Hotel Palazzo Priuli

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that bustling stop right by the Doge’s Palace – and weaving my way through the narrow calli of Castello to find Hotel Palazzo Priuli. It’s tucked away on Fondamenta de l’Osmarin, this quiet little canal-side spot that’s honestly a godsend in Venice, where everything else feels like it’s drowning in tourists. I mean, you’re just a five-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square, but here? It’s like you’ve slipped into the real Venice, the one locals actually live in. No massive crowds blocking your path, just the occasional gondola gliding by and that faint, briny smell of the lagoon mixing with fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Calle della Mandola. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the summer hordes have thinned out but the weather’s still mild – and check-in was a breeze. The staff, this warm Italian family who’ve been running the place forever, handed over my key with a smile and a quick tip on avoiding the pricey tourist traps for dinner. No elevator, mind you – it’s an old 15th-century palazzo, so expect to lug your bags up a flight or two of those worn marble stairs, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?

What really got me about Palazzo Priuli is how it feels like staying in someone’s grand old Venetian home rather than some sterile hotel chain. My room overlooked the canal – actually, it was more of a junior suite with these massive wooden beams overhead and antique furniture that creaked just a bit when you sat down, like it was whispering stories from centuries ago. The bed was comfy, though, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those deep tubs perfect for soaking after a day of pounding the pavements. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard – well, sort of a garden nook, really – with fresh pastries, cappuccino that hits the spot, and views of ivy climbing the walls. It’s not over-the-top luxurious, but that’s what makes it authentic; you’re not paying for gimmicks, just solid 4-star comfort in a spot that’s been lovingly preserved. Oh, and if you’re a light sleeper, note that the canal can get a tad noisy in the mornings with delivery boats chugging along – nothing earplugs can’t fix, but it’s a reminder you’re smack in the heart of a living city. I spent one evening just lounging on the terrace (they have a small one shared among guests), sipping prosecco and watching the sunset turn the water golden – honestly, beats any rooftop bar in the tourist zones.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want to skip the overwhelming buzz of San Marco without feeling isolated, this place is gold. It’s in Castello, so you’re steps from hidden gems like the Arsenale or that quirky bookshop Acqua Alta on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, where they stack books in gondolas to beat the floods. Prices aren’t cheap – it’s Venice, after all – but with that 9.4 rating, you know you’re getting value, especially off-peak when rooms dip a bit. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a secret slice of the city, and isn’t that what travel’s all about? Just pack light, wear comfy shoes for those cobbles, and maybe book a canal-view room – trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping coffee to the sound of lapping water at dawn.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $333. Classic Room with canal view with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $625. Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $714. Junior Suite with Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Catriona from United Kingdom – 14 November 2024 (9/10)

  Absolutely fabulous. Charming staff, beautiful room, amazing location – we couldn’t have wished for more.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. It was truly faultless.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Stunning building, beautifully laid out in a great location with staff who made every effort. One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in and a sensible price.

• Llinos from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful property. Friendly, helpful staff. Lovely breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Two small niggles – there were 4 coffee pods on arrival they weren’t topped up on day 2 and we had to pay €1 each for any more, this seems petty. This morning we had to leave before 8 , our key card said breakfast served from 7.30 but we discovered on our side of the hotel this wasn’t the case. The lady was lovely and explained that we needed to go to the other building. Inconvenient when we were short of time.

• Kieran from United Kingdom – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Every detail is perfect and the location and hotel itself are stunning. Photos don’t do it justice and we would return without haste
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing!!

• Ioannis from Greece – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  The breakfast was fantastic and the same the staff!
  
  What could be improved: The junior suite was big nice but not so luxury.

• Mark from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast delicious set in exceptionally beautiful room. Bedroom very comfortable, clean and quiet. Enviable position for restaurants and sight seeing.
  
  What could be improved: Only disappointment was the boat tour booked through reception as there was no commentary included.

• Kayali from Switzerland – 26 February 2025 (9/10)

  Really exceptional experience in an elegant Palazzio full of history, and with very engaged staff!

• Luz from Ireland – 18 February 2025 (9/10)

  Everything! Location is top tier. Decoration is amazing, super clean and with a nice smell all over the place. Staff was lovely.
  
  Highly recommend

• Andreas from Japan – 17 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean, good location and very friendly staff.
  It really looked like on the photos. Fantastic!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great!

• Daniela from Romania – 14 February 2025 (9/10)

  Absolutely fabulous stay!The room was very spacious and beautiful decorated ,offering optimal comfort.The breakfast was delicious with refined flavors and neat presentation .The staff was very caring and friendly, always attentive and concerned about our well being .An unforgettable experience that we will return with great pleasure!
  
  What could be improved: –

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities