Hotel San Moisè

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel San Moisè after weaving through those narrow Venetian calli – you know, the kind that twist and turn like they’re trying to shake you off – and honestly, it was a relief to spot its unassuming entrance on Calle del Cristo. I’d just hopped off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso, dodging the usual throng of tourists with their gelato cones and selfie sticks, and it took maybe five minutes on foot to get there. The San Marco district is buzzing, right in the heart of things, but this spot feels tucked away, almost like a secret – well, as secret as anything gets in Venice during high season. Check-in was straightforward, though the front desk guy seemed a bit harried (it was August, after all, when the crowds peak and everyone’s rushing to beat the afternoon heat). The lobby has that classic Venetian vibe, with polished marble floors that echo your footsteps and these ornate mirrors that make the space feel bigger than it is – sort of like stepping into a faded palazzo, you know? No parking worries here, obviously, since cars are a myth in Venice, but if you’re lugging bags from the train station, grab a water taxi or prepare for a sweaty hike over bridges.

What really stuck with me about the place is how it balances that old-world charm without feeling stuffy. My room overlooked a quiet side canal – nothing grand like the Grand Canal views you pay a fortune for elsewhere, but peaceful, with the occasional gondolier humming below (though, fair warning, the water can get a bit whiffy in summer). The decor’s all brocade curtains and dark wood furniture, which gives it a cozy, authentic feel – I mean, it’s a 3-star, so don’t expect ultra-modern gadgets, but the bed was comfy enough after a day of pounding the pavements to Rialto Bridge (just a 10-minute stroll away) or La Fenice opera house, which is practically next door if you’re into that. Breakfast was simple but solid – fresh croissants, decent coffee, and those little pots of yogurt – served in a sunny courtyard that smells faintly of jasmine in the mornings. Noise-wise, it’s mostly serene at night, aside from the odd church bell or late-night revelers echoing off the walls, but earplugs helped if you’re a light sleeper. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Spotty in spots, but hey, you’re in Venice – who needs constant scrolling when St. Mark’s Square is a stone’s throw away?

All in all, if you’re looking for a no-frills base that’s got character and puts you smack in the action without the insane prices of those 5-star spots along the waterfront, Hotel San Moisè is a solid pick. It’s rated around 7.9 for a reason – charming, yes, but with a few quirks like slightly cramped bathrooms that remind you it’s in a historic building (renovations aren’t easy here). I stayed for three nights last spring, and it let me dive into the real Venice: wandering to hidden bacari for cicchetti, catching the sunset vaporetto rides, and avoiding the peak-hour madness by slipping back to this quiet nook. Just time it right – avoid July if you hate humidity – and you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve got a piece of the city’s soul.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $303. Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $323. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $362. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $422. Luxury Double or Twin Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $591. Luxury Double or Twin Room with Balcony and Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $382. Classic Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $432. Superior Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Liudmyla from Ukraine – 17 December 2023 (8/10)

  The hotel is fantastic. We spent there 2 nights, in a room with a balcony. Stunning views on the channel.
  Breakfast is good. Very close to San Marco piazza.
  Stuff was very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend this place.

• Sahamara from Italy – 30 March 2025 (7/10)

  The location is close to Saint Mark plaza which is wonderful. Nice breakfast and kind staff at the restaurant. The place was clean and has a rustic charm.
  
  What could be improved: To avoid confusion make sure to explain to guests they have to leave the key at the front desk every time you leave and also you will have to wait for someone from the front desk to open the main door when you come back.

• Andrey from Russia – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  The Hotel is realy cool. Destination was good.
  The room was really king size. We feell ourselfs like kings.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Julia from United Kingdom – 13 March 2025 (8/10)

  Lovely building right next to canal. Quirky decor but very Venetian
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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

  Extra amenities like “free champagne” and wonderful breakfast / coffe which really added ease to our day. Airport shuttle, (though expensive) was so handy. E had to leave early in the morning so three night before they brought us a bag of things for our breakfast in the road! Thoughtful.
  
  What could be improved: The photos make the rooms look MUCH larger than they really are! There’s not a lot of room to walk in the bedroom.

• Alan from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (8/10)

  Beautiful property. Rooms are very traditional Venetian as you can see from the photos of the place. The location is superb!!! Right in the heart of all the action. St Marks square is literally a 5 minute walk from the doorstep. The reception staff are fantastic. We had to leave early for our flight and the man very kindly arranged an early breakfast bag that we could take with us. He also sought out all the ferry times and locations so that we made it for our early flight. The buffet breakfast is great. A nice variety of Croissants, cakes, cereals, cooked bacon, scrambled egg and sausages, jams, toast, ham, cheeses, fruit juices and tea/coffee etc. Would absolutely visit again.
  
  What could be improved: This wasn’t an issue. However the hotel is based right next to a canal. The locals tended to start work early 6am each morning delivering goods into the area from the boats. They didn’t seem shy of making a noise so early so we were woken up early each day. This isn’t a fault of the hotel, our room was at the front. So I’m sure a different room would not experience this. The hotel and staff are fantastic

• Zuzana from Slovakia – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Nice place in the center, close to everywhere, nice breakfast

• Lucy from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (8/10)

  Very nice hotel in an amazing location close to all the attractions…just a couple of minutes walk to San Marco square and the ferry. The room was a good size with a kettle and mini snacks. Breakfast was good with lots of varieties.
  
  What could be improved: The location was confusing on Google maps and Venice roads are like a maize. It took us nearly an hour going around the area and the directions given by the hotel were not helpful. I had to contact the hotel and ask for someone to come to collect us as we were 2 minutes away from the place and it was nearly mid-night. Angelos at the reception came a collected us…really appreciated.

• Sally-anne from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location and value for money. The staff at the hotel were amazing, very friendly and helpful. The room was small but as I had not booked a superior room it was to be expected in Venice. There were coffee and tea making facilities in the room which you sometimes do not get in Venice. The bathroom was amazing with a lovely walk in shower and fluffy white towels. The breakfast was plentiful and of good quality to set you up for your day.
  
  What could be improved: The only down side was that you had to walk outside to reach the breakfast room.

• Frank from Germany – 25 December 2024 (9/10)

  Location, style and the amazing service and friendliness. It’s cosy and original. Thx again for the dinner recommendations
  
  What could be improved: All perfect

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities