Hotel Paganelli

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that bustling stop right by the Doge’s Palace – and dragging my suitcase along the Riva degli Schiavoni, dodging tourists snapping photos of the lagoon. Hotel Paganelli is tucked right there on the waterfront, in this historic building that honestly feels like it’s been part of Venice forever. It’s not one of those flashy five-star spots; it’s a solid three-star with that old-world charm – think creaky wooden floors and exposed beams that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s grand old palazzo. Check-in was a breeze, even though I arrived a bit early after a delayed train from Milan; the staff – mostly locals, I think – were super friendly, chatting about the best gelato spots nearby without making it feel scripted. Oh, and fair warning: if you’re hauling heavy luggage, those narrow streets can be a workout, but there’s no parking anyway – it’s Venice, after all.

What really won me over was the location – I mean, you’re literally steps from the water, with views straight out to San Giorgio Maggiore across the way. My room overlooked the Riva, and waking up to the sound of waves lapping and the occasional horn from a passing boat was magical, especially at dawn when the light turns everything golden. The rooms are cozy – small, sure, like most places in the city center, but clean and comfy with those high ceilings that keep it from feeling cramped. Breakfast was a highlight: served in this little annex building next door (they call it the Dependance, I think), with fresh pastries, cappuccino that actually tastes like it’s from Italy, and a terrace where you can people-watch the morning crowds heading to St. Mark’s Square. It’s just a five-minute stroll to the piazza, or you can wander east toward the Arsenale for a quieter vibe – fewer tour groups, more real Venetians grabbing espresso at hidden cafes. Honestly, though, it can get noisy in peak season with all the foot traffic outside, but earplugs sorted that out for me. And the Wi-Fi? Spotty in spots, but who comes to Venice to scroll anyway?

Look, if you’re after an authentic slice of La Serenissima without breaking the bank, Hotel Paganelli is a gem – that 8.5 rating doesn’t lie. It’s got that lived-in feel, like you’re part of the neighborhood in Castello, away from the ultra-touristy crush but close enough to dive in when you want. I stayed there last spring, dodging the high water (acqua alta – pack boots if you’re visiting in fall), and it made my trip; sipping wine on the balcony at sunset, listening to church bells from Santa Maria della Pietà nearby. Sure, it’s not perfect – the bathroom was tiny, and no fancy spa or anything – but for the price and those unbeatable views, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just time your visit for shoulder season if you can; it’s way more peaceful, and you’ll actually hear the seagulls over the chatter.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $232. Double Room – Annex with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $240. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $265. Charming Double Room with Street View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $415. Charming Double Room with Lagoon View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $426. Family Room with 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $672. Junior Suite with Lagoon View with 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $358. Charming Triple Room with Street View with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Oleg from United States – 4 April 2023 (9/10)

  Great location at the waterfront 5 min away from St Mark’s Square. Friendly staff, well equipped modern bathroom, and delicious breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: No complains.

• Ana from United States – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location is great for the Vaporetti water taxi. You don’t have to carry your luggage through the streets of Venice since you’re steps away from the water taxi station. The smell of the lobby and one of the rooms was a bit off, but I guess it’s part of the Venetian experience.

• Justine from United Kingdom – 13 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic view

• Cate from United Kingdom – 21 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely room with a view of the lagoon. Nice and comfy. Near to San Marco and vaporetto stops. Tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge.
  
  What could be improved: Given that the view from the window was so good it would have been nice to have a comfy chair from which to see it.

• Lauren from United Kingdom – 15 February 2025 (9/10)

  Was in the annex attached which was modern!
  
  What could be improved: Beds were not the best, had towels under sheets. Not 100% comfort but would stay again.

• Meghan from United States – 11 January 2025 (8/10)

  Very clean, great staff, and great location. Was only there because I had an early morning flight back to the US.
  
  What could be improved: This might be a bit out of their control, but prices for the water taxis are outrageous. They wanted €150 to get me to the airport when two months prior it was only €50.

• Cathy from Australia – 7 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and lovely staff. Room was nicely appointed.
  
  What could be improved: The room stank of cigarette smoke. My travelling partner is a non smoker who loves the smell of it still but even she said it was far too strong. There was also not a lot of hot water. The morning we left I could not have a shower at all because there was no hot water at all.

• Cristina from Italy – 26 December 2024 (9/10)

  The Location was superb.

• Fabrice from Belgium – 17 December 2024 (8/10)

  Clean and not old inside
  
  What could be improved: No cafe , just one small bag of cafe, no melk… can be improved

• Mary from Ireland – 15 December 2024 (9/10)

  Fabulous location 😊 staff friendly. Great mini rooftop terrace. Room extremely small but otherwise great little hotel. Would return again. Situated at the main public transport and airport transport stops.
  
  What could be improved: Tiny room

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities