Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – you know, one of those serendipitous finds when you’re weaving through the narrow calli off the Grand Canal, trying not to get lost in the San Marco district. It’s tucked away on Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, right at number 2517, and honestly, that spot is gold if you’re into that classic Venetian vibe without the overwhelming tourist crush of St. Mark’s Square, which is just a quick five-minute stroll away. I arrived in the late afternoon, after hopping off the vaporetto at the Santa Maria del Giglio stop – super easy, no lugging bags over too many bridges – and the first thing that hit me was the facade: this elegant, slightly faded pink building with wrought-iron balconies that sort of whispers old-world charm, like it’s been there forever (which it has, dating back to the 18th century or so). Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who speak perfect English – handed over my key with a smile and a tip about the best time to hit the nearby La Fenice opera house for a show (evenings after 7, if you’re into that). My room overlooked the campo, and while it wasn’t huge – I mean, Venice hotels rarely are – it had these high ceilings and antique furniture that made it feel cozy rather than cramped, with a faint scent of polished wood and fresh linens that just screamed authentic.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it balances that three-star affordability with a nine-out-of-ten rating that feels well-earned – no frills, but everything you need done right. Breakfast in the morning was simple but spot-on: fresh croissants, strong espresso, and those little jars of apricot jam that taste like they came from a nonna’s kitchen, served in a sunny room with views of the square where locals sip their morning coffee (pro tip: grab a table by the window to people-watch the delivery boats zipping by on the canal). The rooms are quiet at night, surprisingly – well, except for the occasional church bell from Santa Maria del Giglio tolling, which I actually found soothing after a day dodging crowds. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings, and if you’re here in high season like July, book early because it fills up fast with repeat visitors who know the drill. But wandering out the door, you’re steps from hidden gems like the Palazzo Barbaro or that tiny bacaro on Calle della Mandola for cicchetti and spritz – stuff that’s off the main path but way better than the overpriced spots near the Rialto. And parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging).

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels like a real slice of Venice without breaking the bank, Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino is it – sort of like staying with a well-heeled aunt who knows all the secrets. I’ve recommended it to friends heading there in the shoulder seasons (April or October are ideal, less humid and fewer lines), and they always come back raving about the value. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point; it lets the city shine while giving you a comfy base to crash after exploring. Next time I’m in town, that’s where I’ll be – maybe I’ll even snag that corner room with the canal glimpse.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $181. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $201. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $231. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Barbara from Croatia – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  Super friendly, great location

• Tan from Czech Republic – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location and breakfast! Everyone we met was hospitable and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Room is quite small

• Ioannis from Greece – 27 March 2025 (8/10)

  Very good location close to S. Marco square. Gendle stuff.

• Barbara from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely ‘Venetian’ style hotel with very professional attentive & welcoming staff. Our room was comfortable & had a great outlook onto the church opposite. Really good fresh & tasty breakfast too. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

• Summers from United Kingdom – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was excellent. Staff very friendly and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Coffee/tea set up

• Teresa from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were very friendly and helpful. Hotel felt very welcoming and in-keeping with its’ surroundings.
  Good location for exploring the city.
  
  What could be improved: The lampshade in the bedroom was broken.
  Appreciated the tea/coffee station but would have been nice to have had milk, teaspoons and glasses in the room.

• Damaris from United States – 17 March 2025 (8/10)

  The bed was comfortable. The location was ideal, only a few minutes walk from the vaporetto stop that we took from the train station. The staff was pleasant and the rooms were clean.
  
  What could be improved: The rooms were small, too small for 2 people to move around comfortably.

• Victoria from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  The property is beautiful and in a lovely, central location. A few minutes from St Marks Square. It smells amazing as you walk through the doors on arrival. The whole property is immaculate. Breakfast was great. There was a very good selection of everything you could possibly want. The staff go above and beyond to help with any questions you have, and are very responsive online too. A wonderful place to stay. We had a fantastic room overlooking the canal and watched the Gondolas go by. Just magical.

• Kirill from Poland – 18 February 2025 (9/10)

  Staff, breakfast, location, and authenticity – these are the highlights of this hotel!
  The hotel aligns perfectly with Venice’s charm. It may look old, but for us, it reflected the true spirit of the city. It’s cozy and full of character.
  
  The staff were outstanding – always friendly, helpful, and smiling. It was a pleasure to interact with them.
  
  The breakfast was diverse and offered a wide selection, which is rare for Italy.
  
  We also had a kettle in our room, and after long days of trips and excursions, we enjoyed relaxing with tea in the evenings – a lovely touch!
  
  What could be improved: Overall, no major complaints, though some may find the interior a bit outdated and worn. However, for us, it felt cozy with a charming Venetian vibe. Please check out my positive feedback.

• Finley from United Kingdom – 15 February 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel is located in the best spot for everything! The gondolas and iconic narrow passages are right there. The hotel has a lovely nostalgic-eclectic-traditional Italian feel to it, which adds to the authenticity of being in Venice. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the breakfast was lovely, everything you would want, we were not disappointed! – intend to go back in the Spring time next year, and will be booking this hotel only. Can’t wait to return, highly recommend! A+++++
  
  What could be improved: Our room was ‘slightly’ small, as was the bathroom, but for me and my 10 year old son sharing a single room together, it was perfect, especially as we were there to explore the shops, cafés and restaurants all off St Marks Square not to stay in our room all day.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities