In the center of Venice

Hotel Description

Oh man, stepping into “In the Center of Venice” for the first time – well, actually finding it, that was half the adventure. Tucked away on the third floor (piano terzo, as they say here) at 2654 San Polo, right in the heart of the San Polo district, it’s one of those spots you stumble upon after weaving through those narrow calli that make Venice feel like a living maze. I remember arriving via vaporetto to the San Tomà stop – super easy, just a five-minute walk from there, dodging the occasional fruit vendor and the smell of fresh bread from that little bakery on Campo San Polo. No cars in Venice, obviously, so forget parking woes; it’s all about lacing up good shoes and embracing the stroll. The building’s this classic Venetian palazzo, with those weathered stone steps leading up – no elevator, mind you, which might be a huff for anyone with heavy luggage, but honestly, it adds to the charm, like you’re time-traveling back to when Casanova roamed these streets. My room overlooked a quiet canal, and the first thing that hit me was the soft lapping of water against the walls below, mixed with distant church bells from Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, just a stone’s throw away. It’s rated a solid 9.1 for good reason – four stars that feel earned, not flashy.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it plugs you right into the real pulse of Venice without the overwhelming tourist crush of San Marco. You’re smack in the middle of San Polo, so mornings mean wandering over to the Rialto Market – you know, grabbing a cicchetti snack from one of those hidden osterie along Rio San Polo, where locals haggle over fresh squid and the air’s thick with that briny sea scent. The hotel itself? Cozy rooms with those high, beamed ceilings that scream old-world authenticity – mine had this antique writing desk that I actually used to jot down notes (who does that anymore?), and the bed was plush enough to crash after a day of exploring. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – this friendly couple who spoke perfect English – handed over a map with their personal tips, like avoiding the midday crowds at the nearby Frari church by going early. It’s not perfect, I mean, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker walls, and if you’re here in high summer, the afternoon bustle from the streets below filters up a bit – think echoing footsteps and laughter from aperitivo hour. But come evening, it quiets down beautifully, especially off-season in November when the fog rolls in and everything feels mysteriously serene. Oh, and the breakfast – simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, cappuccino that rivals any café, served in a little communal area with views of rooftops.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to wake up feeling like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting, this is your spot. It’s not some glossy chain – it’s intimate, with that lived-in texture of creaky wooden floors and the faint echo of gondola songs drifting in at dusk. Sure, the stairs might make you rethink that extra suitcase, but the payoff is huge: easy access to hidden gems like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco (art heaven, trust me) or a quick bridge-hop to Dorsoduro for less-crowded vibes. At the end of the day, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you – practical, atmospheric, and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $207. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Anthony from United States – 17 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect. Walk in any direction and find sites to see.
  
  What could be improved: Washer and dryer was very slow but better than dirty clothes for sure.

• Luis from United States – 5 August 2024 (9/10)

  Did not take advantage of Breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: N.A.

• Broderick from United Kingdom – 4 June 2024 (8/10)

  Very clean
  Large flat
  Nice rooftop views
  Close to San Toma vaporetto
  Quiet at night
  Enough space to eat and cook
  
  What could be improved: No English TV for the news.
  Not enough hot water for more than one shower.
  Need a warning not to stamp on the floor so the downstairs neighbour doesn’t complain
  Do we take recycling sacks to foyer? Not clear.

• Oleg from Israel – 29 July 2023 (9/10)

  The location is very good. Spacious apartment. Friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: There is not enough safe, there is not enough shelf near the bed for the phone. But most importantly, there is no air conditioning in the second bedroom, which is a big problem on hot days.

• Danielle from France – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  L'emplacement, l'espace, la proximité des commerces et restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: Ras

• Christine from France – 5 January 2025 (9/10)

  Tout : la situation géographique au cœur de Venise, le peu de bruit du quartier, le confort, le bon état et l'espace de l'appartement.
  
  What could be improved: Deux petits bémols : les odeurs d'égout dans la salle de bains (qui n'envahissaient pas tout l'appartement). Pas facile à trouver, le lien Google Maps ou Plan (pour l'iPhone) que nous avions reçu, nous envoyaient dans une mauvaise direction.

• Annick from Belgium – 16 February 2024 (8/10)

  La gentillesse à la réception, autant le soir que le matin avec la nouvelle personne
  
  What could be improved: Le manque d'insonorisation dans tout l'hotel

• Michał from Poland – 1 January 2024 (9/10)

  Tutto bene. Il appartamento il bagno la cucina
  
  What could be improved: Lettini singoli c'erano meno comodi di letto matrymoniali. Potrebbero essere piu grandi.

• Jean from France – 28 April 2023 (5/10)

  Calme et emplacement
  
  What could be improved: * adresse communiquée à l'origine non exacte (google maps emmène à la guardia des finances !) Message reçu 3 jours plus tard ! de Booking avec adresse exacte et plan d'accès (aurait pu éviter 2 heures de galères en pleine nuit)
  * le dessus de Wc nous est resté dans les mains dès le premier soir, et la poignée de la porte d'entrée le lendemain…
  * le volet de la chambre arrière ne peut s'ouvrir au risque de tomber puis qu'il manque un gond ! (ça semble même dangereux)
  * frigo non dégivré de longue date, épaisseur d’environ 5 cm de glace
  * four non nettoyé vu la graisse dans le plateau, nous ne l'avons pas utilisé.
  * hotte de cuisine qui s'allume mais aspiration qui ne fonctionne pas
  * sol de douche dangereux car extrêmement glissant, lavabo qui semble fissuré
  * aucune indication pour obtenir un minimum de chauffage dans la salle de bains pour la douche du matin (ce qui peut ne pas être superflu au mois d'avril)
  * 6 couverts pour un appartement pouvant accueillir 4 personnes c'est plus que juste…. sauf à faire tourner le lave vaisselle à chaque repas
  * un grille pain ne semblerait pas un investissement phénoménal.
  * il serait plus honnête de préciser dans l'annonce que les 2 chambres sont en enfilade, ce qui n'est pas anodin en fonction des résidents (famille, amis, etc…) puisqu'il faut traverser les 2 chambres pour aller aux toilettes
  
  Il semble que ce soit un bien assez récent sur le marché (aucun avis à ce jour) en tout cas il y a de gros efforts à faire pour obtenir de bonnes appréciations.

• Nirmalendu from Sweden – 11 December 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

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