Hotel Olimpia Venice, BW Signature Collection 3sup

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Piazzale Roma – you know, that bustling hub where the buses and taxis dump you right at the edge of Venice’s car-free chaos – and thinking, okay, this is it, time to navigate the real Venice. Hotel Olimpia is tucked away on a quiet stretch of Santa Croce, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal, at S. Croce 395. It’s not smack in the middle of the tourist frenzy like San Marco, which honestly is a blessing if you’re looking to avoid the endless selfie sticks and overpriced gelato stands. I wandered over from the train station in about five minutes, dragging my suitcase over those uneven stone bridges – pro tip, pack light because those things are killer on wheels. The hotel itself has this charming old-world vibe, like a renovated Venetian palazzo with ivy climbing the walls and those classic shuttered windows. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who speak great English – handed me a map and pointed out a hidden shortcut to the Rialto Bridge, which saved me from getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys. Oh, and if you’re driving in, there’s parking nearby at the Piazzale Roma garages, but fair warning, it’s pricey and fills up fast during high season in summer.

What really won me over, though, was how the place feels authentic without trying too hard. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a little garden courtyard – yeah, they have one of those, with actual birds chirping in the morning and the faint smell of damp stone mixed with espresso from the breakfast room below. It’s a 3-star spot, part of the BW Signature Collection, but it punches way above with that 9.3 rating for a reason; the beds are comfy, the Wi-Fi’s reliable (crucial for mapping out your day), and there’s air conditioning that actually works, which is no small feat in humid Venetian summers. I mean, rooms are on the cozy side – typical for these historic buildings, where space is at a premium – but the high ceilings and antique-style furniture make it feel elegant rather than cramped. Breakfast is included, nothing fancy, just fresh croissants, yogurt, and that strong Italian coffee, served in a sunny room that opens to the garden. Well, sort of – it can get a bit crowded around 8 a.m. when everyone’s fueling up for the day, but grab a table outside if the weather’s nice. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night; you’re far enough from the main canals that you don’t hear the constant hum of boat traffic, though you might catch the distant bells from the nearby San Polo churches. I ventured out to a tiny bacaro on Rio Terà San Leonardo for cicchetti one evening – it’s like a five-minute stroll – and it felt like stumbling into real Venetian life, away from the crowds.

Honestly, if you’re plotting a trip to Venice and want somewhere that balances charm, practicality, and value without the insane prices of those Grand Canal palaces, Hotel Olimpia is a gem. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who appreciate a spot that’s walkable to everything – you’re 15 minutes from the Frari Basilica or the Jewish Ghetto – but lets you escape back to a quiet haven. I stayed three nights last spring, right before the tourist surge, and it made the whole experience feel more like living in Venice than just visiting. Sure, the bathroom was a tad compact, and elevators are non-existent in parts (stairs only, folks), but that’s par for the course here. Book early, especially in shoulder seasons like April or October when the light is magic and the canals aren’t sweltering – you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $219. Single Room with Single Bed – Non-Smoking with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $250. Classic Queen Room with Queen Bed – Non-Smoking with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $328. Superior Queen Room with Queen Bed and View – Non-Smoking with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Aleksandra from Belgium – 4 December 2023 (10/10)

  The staff is really friendly and helpful and the room is very clean and equipped with a kettle, tea and coffee available for the guests as well as water in the fridge.
  The location is great for those coming by bus to Piazzale Roma as it is only a very short walk. There is a luggage storage available so you can continue sightseeing after checkout and pick up your luggage later on.
  Depending on your reservation, the breakfast may come with additional charge. It’s nice, standard hotel breakfast but would recommend one of the small cafes for more local experience.
  
  What could be improved: The price is high enough so the breakfast should have been included in.

• Kristina from North Macedonia – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel is great, we were here for 3 nights. We were welcomed very well after midnight due to our late flight. At the reception they gave us a map for AVM (you also have an app) this is a water taxi. 1 day is 25e, 2 days is 35e and you can ride unlimitedly we were with this to Murano and Burano.
  
  The staff is great and the rooms are great, there is always hot water and clean towels.
  I asked for an iron and I got it (a steam iron which is great if you only have hand luggage)
  The hotel is 2min from Piazzale Roma.
  Definitely if I visit Venice again I will visit this hotel again.
  The pictures were taken from the room window.
  
  What could be improved: .

• Lucy from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  It was close to the bus terminal so not far to walk with cases which was ideal.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing , although a larger bar area would have been nice

• Linda from United States – 23 March 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful staff, super location & fabulous breakfast!

• Alexander from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  Room very adequate if rather small. Breakfast good and had much variety with attentive staff who were very helpful. The location is good for quick access to both airport and train station. Would point out that like a lot of 'smaller' hotels in Venice, it may appear a little cramped and small. But given this, it was a very pleasant stay and would recommend.
  
  What could be improved: Better air-conditioning as room was hot despite being march

• Kari_8 from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent service, staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The hotel is located close to both a train and bus station for ease of travel, it was clean, smelled lovely and our room was spacious and comfortable. The breakfast available was delicious with a nice variety of options from savoury to sweet – overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!

• Colton from United Kingdom – 20 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location,staff, breakfast and room perfect
  Not one complaint..everything was great

• Tracey from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were so friendly and helpful. Room was cleaned with fresh towels daily- great location for all sights. Handy for bus station for return home journey. Lovely stay. Would definitely return!

• Avril from United Kingdom – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were exceptional – perhaps even the best customer care I have ever received. The room was stunning. Great location right next to both the bus station and train station. Also very quiet so slept well. Fantastic hotel!
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Indira from Canada – 9 March 2025 (10/10)

  Room and location were fabulous – it was hard to leave. The staff were so friendly – it made our first time travelling to Europe a breeze.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast should have been included.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities