Isa Sweet Home

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the San Stae stop – you know, that little landing in Santa Croce where the water laps against the old stone steps and the air smells faintly of salt and whatever the local bakeries are firing up in the morning. Venice can be a maze, especially if you’re hauling luggage over those uneven bridges, but Isa Sweet Home is tucked away on Calle del Traghetto, just a short wander from there. It’s not smack in the tourist frenzy of San Marco, which is honestly a relief after a day dodging crowds around the Rialto. I mean, Santa Croce feels more like real Venice – quieter alleys where locals chat over espresso, and you’re close enough to Piazzale Roma if you need to catch a bus or park a car (though good luck finding a spot in high season; it’s a nightmare). When I arrived, the check-in was this warm, no-fuss affair – the owner, Isa herself I think, handed over the keys with a smile and a quick tip on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. The building’s got that classic Venetian charm, all exposed beams and creaky wooden floors that make you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s actual home, not some sterile chain hotel.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances old-world coziness with those little modern touches that make traveling easier. My room overlooked a narrow canal – nothing grand like the Grand Canal views you pay a fortune for elsewhere, but it was peaceful, with the occasional gondola gliding by and that soft murmur of water against the walls at night. The bed was plush, sheets crisp and fresh (a godsend after a sweaty trek from the train station), and there’s air conditioning that actually works without sounding like a jet engine – important in July when Venice turns into a humid sauna. Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh croissants, yogurt, and strong coffee served in a sunny courtyard where you can hear birds chirping over the distant hum of vaporettos. It’s not huge, mind you – no pool or spa, and if you’re on a higher floor, those stairs might be a workout if you’ve got heavy bags (they do help with luggage, though). But honestly, it’s the details that stick: like the homemade limoncello they leave in the mini-fridge, or how the Wi-Fi is surprisingly zippy for streaming that one show you can’t miss. And location-wise, you’re steps from the traghetto crossing to San Polo – super handy for skipping the pricier gondola rides across the canal. I wandered over to Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio one evening, this leafy square with kids playing and old-timers on benches; it’s got that authentic vibe you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Look, if you’re after a spot that feels like a sweet escape in Venice without the over-the-top luxury prices, Isa Sweet Home is it. With a 9.2 rating and four stars, it’s earned its stripes – I’ve stayed in pricier places that felt way more impersonal. Sure, it might get a bit noisy from the alley cats at dawn during quieter months like November, but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the city’s magic really shines without the mobs. You know what? Book it if you want to wake up feeling like a local, not just another tourist checking boxes.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $185. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Isolde from Austria – 11 April 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location near Piazza de Roma and the train station. Easy access to public transport. Bars and Restaurants near by. Very competent and friendly host. Clean and nice apartement.
  
  What could be improved: all fine

• Shannon from Australia – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great property , beds so comfortable, spotlessly clean , very kitchen appliance you need .

• Sean from Ireland – 10 February 2025 (9/10)

  Was just great to be honest. We had stayed in a larger property previous but this was better because it was full of nice touches..there was coffee and a coffee machine, cleaning equipment and detergent. Great Location..
  
  What could be improved: Liked it all. Will deffo come back if we get to Venice again..

• Joe from United States – 14 December 2024 (9/10)

  The location was fantastic, 10 mins from the train station and water bus stops.

• Michele from United States – 27 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect for us… 5 minute walk from the train and especially because one of us had to get to the bus station (also 5 minutes walk) at 3:30 am… alone and in the dark… and it was super easy!
  
  What could be improved: Not a lot of “common space” or living area but it seemed a fair exchange for having 2 very large and comfortable beds. Very small kitchen area. Hard to wash/dry dishes…. But did have everything we could have needed to make some meals at home”home”!

• Angel from Spain – 16 October 2024 (9/10)

  Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one small kitchen…

• Karen from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was Amazing , fully equipped apartment , 2 double bedrooms and 2 shower rooms both connecting to a kitchen with every gadget you would possibly need . 100% would recommend and I would stay here again as perfect location just 5 mins walk from train & bus station.
  Tasteful restaurants in this area of Santa Croce as it’s away from the tourist hot spots but your still only 15 -20 mins walk to main St. Marks Square or Rialto & Accadamia bridges .
  Hosts communication was prompt and helpful, many thanks 🙏🏼
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain about and trust me I’m fussy 😂

• Lynne from Canada – 10 October 2024 (8/10)

  The location was excellent. The beds were comfortable. The ensuite bathrooms were clean with lots of hot water. The ‘shared’ kitchenette & appliances were well appointed.
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t understand that the unit didn’t have a common area (other than the galley kitchen) to relax. The definition of shared ‘lounge’ would not be well understood by most North Americans. I’m glad I rented both bedrooms because I would have been unhappy to ‘share’ the kitchenette with a stranger. The high stool seating was not comfortable as an area to relax. It was fine for eating. There is no seating in the bedrooms.

• Ruel from Philippines – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  The unit is very clean and tidy.Very good location.Just walking distance from main train station and tourisr spots

• Shelley from Australia – 22 September 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is in a great position, close to the canal and train station, yet very quiet so a good night’s sleep is possible. The decor is tasteful, the beds are comfortable and having 2 bathrooms is such an advantage. The lack of lounge/sitting room did not worry us as we did not spend much time in the apartment other than to sleep and have breakfast. Kitchen facilities are adequate for simple meals if you want to cook. A great pasticceria is nearby for breakfast coffee and pastries and many cafes/restaurants close by. Communication with the owners prior to checkin was good and checkin itself was easy. The apartment is on the ground floor so no need to juggle stairs and suitcases. The apartment is highly recommended.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities