a 3-star so don’t expect marble palaces – the bed was comfy enough, with crisp linens that felt fresh after a day of traipsing around, but the bathroom was a bit compact, you know, the kind where you have to maneuver around the sink to shut the door. Still, the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm for planning my days, and breakfast down there in the garden was a highlight: fresh croissants, prosciutto, and those tiny cups of strong coffee that hit just right. I stayed in early spring, before the summer hordes descend, so it was peaceful – no late-night noise from revelers, just the occasional church bell from nearby San Geremia. Oh, and if you’re into history, ask about the abbey’s past; the receptionist shared this cool story about how monks used to brew beer here or something – added that authentic touch without feeling touristy.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels lived-in and genuine, not some glossy chain, Hotel Abbazia’s your bet – especially on a budget, with that solid 8.7 rating from folks who’ve actually crashed there. It’s perfect for travelers who want to dip into Venice’s quieter side, maybe explore the less-trampled paths in Cannaregio after dark when the streets empty out. Just pack light, watch for the uneven cobblestones on the way in, and you’ll settle right in. I left feeling like I’d gotten a real slice of the city, not just a postcard version.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $185. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $304. Superior Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Nadia from Australia – 9 October 2024 (9/10)

  Close to the train station. Clean. Helpful staff. Beautiful decor and excellent breakfast
  
  What could be improved: No lifts but staff helped take the luggage upstairs. Would have loved a kettle to make a cup of tea.

• Charles from United States – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  We stayed at the Hotel Abbazia for 5 nights in late January to early February. This hotel was within walking distance of the train station and vaporetto stops and is located in an old monastery. Lodging includes a fabulous buffet breakfast. The large lounge is a great place to relax, read, converse with friends, and to have a drink from the small bar (when the bartender is there).
  
  We had booked a Standard Double Room, which turned out to be quite small. (The back of my chair was pressed against the foot of the bed when I sat at the desk.) I went to the front desk and advised them the room was too small for us, and they kindly switched us to a larger, more comfortable room the following morning. Both rooms had a queen (matrimonial) size bed, with comfortable mattresses. Each room had a mini-fridge, flat screen TV with English channels, satisfactory wi-fi, good lighting, large closet with shelving for clothes, a place for luggage, hooks for coats, and extra pillows and blankets.
  
  Both bathrooms were a nice size with showers with good water pressure, towel warming rack, and shelves for toiletries.
  
  The breakfast buffet included: scrambled eggs, meats such as bacon or sausage, chicken wings, ham and cheese sliders, mini pizza bites, prosciutto and mozzarella nice selection of pastries, cereals, cold cuts, sliced cheese, yogurts, crostini, many assorted jams and jellies, Nutella, honey, fresh fruit, fruit salad, several types of sliced bread with a toasting machine, various juices, assorted teas, a pot of American coffee, and two (yes, 2) machines dispensing espresso, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, hot water, etc. The hot items did vary from day to day. Another plus was the fact that the staff at the breakfast buffet were extremely friendly and accommodating. After enjoying breakfast each morning, we were good to go for the whole day!
  
  We will absolutely stay here again!
  
  What could be improved: The first small room.

• Paola from United Kingdom – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  The location was perfect for us, just a couple of minutes from Venice Santa Lucia train station! The staff absolutely adorable, very friendly and extremely helpful, made us feel immediately at home.
  The building is wonderful as it used to be an old abbey, it has retained that charming history reflected inside. The room was very nice and very quiet! We slept beautifully and breakfast was a very nice spread! Orange juice is a part, 6 Euro for a glass.
  There is also a nice little garden/patio, perfect for eating outside in warm weather.

• Andrea from Brazil – 22 March 2025 (9/10)

  Staff, breakfast, room
  
  What could be improved: Strange smell in the corridor

• Debbie from Canada – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff was extremely welooming and accomodating.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Kaihsiu from Switzerland – 9 March 2025 (8/10)

  Good location
  
  What could be improved: No elevator

• Jose from United States – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast Spread was amazing!!!!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Helen from Australia – 28 February 2025 (8/10)

  Close to train station. Friendly helpful staff. Nice garden
  
  What could be improved: The coffee at breakfast.
  No mirror, no kettle in the main room.

• Hayley from United Kingdom – 26 February 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing quirky building, very traditional and felt very grand. In some parts. Lots of renovation work going on, but this did not impact our stay. The staff on the front desk are incredible! So helpful, friendly and very approachable. The breakfast staff were also lovely and helpful. The price for the location and quality of room was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Edward from Puerto Rico – 20 February 2025 (9/10)

  The people that work there were so polite.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities