Hotel Nazionale

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stepped off the train at Santa Lucia station and dragged my suitcase down Lista di Spagna, I was hit with that classic Venice vibe – the faint salty whiff from the canals mixing with espresso from the corner cafés, and the constant hum of tourists dodging each other on the narrow sidewalks. Hotel Nazionale is right there at number 158, smack in the middle of Cannaregio, which honestly feels like the real beating heart of the city if you’re not into the overpriced glitz of San Marco. It’s not some hidden gem – I mean, this street is basically the main drag from the station to the Grand Canal, so expect a bit of bustle, especially in summer when the crowds peak around midday. But that’s part of the charm; you’re steps away from the vaporetto stop at Ferrovia, which makes hopping to the Rialto or even Murano a breeze without shelling out for a water taxi. I remember checking in around noon – the front desk guy was this chatty local who sorted my room key in under five minutes, no fuss, though fair warning, the elevator’s on the smaller side, so pack light if you’re hauling big bags up to the third floor.

What really stuck with me about the place is how it nails that no-frills reliability for a 3-star spot. My room was compact – typical Venice style, with those creaky wooden floors that add character but might wake light sleepers if someone’s pacing above – and overlooked a side alley where you could hear the occasional gondolier belting out a tune in the distance. Nothing fancy, but spotless, with a decent shower (hot water on point, thank goodness) and air con that actually worked during that sticky July heatwave. Breakfast was your standard continental spread – fresh croissants, yogurt, and strong coffee in a cozy dining area that smells like baked goods first thing in the morning – though I skipped it a couple times to grab a tramezzino from the bar next door on Strada Nova, which is just a short stroll away and way more authentic for people-watching. Oh, and if you’re into exploring off the beaten path, wander a few blocks north to the Jewish Ghetto; it’s quiet in the evenings, with those historic synagogues and kosher spots that feel worlds away from the tourist traps. Noise-wise, the street can get lively at night with folks heading to dinner, but it quiets down after 10 PM, and the double-glazed windows help muffle it – well, mostly.

All in all, if you’re looking for a solid base without breaking the bank, Hotel Nazionale’s a smart pick, especially for first-timers or anyone who wants to dive into Venice’s everyday rhythm rather than just the postcard spots. It’s got that 7.5 rating for a reason – not perfect (parking’s nonexistent, like everywhere in Venice, so forget the car), but reliable and well-positioned for wandering to places like Campo San Geremia or even catching a sunset ferry ride. I stayed three nights last trip and left thinking, yeah, I’d book it again – sort of like that dependable friend who’s not flashy but always there when you need ’em. Just time it for shoulder season if you can; spring mornings here are magic, with fewer crowds and that crisp air off the lagoon.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $121. Single Room for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $159. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $182. Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $233. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 4 single beds for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Karen from Australia – 29 December 2022 (8/10)

  perfect location close to the train station and a grocery store and restaurants
  
  What could be improved: wonderful friendly service by Augustino at check in and check out. breakfast was great value and sustained us for the day of sightseeing

• Margaret from Australia – 9 November 2024 (8/10)

  Wonderful location, near St Lucia station and close to the ferry to the airport.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was really good – smallish room but all services, overlooked a courtyard

• Paul from United Kingdom – 6 October 2024 (8/10)

  Good single room

• John from United Kingdom – 18 August 2024 (8/10)

  Location, comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, exactly as expected

• Lubica from Slovakia – 10 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location is perfect, close to major vaporetti, train station, Piazalle Roma. Room and bathroom were quite large for venetian standards. While on rush street, room was quiet. Air condition worked perfectly.

• Rasna from India – 9 June 2024 (9/10)

  It was very clean and the people were very friendly. Beeakfast spread was really good.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing.

• Katelyn from New Zealand – 25 May 2024 (6/10)

  Great location, didn’t have to lug my bags from the train station. Staff were extremely helpful in recommending places to eat. Was able to store my bag on check out day for no additional cost.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi did not work in my room at all, I had to sit in the lobby to use it. My room was situated next to the breakfast room, this was very loud in the morning with people walking by and woke me up each morning. Noise from the hallways at night also kept me awake.

• Kimberly from Austria – 12 May 2024 (8/10)

  The location is perfect for someone traveling by train. The hotel is clean
  
  What could be improved: The room is just okay

• Daniel from United Kingdom – 22 April 2024 (9/10)

  Central and well priced, with nice and accommodating staff
  
  What could be improved: It was fine, but the room was a little dated

• Morag from United Kingdom – 2 April 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel is really handy for the bus and train stations. Located on a main street, it's easy to find somewhere to eat or to jump on a water taxi to go further afield! The staff are lovely and very helpful
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities