Hotel Santa Chiara

Hotel Description

You know, stepping off the bus at Piazzale Roma after that bumpy ride from Marco Polo Airport, I was already half-exhausted from dodging luggage carts and the usual throng of tourists. But then I spotted Hotel Santa Chiara right there on Santa Croce, tucked away at number 548 – honestly, it’s like a godsend for anyone not keen on lugging suitcases across half of Venice. This place is in the Santa Croce sestiere, which isn’t as flashy as San Marco but feels more real, you know? Less crowded with selfie sticks and more like where actual Venetians might grab a coffee. The hotel’s this charming old building – part of it dates back centuries, I think, with those weathered stone walls that sort of whisper history. My first impression? Relief. They have actual parking spots (a rarity in car-free Venice), so if you’re driving in from the mainland, you can ditch the wheels without the headache of finding a garage elsewhere. Check-in was a breeze – the staff were all smiles, chatting in that melodic Italian way, and they even pointed out a quiet spot for an aperitivo nearby on Fondamenta Rio Novo. Oh, and the smell – that faint, briny canal scent mixed with fresh espresso from the lobby bar. It’s not overpowering, but it hits you right away, reminding you you’re really in Venice.

What makes this 4-star spot special, though, is how it balances old-world vibe with stuff that actually matters to travelers. My room overlooked the Grand Canal – well, sort of a side view, but close enough to hear the gentle lap of water against the boats at night, which was oddly soothing after a day of wandering. The beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that feel like they’ve been ironed by angels, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger (though the water pressure dipped a bit in the morning rush – minor gripe, but hey, it’s Italy). Breakfast is solid – think fresh pastries, prosciutto, and decent coffee, served in a sunny courtyard that buzzes quietly with other guests swapping stories. I mean, it’s not Michelin-star fancy, but it’s hearty and sets you up for exploring. The location’s a winner too; you’re steps from the Santa Lucia train station if you’re day-tripping to Verona or wherever, and the vaporetto stop is basically out the door for hopping to the Rialto or Accademia. Noise-wise, it can get a tad lively in peak season with buses rumbling into Piazzale Roma early – earplugs helped me – but by evening, it quiets down, especially if you snag a room facing away from the street. And the staff? Super helpful, like when they sorted out my lost reservation mix-up without batting an eye.

All in all, with its 8.7 rating, Hotel Santa Chiara feels like that reliable friend who knows Venice inside out – not perfect, but it gets the essentials right and throws in some authentic charm. If you’re visiting in shoulder season, say April or October, it’s even better; fewer crowds mean you can actually enjoy that canal view without the chaos. I’d go back in a heartbeat – it’s practical without being soulless, and in a city like Venice where everything’s a bit magical and messy, that’s saying something. Just remember to book ahead if you want parking; spots fill up fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $240. Deluxe Single Room with City View with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $272. Deluxe Single Room with City View and Full Breakfast with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $277. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $340. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View and Full Breakfast with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $340. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Canal View with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $404. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Grand Canal View with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $456. Suite with Grand Canal View with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $467. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Grand Canal View and Full Breakfast with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $314. Deluxe Triple Room with City View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $409. Deluxe Triple Room with City View with Full Breakfast with 1 single bed and 1 double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Σαββιδου from Greece – 22 September 2023 (9/10)

  Very friendly and accommodating staff.
  Excellent location – easy access to parking, taxi, train or bus.
  Nice breakfast – with fresh fruits and vegan options.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast took some time to be prepared.
  I would prefer a buffet style breakfast.

• George from United States – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  Very good hotel, location close to parking and bus station.St Marco 28 minutes walking.
  
  What could be improved: noisy outside

• Attila from Hungary – 22 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location,friendly staff!!!
  
  What could be improved: At this price level the current level and system of the breakfast is not acceptable.

• Juan from China – 9 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, clean and cozy room

• Douglas from United States – 10 January 2025 (9/10)

  Hotel was obviously remodeled, it looks amazing, very high style and class look to it, rooms very modernized . Perfect location for a short stay. Great location for arriving from the train station, short walk.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Walton from United States – 1 January 2025 (9/10)

  Close to the train station. We did not have to lug our luggage too far. The staff was super helpful and friendl!

• Sharon from Ireland – 25 December 2024 (9/10)

  The architecture and venetian grandeur of the saloon type bedrooms and hallways. Plenty of nooks to read or listen to music or simply take in the view of the Grand Canal. The decor was delightful and every little detail was like an amuse boucle. I will definitely return.
  
  What could be improved: I would have liked better quality products in the bathroom such as Ortiga but it's a small detail. I always like tea when I go away as I am a travel writer, so a kettle is always a welcome edition to any room.

• Lee from Singapore – 3 December 2024 (9/10)

  Best hotel I ever stay in Europe… The Decorations inside the our room is very nice as well as outside. The view was fantastic from outside my room lobby.
  
  What could be improved: There is no electric kettle for boiling water and no tea bags provided in out room mini bar.

• Jelena from Croatia – 29 November 2024 (9/10)

  Staff, location, comfortable room
  
  What could be improved: A bit of noise in the early morning (from the street).

• Lukasz from United Kingdom – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, super friendly & helpful staff, nice & clean room. Highly recommended

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities