Hotel al Graspo de Ua

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel al Graspo de Ua during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice where you’re dodging tourists left and right – you know, the kind where you get off the vaporetto at Rialto and suddenly you’re weaving through narrow calli packed with mask shops and gelato stands. It’s tucked away on Calle de la Bissa, right off Campo San Bartolomeo, which is this lively little square that’s always buzzing with locals grabbing an espresso or haggling over trinkets. Honestly, finding it the first time was a bit of a treasure hunt; no big signs or anything flashy, just this unassuming entrance that feels like it’s been there forever – which it has, I think it’s one of those old-school spots dating back to the 19th century or something. Check-in was straightforward, though – the staff spoke decent English, and they handed over the key with a smile and a quick tip about avoiding the crowds by heading out early. My room? Well, it was cozy in that classic Venetian way: wooden beams overhead, a bit creaky underfoot, and views out onto the alley where you could hear the distant slosh of canal water and the occasional gondolier belting out a tune. Nothing luxurious – it’s a solid three-star, after all – but the bed was comfy enough after a day of pounding the pavement, and the bathroom had that old tile that echoes a little too much if you’re showering late at night.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it’s smack in the heart of San Marco without feeling like you’re in the middle of a postcard stampede. You’re literally steps from the Rialto Bridge – I mean, you can walk there in under two minutes, cross over to grab fresh fish at the market or pop into one of those hidden osterie for cicchetti and a spritz. And get this: it’s quiet at night, surprisingly so for Venice, especially if you avoid high season in July when the whole city feels like it’s vibrating from all the foot traffic. I loved the little breakfast setup downstairs – nothing fancy, just croissants, cappuccino, and those tiny jars of jam that taste like they’re from someone’s nonna’s kitchen – but it fueled me up for exploring. Oh, and parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so you’re arriving by water taxi or on foot, but they can store your bags if you show up early. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi was spotty in my room (up on the third floor), but hey, who needs it when you can people-watch from the window or wander out to Piazza San Marco, which is maybe a 10-minute stroll away, dodging the pigeons and that salty lagoon smell that hits you every time a boat passes.

All in all, if you’re looking for an authentic slice of Venice without breaking the bank – we’re talking rates that won’t make you wince compared to those glitzy spots on the Grand Canal – this is your spot. It’s got that lived-in charm, you know? Not perfect, with the occasional musty whiff from the canals seeping in during humid evenings, but it feels real, like you’re staying with a friend who knows all the back alleys. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like April when the light on the water is just magical and the crowds thin out. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate Venice beyond the tourist traps. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $135. Basic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $147. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $159. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $174. Superior Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $187. Superior Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $214. Apartment – Separate Building with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Junior Suite with Terrace with 2 bunk beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $239. Studio Apartment with kitchenette in separate building with 2 bunk beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Louise from New Zealand – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  Amazing hotel, great rooms, perfect location, beautiful breakfast and comfortable bed, incredibly friendly staff

• Sharon from Australia – 28 September 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely local hotel with great atmosphere, a short walk to sights but pleasantly out of the bustle. Staff very pleasant, scrupulously clean hotel. Very nice eateries nearby.
  
  What could be improved: Hotel is up a flight of stairs (I didn’t mind but good to bear in mind with luggage)

• Linda from United States – 20 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location and balcony
  
  What could be improved: No elevator

• Mariam from Lebanon – 13 July 2024 (8/10)

  Great location
  Clean rooms
  Friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Wifi wasnt working on top floor
  Color of some rooms

• Mariam from Lebanon – 13 July 2024 (8/10)

  Perfect location right next to rialto bridge
  The price was very good
  the room was really clean
  
  What could be improved: Wifi wasnt working on the top floor
  Some rooms colors were too much

• Vanduk from Russia – 24 December 2023 (8/10)

  The location is excellent. Near the Rialto Bridge. The hotel has at least 10 rooms and three floors. The walls in the room are covered with fabric. Purely. There was no dust. It was December. The room had a central air heating system. It was warm. The furniture is simple in Boroque style. The window looked out onto the walls of the opposite building. Simple room. But it's a great place for just sleeping.

• Tammy from Canada – 24 August 2023 (7/10)

  The location is impeccable, right by Rialto Bridge. Great value. Very very friendly and helpful staff. Reception is 24 hous which is helpful whdn arriving late or early so can get help at check in.
  
  What could be improved: One of the rooms had no air conditioning working properly. It was really hot in Venice that time (over 30 degree celsuis) but the air conditioning in the room on top floor is not working. But the staff gave us a fan which helped a little. There is also no elevator so it was hard with luggages but the staff helped us which was do nice of him.

• Wiktor from Poland – 16 August 2023 (8/10)

  We got view with nice balcony. Apartment nice.

• Vladlen from United States – 9 July 2023 (8/10)

  Hotel is in excellent location near Realto bridge, 10 min walk from Saint Mark’s Square, a lot of history, restaurants, walking distance to Vaporetto (water bus). Also we liked that breakfast was on site.
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are smallish and modest, but the building is medieval, so I think it is typical for economy hotel. The room was on 3rd floor but building has no elevator, so you need to carry your suitcases by yourself.

• Matija from Slovenia – 15 June 2023 (8/10)

  Excellent, central location, and yet, neatly hidden in a side street. Very grateful they take pets! The room was very good, serviced properly and adequately. I wish they served proper coffee at breakfast, not just decaf 🙂

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities