Hotel Al Piave

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Hotel Al Piave kind of by accident last spring when I was dodging the peak tourist crush in Venice – honestly, if you’re smart, aim for April or October to avoid the summer mobs that turn every bridge into a mosh pit. I hopped off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria, dragged my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones along the Riva degli Schiavoni, and after a quick weave through the narrow calle – that’s what they call the little streets here – I found myself on Via Ruga Giuffa in the Castello district. It’s tucked away just enough to feel like a local secret, but you’re only about a 10-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square, which is perfect if you want to pop over for a sunset prosecco without the hassle of constant crowds. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with faded frescoes on the walls and that faint, musty scent of old stone mixed with fresh laundry – you know, the kind that reminds you this place has been standing since who knows when.

Checking in was a breeze; the family who runs it – yeah, it’s family-owned, which makes all the difference – greeted me like an old friend, even though I showed up a bit sweaty and disheveled from the ferry ride. My room was on the second floor (no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing), and it was cozy in that unpretentious 3-star way – think wooden beams overhead, a comfy bed with crisp sheets that actually smelled like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and a tiny balcony overlooking the alley where you can hear the occasional gondolier singing off-key in the distance. Breakfast is served in this charming little courtyard – nothing fancy, just fresh croissants, cappuccino that hits the spot, and those mini jars of apricot jam that taste homemade. I mean, it’s not a buffet extravaganza, but it’s hearty enough to fuel a day of wandering to nearby spots like the Santa Maria Formosa church, which is literally around the corner and has this peaceful square where locals grab espresso. Oh, and if you’re into books, the Querini Stampalia library is a short walk away – great for a rainy afternoon escape. The Wi-Fi’s reliable, too, which is a godsend when you’re trying to navigate Venice’s labyrinth without getting lost every five minutes.

All in all, what sold me on Hotel Al Piave was how it feels like a genuine slice of Venice life – not some glossy chain, but a spot where the staff might tip you off to a quiet trattoria on Campo San Barnaba for the best cicchetti, or warn you about the acqua alta floods in winter (bring boots if you’re visiting then). It’s rated an 8.6 for good reason; sure, the rooms could be a tad bigger, and you might hear church bells at dawn (earplugs help), but that’s part of the charm, right? If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and want to save a bit without skimping on authenticity – well, this is your spot. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that sense of being immersed rather than just passing through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $165. Standard Single Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $251. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $316. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $328. Standard Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 extra-large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $431. Family Suite with 2 large double beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Lorrianne from South Africa – 13 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great position and all that was needed during our stay.

• Žiga from Slovenia – 28 March 2025 (8/10)

  Staff was very nice and ready to help with anything. Breakfast was gluten free and plenty options. Room was clean but needs and updating. We had a nice roof terrace. Value for money very good, location is very good. Recommend!
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are a little bit outdated

• Ketevan from Georgia – 14 March 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast is a little poor.

• Stefan from Austria – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very friendly staff. We have enjoyed the very good breakfast. The hotel is allover very warmly and cozy.

• Nemanja from Serbia – 12 November 2024 (8/10)

  Location. Kind staff. Nice room and bathroom. Breakfast basic but ok for short stay.
  
  What could be improved: Room at ground floor but double door and winddows.

• Christina from United States – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  We loved the location of the hotel! Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the breakfast was very good. We felt like we were in the heart of it all but also felt like it was peaceful once we got back to the hotel.

• Chrisitne from United Kingdom – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  I would recommend this hotel . It was my first solos travels and I was very satisfied with the service.
  
  What could be improved: My only complaint is that they didn't keep restocking the tea, coffee and milk facilities. I had to ask at reception for refills

• Michael from Canada – 20 October 2024 (9/10)

  From the moment we met the person minding the front desk, it confirmed we had made an excellent choice of hotel. He was polite yet friendly, and whisked us through the welcome process. The room, while on the small side, was equipped with the best and most comfortable bed of our three weeks in Italy. The hotel was very well located in a lively yet quiet at night part of Venice and was close to our vaporetto stop from the train station. The bathroom and shower were very nice as were the towels and toiletries. The supplied breakfast in a comfortable dining area each morning was also excellent, serving a variety, including scrambled eggs, granola, and the guests' choice of coffees, toast and jam, pastries, and fruit juices.
  
  What could be improved: We mention the convenience of electrical charging stations as a minor issue, and given the age of the hotel's building, the hotel did its best. We are certain that the demands of our connected world are not going to lessen in the coming decades and so exploring multiple solutions available at one receptacle location may be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, we could not have been more delighted by our stay at Al Piave!

• Nigel from United Kingdom – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  Definitely had the Venice feel. Cosy, welcoming, great breakfast and close to the water buses to scoot around.
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Frank from Australia – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful ornate family run small hotel tucked away off laneway. Beautiful room with extremely comfortable king bed and good facilities. Loved it!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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Facilities