Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena by IHG

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena almost by accident last spring, right when the cherry blossoms were popping in the nearby Parco delle Rimembranze – that’s this lovely green space just a stone’s throw away in the Castello district. I’d hopped off the vaporetto at the Sant’Elena stop, which is super handy because it’s only about a 20-minute ride from San Marco but feels worlds apart from the tourist crush. Walking down Calle Buccari, this quiet little street lined with unassuming apartment buildings and the occasional neighborhood cat sunning itself, I thought, “Huh, this is Venice? No gondolas or selfie sticks in sight?” The hotel itself blends right in – it’s got that modern boutique vibe with a nod to old Venetian warehouses, all sleek lines and big windows overlooking a private garden that smells faintly of jasmine and salty lagoon air. Check-in was a breeze; the front desk guy – Marco, I think? – chatted about the best time to hit the Biennale gardens (early morning, before the crowds), and honestly, it set this welcoming tone that made me feel like I was crashing at a friend’s place rather than some impersonal chain.

Inside, the rooms are where it really shines – mine had these exposed brick walls mixed with funky, colorful textiles that scream “local artist collab,” you know? Not too stuffy, but comfy enough with a king bed that actually lets you sleep through the night without the hum of water taxis keeping you up (a rarity in busier spots like Dorsoduro). I loved the little touches, like the complimentary herbal teas inspired by Venetian herbs – sort of minty and unexpected – and the bathroom with rain showers that feel luxurious after a day trudging over bridges. Breakfast in the courtyard was a highlight; picture fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead, all while birds chirp overhead and you catch whiffs of baking bread from the nearby forno on Via Garibaldi. Oh, and practical stuff: no on-site parking, but hey, it’s Venice – leave the car in Mestre and embrace the boat life. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet here, especially in the evenings when the neighborhood winds down early; I mean, well, except for that one church bell at dawn, but that’s charming in a “you’re really in Italy” way. Minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the garden area – fine for emails, but don’t count on streaming your shows out there.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venice without the San Marco madness, this place is a gem. It’s rated a solid 8.8 for good reason – four stars that feel earned, not inflated. I stayed three nights and left feeling like I’d discovered a secret corner of the city, wandering to spots like the Arsenale or grabbing cicchetti at hole-in-the-wall bars on Via Garibaldi that tourists rarely find. Sure, it’s a bit of a trek to the main sights (pack comfy shoes), but that’s the point – you get the real rhythm of local life, from kids playing soccer in the park to nonnas gossiping on benches. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season when the lagoon fog rolls in and everything feels a tad magical. If Venice overwhelms you, Hotel Indigo Sant’Elena is your chill retreat – trust me, you’ll thank yourself for skipping the crowds.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $180. Standard Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $191. Standard Queen Room – Inner Garden with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $191. Standard King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Premium King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Premium Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $286. Premium Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $517. King Suite with Garden View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $539. King Suite – Non-Smoking with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Shanaz from Canada – 9 July 2023 (9/10)

  Well kept. Clean and comfortable. High end feel. Great shower, bedding, ambiance. Highly attentive staff and great service. Lovely location, close to water bus. Private dock for water taxi. Quiet area away from the crowds but 10 min walk from Via Garibaldi. Had a double bed with sofa bed. Fit family of 4, 2 adults 2 teens.

• Carlos from Germany – 17 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location was very good. It was inside Venice and also wasn't in the middle of the mess. It was really easy to get to the hotel through boat. The staff was kind and helpful. Great value of the money.
  
  What could be improved: The shower could be better. No pressure in the water and it wasn't that warm.
  The region was really good, but if you need something to eat after 10PM you will struggle to find something nearby.

• Elissa from Australia – 29 January 2025 (8/10)

  Beautiful interior, clean and cosy.
  
  What could be improved: Very small rooms, not enough room for suitcases to be opened.

• Pam from United Kingdom – 26 January 2025 (9/10)

  Everything. Welcoming, friendly and helpful staff, calm and relaxing location near St Elena water bus station for easy quick access to central Venice / the Lido, rooms and all common areas are beautifully designed and decorated, great breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Anna from Sweden – 21 January 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet location with welcoming atmosphere and tasteful design. Ladies at the reception were very friendly and helpful ☺️
  Good espresso at breakfast ☕️
  Sometimes you need to sit, relax and just look at life while life is looking at you. That’s exactly a place for it.

• Elena from Switzerland – 18 January 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Enno from France – 30 November 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: would have expected to have a kettle in the room for the number of stars and price

• Claudia from Switzerland – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  Everything

• Martin from Czech Republic – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  excellent services and very helpful staff, the food

• Beverly from United States – 18 November 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel is stylish and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: While the breakfast is excellent, the dinner meal was subpar and over-priced.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities