Il Pozzo Magico

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Il Pozzo Magico almost by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at Piazzale Roma – that bustling spot where Venice meets the mainland, with all the buses and taxis honking away. It’s tucked away on Santa Croce 1898, in this quieter corner of the Santa Croce sestiere, which honestly feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist-packed chaos around San Marco. I mean, you’re just a short walk from the train station, but far enough that you don’t hear the constant rumble of suitcases on cobblestones all night. The name means “The Magic Well,” and sure enough, there’s this charming little courtyard with an old stone well – I spent a morning sipping espresso there, listening to the distant bells from the nearby San Giacomo dell’Orio church, which locals swear has the best gelato spot hidden around the corner on Campo San Giacomo. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this friendly guy named Marco, chatted with me about the best routes to avoid the crowds – like cutting through the back alleys toward the Rialto rather than the main drags. No fancy lobby or anything, just a cozy reception that smells faintly of polished wood and whatever’s baking in the kitchen downstairs.

What really won me over, though, was how the place captures that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. It’s a 3-star spot, so don’t expect marble bathrooms or infinity pools – rooms are on the snug side, with those classic creaky wooden beams overhead and windows that open to narrow canals where you might spot a gondolier practicing early in the morning, before the tourists flood in. Mine had this quirky exposed brick wall that made it feel like stepping into an old palazzo, and the bed was surprisingly comfy, with linens that smelled fresh, like line-dried in the sun. Breakfast is simple – croissants, yogurt, maybe some prosciutto if you’re lucky – served in that courtyard when the weather’s nice, which it often is in May, but watch out for the pigeons that swoop in uninvited. Honestly, the location’s a gem for explorers; you’re steps from the vaporetto stop at Riva de Biasio, so zipping to the Grand Canal or even Murano is effortless, and there’s a little market on Fondamenta dei Tolentini nearby for grabbing cheap wine and cheese for a picnic. Sure, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming – typical old building quirks – and if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional boat horn might jolt you awake at dawn. But overall, with an 8.8 rating, it’s no surprise; it’s got that lived-in charm that makes you feel like you’re staying with a friend rather than in some sterile chain.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want to skip the overpriced glitz for something real, Il Pozzo Magico is where it’s at. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who appreciate the small things – like wandering back after a day at the Biennale (it’s not far, actually) and collapsing in a quiet room that doesn’t break the bank. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a secret spot in a city full of them, and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially off-season when Santa Croce turns even more serene. Just pack light – those stairs can be a workout with heavy bags!

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $99. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $140. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Great stay – Gleny from Japan – 16 July 2025 (10/10)

  The owner was very pleasant and recommended to us to check out early in the morning to avoid delays due to a strike that was being held that day so we wont miss our flight. Room clean and quiet at night.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Beautiful and cosy – Chantelle from Australia – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location is perfect, an easy straight walk from the water taxi stop. The hosts were very helpful with recommendations and how to get to places and were very friendly!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Great stay, accommodation was fantastic, gorgeous and clean. Lived our stay! – Christine from Australia – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful property, get location from airport water bus. Loved it

• A great location and comfortable hotel. – Wanda from United Kingdom – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely room, staff were extremely helpful. A great location, everything was within an easy walk, lovely cafes and restaurants right outside, vaporetti less than 5mins walks. Thank you for having us Il Pozzo Magico.

• Would definitely stay here again. – Jaclyn from United States – 5 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, clean, and easy to communicate with Claudio. Right next to amazing coffee and croissants.
  
  What could be improved: Not applicable

• Nice place with welcoming staff – Robert from United States – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good location close to the train station. Welcoming staff
  
  What could be improved: No other amenities besides the room.

• Superb – Rene from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  The position makes it really easy to get to from the main station, 13 minutes walk away . Within two minutes of the vaporetto stop on the grand canal makes for a quick get away or you can walk to Rialto bridge in a few minutes and other places of interest . There is a nice small restaurants a few doors down the 'calle' and a breakfast bar next door . Some people complain about the noise emanating from the street outside at night and it is true but this is Venice, it is busy and noisy. However if you've walked all day I can garantee the noise outside at night isn't going to stop you sleeping . If you object to that, Venice is not for you .
  
  What could be improved: There is almost nothing to dislike about the place . I only wish we haf had proper air con in the room as June 2025 will probably be the hottest spring in history. As far as I could tell there is air con in the main hall downstairs which keeps it cool and tends to radiate upstairs and to some extent upstairs in the rooms, there are only four rooms, but it wasn't nearly enough to keep the room really cool. Nevertheless it didn't make us uncomfortable for the two nights we spent there and as I said it has been unsually hot here.

• Fabulous place to stay – Karen from New Zealand – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  We loved our stay at Il Pozzo Magico. The bed was so comfortable, the place immaculate. Close to the Vaporetto stop and we just loved exploring Venice from here
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• We had a great time in Venice while staying at Il Pozzo Magico! Host was wonderful, spent time explaining things and was – Nina from Canada – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property was very clean and updated in addition to being very close to a water taxi exit which made it so much easier with luggage.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Everything was great.

• Good location. – Paola from United States – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location close to the vaporetto, and walking distance to the Rialto bridge, market. It was quiet. Restaurants and cafes nearby.
  
  What could be improved: The room was very small and the shower tiny.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities