Hotel Belle Arti

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel Belle Arti during my last trip to Venice – it was one of those rainy afternoons in early spring when the canals swell up and everything feels a bit more magical, you know? Tucked away on Rio Terà Foscarini in the Dorsoduro district, it’s not smack in the middle of the tourist chaos like San Marco, but honestly, that’s what makes it a gem. I mean, you’re just a short wander from the Accademia Bridge, which leads right over to all the big galleries, and if you veer left along the Zattere promenade, you’ve got those wide-open views of the Giudecca Canal where locals sip spritzes at sunset. Parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so arrive by vaporetto or on foot like everyone else. Check-in was a breeze; the front desk guy (I think his name was Marco) chatted about the best nearby cicchetti spots while handing over my key, and there was this faint scent of fresh espresso wafting from the breakfast room that immediately made me feel at home. It’s a 3-star spot, nothing flashy, but with an 8.1 rating, it punches above its weight – especially in a city where hotels can feel like overpriced closets.

What really stuck with me were the little details that make you appreciate the place beyond the basics. My room overlooked a narrow rio – well, sort of, through these old wooden shutters that creaked when you opened them – and at night, you’d hear the gentle lap of water against the stones, drowned out only by the occasional church bell from Santa Maria della Salute across the way. The decor’s got that artsy vibe, fitting for Dorsoduro (it’s right by the Belle Arti academy, after all), with exposed beams and some quirky paintings that look like they could be student works. Breakfast is simple but solid – think croissants that actually flake when you bite into them, and cappuccinos strong enough to wake you for a day of exploring. Rooms are cozy, which is code for compact in Venetian terms; I had to maneuver my suitcase around the bed, but the bed itself was comfy, with linens that smelled clean and faintly of lavender. Noise levels? Pretty quiet, even in peak season – though if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs for those early-morning delivery boats chugging by. Oh, and no elevator, so if you’ve got heavy bags, ask for a ground-floor room or brace yourself for the stairs (I learned that the hard way after a long flight).

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting – dodging the cruise-ship crowds and discovering hidden spots like the Squero di San Trovaso boatyard nearby – this is your spot. It’s affordable for what it offers, especially off-season when rates dip and the fog rolls in, making everything poetic. Sure, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and there’s no fancy spa or anything, but that’s Venice for you – authentic and unpretentious. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe next time in autumn when the light hits the canals just right. If you’re planning a trip, book ahead; it fills up fast with art lovers and repeat visitors who know the secret.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $124. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $189. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $254. Quadruple Room with 4 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Janet from United States – 25 October 2023 (9/10)

  location is wonderful. breakfast is tasty. you can smell fresh bread early in the mornings.

• Erhanboz from Turkey – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  All good..
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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

  My room was very comfortable, cosy & with a view over the courtyard garden. The hotel is in a great position, close to bars & restaurants, not too far from popular attraction but away from the busiest areas.
  A great breakfast is included in the room tariff which was a real plus.
  
  What could be improved: I found some of the front of house staff to be quite unfriendly which is disconcerting when you are doing your best to be polite & friendly towards them yourself.

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

  Perfect location, helpful and friendly staff, very good breakfast, outside space for breakfast in warm weather. Bedrooms/bathrooms kept very clean.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints at all.

• Robert from United Kingdom – 11 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location perfect. Hotel is absolutely fine.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jennifer from United Kingdom – 7 February 2025 (9/10)

  A good location for getting around. Good value.

• Amanda from United States – 13 November 2024 (9/10)

  Hotel was nice, breakfast was included and delicious, very close to different transportation.

• Ira from United States – 11 November 2024 (7/10)

  Great breakfast and convenient.
  
  What could be improved: Very small room and bathroom.

• Peter from Slovenia – 7 November 2024 (7/10)

  Decent hotel, ok location, nice terrace
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast not really something

• Yavor from Bulgaria – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, very clean and quiet place, recently renovated, friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: A bit too hot, air conditioner worked only on heating

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities