Hotel Vecellio Venice on the Lagoon

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Fondamenta Nuova – you know, that bustling stop in Cannaregio where the locals actually outnumber the tourists most mornings – and thinking, well, this is Venice without the San Marco circus. Hotel Vecellio Venice on the Lagoon is tucked right there on Cannaregio 5039/A, practically kissing the lagoon’s edge, and honestly, it’s one of those spots that feels like a secret even though it’s not. I arrived in early spring, when the mist rolls off the water and everything smells faintly of salt and old stone, and the check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly guy at the desk who chatted about the best route to avoid the high-tide puddles on Strada Nova. The building itself is this charming, unpretentious three-star affair, with those classic Venetian shutters and a facade that’s seen a few centuries, but inside, it’s surprisingly fresh – think clean lines mixed with a nod to the old world, like the wooden beams overhead that creak just a little when the wind picks up.

What really got me was the view from my room – I mean, if you snag one facing the lagoon (and you should request it, trust me), you wake up to the sun glinting off the water toward Murano, with seagulls calling and the occasional boat horn in the distance. It’s not luxurious in that over-the-top way, but the beds are comfy, with those crisp white linens that feel cool against your skin after a day of wandering, and the bathrooms are spotless, though a bit compact – sort of like most places in Venice, where space is at a premium. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard area (weather permitting), and it’s nothing fancy, just fresh pastries, decent coffee, and maybe some fruit – but paired with that lagoon breeze, it hits the spot. I appreciated the little things, like the free Wi-Fi that actually works without dropping every five minutes, and the staff’s tips on nearby gems, like grabbing cicchetti at that hole-in-the-wall osteria on Campo dei Gesuiti, just a five-minute stroll away. Oh, and if you’re traveling light, there’s no elevator, so pack accordingly – I lugged my bag up the stairs and it was a workout, but hey, that’s authentic Venice for you.

All in all, this place punches above its three-star weight with that killer location – you’re steps from the vaporetto to hop over to the islands or a quick walk to Rialto for market vibes, but far enough from the crowds that evenings are peaceful, especially off-season when Cannaregio quiets down after dark. It’s not perfect; the rooms can pick up a bit of street noise if you’re a light sleeper, and summer might bring more humidity than you’d like without top-tier AC. But for travelers who want real Venice – the kind where you can sip an Aperol on your balcony watching the sunset over the water, without breaking the bank – Hotel Vecellio is a gem. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in autumn when the fog makes everything magical. If you’re plotting a trip, book it – you won’t regret waking up to that view.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $137. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Will come back every time – Moe from United States – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

  Love this place. The host was an amazing lady. The breakfast option was awesome. We loved our room with a view of the ocean. Just loved everything. 10/10

• Kiki and all staff are excellent. Great breakfast. – Timothy from United States – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Best location, by the vaporetto dock and easy to go anywhere.

• Excellent stay – would return again – Jennifer from United Kingdom – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  The room had a lot of Venetian characters. It overlooked the lagoon but could not hear outside at all.
  The bed was exceptionally comfy. The bathroom was very small but sufficient for what you needed.
  There was free water in the fridge and free coffee pods for machine. Two hairdryers.
  We ordered breakfast in our room, which was lovely. The staff were very friendly and made our stay for my husband’s birthday extra special.
  
  What could be improved: Air conditioning could have been a little colder and a little more effective but it was exceptionally hot – just glad we had some!

• Lovely – Stephanie from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were super friendly and very accommodating.
  Room was clean and comfortable. We had a sea view which was lovely. The water taxi conveniently is directly outside for getting around. Although we walked fo most places from the hotel.
  Breakfast there was options for dairy and meat free which was a plus.

• Beautiful hotel, perfect location, delicious breakfast, very clean, all the staffs are friendly and kind! – Zinilda from United Kingdom – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  My partner and I spent two nights at this hotel and it was excellent. The staff were very friendly and attentive. It is a small but very cozy hotel. The location could not be better. There is water taxi directly from the airport and it stops right in front of the hotel. The breakfast was wonderful and was delivered to the room, no extra charge, exceptional. You have the breakfast menu to choose what you want the day before, everything was super organized. Our room number 7 had two windows with a sea view. Beautiful! I recommend this hotel! Thanks to all the staff!
  
  What could be improved: No negative points.

• Exceptional – Anna from United Kingdom – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were amazing and so was the breakfast

• Superb – Eren from Turkey – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good value for the price. The hotel was quiet and the service was polite. Not luxurious, but met our needs

• A lovely, cultural short break in venice. – Rafe from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was fabulous
  Hotel right next to transport links and good restaurants
  
  What could be improved: The staff at the hotel, were welcoming, full of useful information. Very friendly..

• Venice is a superb experience and this hotel contributed to that. – Cathal from Ireland – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  Staff and location were excellent.

• Would definitely stay again! – Jacki from United States – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

  The location and staff were excellent. Not crowded like San Marco. Plenty of water front restaurants. The included breakfast was the perfect way to start the day.
  
  What could be improved: Not sure I could really blame the property as the room had air conditioning, but always seemed a bit humid.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities