Hotel L’Orologio Venezia – WTB Hotels

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Hotel L’Orologio Venezia almost by accident during a rainy October trip to Venice – I mean, I’d been wandering the narrow calli of San Polo, dodging puddles and tourists with those massive wheeled suitcases that clatter over the bridges, when I spotted its unassuming entrance right on Riva de l’Ogio. It’s tucked along the Grand Canal, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, but honestly, it feels worlds away from the mad crush over there. Arriving by vaporetto from Piazzale Roma was a breeze – hop off at the Rialto stop, cross the bridge, and you’re basically there in five minutes, lugging your bags over one last humpbacked ponte. No cars in Venice, obviously, so forget parking woes; it’s all about water taxis if you’re feeling fancy, but I just walked it and saved the euros. Check-in was smooth, even late at night – the staff, these warm Venetian folks with that lilting accent, handed over my key with a quick chat about the best cicchetti spots nearby, like that tiny bacaro on Campo San Polo where locals grab spritzes after work.

What really hooked me, though, was how the place blends old-school Venetian charm with this quirky clock theme – yeah, L’Orologio means “the clock,” and they’ve got these massive watch replicas and timepiece motifs everywhere, from the lobby’s polished marble floors echoing your footsteps like a ticking second hand to the rooms with headboards shaped like dials. My suite overlooked the canal, and let me tell you, waking up to the gentle lap of water against the pilings and the faint salty tang in the air was pure magic – especially in the quieter shoulder season when the gondoliers aren’t belting out “O Sole Mio” every five minutes. The beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had a rain shower that actually worked without the usual Italian plumbing drama. Breakfast is solid too – fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos served in a cozy room with canal views, though I wish they’d stock more gluten-free options; it’s a minor gripe, but hey, not everyone’s into carbs. The whole vibe is upscale without being stuffy, a solid 4-star spot with that 9.1 rating earned from thoughtful touches like free Wi-Fi that doesn’t glitch out and a small fitness room if you need to shake off the pasta pounds. Oh, and noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night – just the occasional boat horn, nothing like the racket near San Marco.

Look, if you’re plotting a Venice getaway, this place in San Polo is a smart pick – it’s close enough to hit the fish market at Rialto for that fresh squid smell in the mornings or wander to the Frari church for some Titian masterpieces, but far from the day-tripper hordes that swarm Piazza San Marco by noon. I spent my days exploring hidden spots like the old Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio, just a short vaporetto ride away, and evenings unwinding here with a glass of Prosecco on the terrace. Sure, rates can climb in high season (think July-August when the canals get steamy), but for the authentic feel – that mix of history, whimsy, and real Venetian hospitality – it’s worth it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, rain or shine.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $326. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $380. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $489. Deluxe Double Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $891. Suite with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $1,032. Deluxe Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Renald from Malta – 2 February 2025 (10/10)

  This is one of the best hotels I stayed in. The room was cleaned two times a day, the staff super professional and efficient, nicely docored.
  
  What could be improved: Needs a little more light in the room

• Andrius from Lithuania – 1 April 2025 (10/10)

  One of the best hotel in Venice. It’s 5* hotel considering it service and location for 4* hotel price.
  Location is perfect, view to grand canal during your breakfast something that is hard to forget.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to mention

• Hisham from Saudi Arabia – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff, great location
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are small

• Stephanie from United States – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  This is a beautiful hotel and right on the water. Everyone was extremely helpful and went above and beyond. It was very clean and had all the necessary amenities.

• Peter from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location and character plus style
  Excellent breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Perhaps evening restaurant would help however management provided many recommendations

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

  Great location, welcoming staff, lovely breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Angela from United Kingdom – 7 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Angela from United Kingdom – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  Super convenient – easy access by foot to main attractions and Vaporeto close by. Very professional and helpful staff. Comfortable beds, well equipped bathrooms and great views of the Grand Canal (room 202). Good breakfast (fritelli to die for). Lovely bar in evening – great cocktails. We felt so lucky to have found such a great hotel.
  
  What could be improved: The bedrooms were on the small side (but no problem) and the decor a bit brutalist (but thank heavens no swags!). We knew there was no restaurant- there are loads close by – but a cicchetti or two would be great in the day/evening. Also would like a bar in the day in summer. But these are all small points – we loved it.

• Philip from Australia – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dimitrov from United Kingdom – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  everything!!!!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities