Hotel San Zulian

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel San Zulian during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring – you know, when the crowds are just starting to thicken but the air still has that crisp bite before summer humidity sets in. It’s tucked away on Calle Larga San Marco, right in the heart of San Marco district, like literally a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square. I got there by vaporetto from the train station, hopping off at San Zaccaria and weaving through those narrow alleys – honestly, if you’re lugging heavy bags, brace yourself for the uneven cobblestones; they’re charming until they’re not. Check-in was a breeze, though – the front desk guy was this chatty local who tipped me off about avoiding the tourist-trap cafes on the piazza and heading to a quiet bacaro on Campo San Bartolomeo instead for a proper spritz. The lobby’s got that old-school Venetian vibe, with worn marble floors that echo a bit when it’s quiet, and a faint scent of canal water mixed with fresh coffee from their breakfast setup. It’s not flashy, mind you – we’re talking a solid 3-star spot with a rating around 7, which feels about right for what it offers without pretending to be a palace.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like a little sanctuary amid the chaos. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a skinny side canal – nothing grand like a Grand Canal view, but you could hear the occasional gondolier humming in the distance, and the morning light filtering through those heavy brocade curtains was just magical. The bed was comfy enough, sort of firm in that European way, and the bathroom had one of those tiny showers where you have to Tetris yourself in, but hey, hot water was reliable, which isn’t always a given in these older buildings. Breakfast is included, and it’s the real deal – fresh cornetti, cappuccino that doesn’t taste like dishwater, and even some prosciutto if you’re feeling savory. I mean, it’s not gourmet, but it beats shelling out 20 euros at a cafe outside. Noise-wise, it can get lively at night with folks spilling out from nearby bars on Rialto Bridge – earplugs helped, especially during Carnevale season when everything amps up. Oh, and no parking hassles here, obviously, since Venice is car-free; just stash your stuff and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging).

All in all, if you’re looking for an authentic slice of Venice without breaking the bank, Hotel San Zulian is a gem – well, a polished pebble, anyway. It’s perfect for travelers who want to be smack in the action but retreat to something unpretentious at the end of the day. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in off-peak months like October when the streets thin out and you can actually hear the water lapping without the din of tour groups. Just pack light, watch your step on those bridges, and maybe ask for a room away from the main calle if you’re a light sleeper. You won’t regret it – it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve got Venice figured out, even if just for a weekend.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $80. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Small Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $108. Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $129. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $162. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Venice was tremendous and the hotel was in a perfect location – Anne from United States – 10 May 2025 (8/10)

  Location and good breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really but staff was not as accommodating for example I asked for ice. They simply said no ice. I’m sure water is a premium there but they were kind of snippy about it.

• Good – Berna from Italy – 11 March 2025 (7/10)

  The location was great and the room was clean
  
  What could be improved: The double bed was actually two single beds and it kept separating in between while sleeping

• It was better than expected for the price we paid. The rooms were spacious, enough options during breakfast and the loca – Gissel from Netherlands – 27 January 2025 (8/10)

  It was clean and close to the main touristic attractions. The breakfast was really good.
  
  What could be improved: The reception was closed during the day and nobody was there to open the door for us. We waited a couple minutes and a maintenance worker came out and opened the door for us. Later that day we asked the receptionist and he said it was a mistake and it rarely happens.

• The hotel was well situated and easy to find – Christine from United Kingdom – 26 October 2024 (8/10)

  Breakfast was typical Italian .
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Good – Paul from Australia – 25 October 2024 (7/10)

  Was in a great location. Close to San Marco Square and some great eateries.
  
  What could be improved: Had a room right on the street and was very noisy. Bathroom was needing a little maintenance.

• We won’t ever stay in this hotel. – Antonia from United States – 13 October 2024 (6/10)

  This hotel was very close to Piaza San Marco.
  
  What could be improved: I asked the man at the front desk where was something located, and he was rude. He told me to ask my tour guide in such unfriendly way. I asked him again telling him that I only needed to know where these two towers were, and he showed my husband where they were in his computer. People at the hotel did not try to be helpful or friendly.

• Very good – Andrea from Italy – 8 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location. Short walking distance from Piazza San Marco and from the “Vaporetto” stop.
  
  What could be improved: Bad smell in the breakfast area.

• Enjoyable stay at Venice – Rukhsana from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (8/10)

  Great location , close to main attractions in the San Marco.
  Friendly staff
  Clean and tidy room. Loved the decor.
  A lot of eating places and shops nearby.
  
  What could be improved: Very average breakfast with rather late start timings at 8 am. We had breakfast only one day as the other day we had to travel before 8 am. We were not offered to take coffee or breakfast with us and our request declined when asked.
  An earlier start around 7 am would be helpful to most of the tourists.

• Good – Maria from Ireland – 12 September 2024 (7/10)

  location great
  
  What could be improved: lots of stairs

• Great location in Venice – Mia from Australia – 29 August 2024 (8/10)

  Good hotel in a fantastic location close to the main square. The room was comfortable with good aircon and a nice bathroom. The hotel breakfast was also appreciated. We recommend for a stay in Venice!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities