In the heart of Venice

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Guglie stop – you know, that bustling little bridge over the Cannaregio Canal – and thinking, wow, this place really is tucked right into the rhythm of Venice without all the tourist crush of San Marco. The hotel, In the Heart of Venice, sits at 496 Fondamenta Cannaregio, basically a stone’s throw from the Jewish Ghetto with its quiet synagogues and that hidden square where locals grab kosher bites. I mean, it’s not some flashy spot, but honestly, that’s what makes it feel authentic. Walking up, the facade blends into those weathered brick buildings along the fondamenta – sort of unassuming, with these wrought-iron balconies overlooking the water taxis zipping by. Check-in was a breeze; the staff, a mix of chatty Venetians and one guy who seemed to know every shortcut in the sestiere, handed over my key with a quick tip on avoiding the high-tide puddles during acqua alta season (which, fair warning, can turn the streets into shallow pools come November). No parking hassles here, obviously – Venice being car-free and all – but if you’re lugging bags from Santa Lucia station, it’s just a 10-minute stroll, dodging the occasional delivery cart. The lobby smells faintly of espresso and old wood, with these cozy armchairs that invite you to linger, and I caught myself eavesdropping on a couple debating where to find the best cicchetti nearby (pro tip: head to the bars along Rio Terà San Leonardo for the real deal, not the overpriced ones by the Rialto).

What really hooked me, though, was how the rooms capture that Venetian charm without feeling like a museum piece. Mine overlooked the canal – well, sort of a side view, but close enough to hear the gentle lap of water against the stones at night, which drowns out any distant hum from the ferries. It’s a solid 4-star setup, nothing extravagant, but the beds are plush with those crisp linens that make you sink right in after a day of wandering. Breakfast is served in this sunlit courtyard (if the weather cooperates – it can get misty in the mornings), with fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and coffee that’s actually strong enough to wake you up. I appreciated the little touches, like the complimentary umbrellas for those sudden showers, and the fact that the Wi-Fi holds up even during peak hours when everyone’s uploading their gondola selfies. That said, if you’re not great with stairs, note there’s no elevator – it’s an old building, after all – and the rooms can feel a tad snug if you’re packing heavy. But hey, that’s Venice for you; it forces you to travel light. Exploring from here is effortless – you’re steps from the Strada Nova for shopping, or a quick bridge hop to the Madonna dell’Orto church with its Tintorettos that most tourists skip.

All in all, with that 9.6 rating, it’s no surprise this spot feels like a hidden gem in Cannaregio, away from the summer crowds that swarm Piazza San Marco. If you’re after a place that lets you live like a local – grabbing gelato at sunset by the canal or catching the quiet evenings when the day-trippers head out – this is it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole area turns magical. Just pack comfortable shoes; those cobblestones don’t forgive.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $198. One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 large double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• The location showed the parts of Venice you wouldn’t normally see if you were closer to the main sites . – Francean from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location , close to the train station , bus station and major water bus route –
  Apartment was cool even with out air con being on and well equipped
  
  What could be improved: Liked everything

• Venice is our favourite destination,so the great accommodation just added to our enjoyment – Peter from Australia – 5 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was as described and in a superb location
  
  What could be improved: Everything was just fabulous.

• Our stay was excellent and Adrian supplied all our needs and answered our questions. – Larry from United States – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  We were surprised to find breakfast food available, did not know that was going to be included.
  The location was excellent, quiet and close to the train station.
  
  What could be improved: We liked it all.

• Perfect stay in Venice – Yvonne from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  The perfect location with everything one could need and more.

• Super smooth experience, lots of care and thoughts through – Maksim from Estonia – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  All the necessities and more, very grateful to the hosts for thinking of the needs of travellers renting out an apartment: everything you might need is there, from good pans to cooking essentials, dishwasher tablets and so on.
  
  What could be improved: if you are a light sleeper, you might wake up early due to workers prepping for their day nearby (a reconstruction in proximity). That is temporary but might be a vital consideration for some.

• Gracious hosts, a perfectly located and well appointed apartment – worth all the perfect ratings – Sonya from Australia – 26 December 2024 (10/10)

  We were met and welcomed by Adriano who made us feel welcome giving us recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing. The property is located a short walk from the station and is quiet in the evenings despite being an easy walk to all the sights on the main island. The vaporetto stop for murano and Burano are also nearby. The hosts Adriano & Barbara were gracious and responded quickly to our questions. The apartment is well furnished with everything you need to have a wonderful stay in Venice. I hope to stay again in the future & be reacquainted with Adriano & Barbara. E stato un piacere conoscervi. Grazie mille.
  
  What could be improved: Having to leave.

• Just wonderful – Sergey from Russia – 21 November 2024 (10/10)

  That's utterly magnificent! Very close to bus and train stations and yet in a very calm neibourhood – and you have Cannaregio channel just nearby. It was very pleasing to find abundant breakfast provisions (such as croissants, toasts, youghurts) and coffee machine with a plenty of capsules. Adriano and Barbara are charming hosts, it was really very nice to chat with them a bit. And their cat Elettra was so kind to greet us as well ^_^ Overall, a great stay to remember.
  
  What could be improved: The bed can seem a bit hardish as well as pillows but that's a matter of taste.

• A wonderful stay & nothing was too much trouble. – Mark from United Kingdom – 8 October 2024 (10/10)

  Locality , comfort & friendliness of owner
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Michael from Denmark – 4 October 2024 (10/10)

  Very friendly and very helpful host.
  Good information in WhatsApp about how to find apartment before arrival
  Comfortable apartment a short walk from Santa Lucia train station and Guglie Waterbusstop with connection to airport.
  Also situated in nice local area Cannaregio with good possibilities for shopping and good local dining.

• Exceptional – Wendy from Australia – 17 August 2024 (10/10)

  The location, the washing machine, the security and the little extras from the hosts.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities