KEY LOCATION near Palazzo Grassi

Hotel Description

Oh man, stumbling upon the KEY LOCATION near Palazzo Grassi was one of those Venice moments that just clicks, you know? I mean, I’d been wandering those twisty calles in San Marco for what felt like forever – dodging tourists with their gelato cones and trying not to get lost in the fog of early morning – when I finally turned onto Salizzada Malipiero. It’s this narrow little street, tucked away from the main drag but not so hidden that you’re fumbling with your phone’s GPS every two seconds. The hotel’s right there at number 3207, in a classic Venetian building with those faded pinkish walls that scream old-world charm without trying too hard. Honestly, arriving by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station was a breeze; hop off at San Samuele stop, and it’s like a five-minute stroll past that cute little campo with the outdoor cafes where locals sip spritzes in the evening. No cars to worry about, obviously – this is Venice – but if you’re lugging bags, watch out for the uneven pavestones; I nearly tripped over one with my suitcase. Check-in was smooth, though – the front desk guy, Marco (I think that was his name), had this warm, no-rush vibe, chatting about the latest exhibit at Palazzo Grassi just around the corner. It’s literally steps away, which is gold if you’re into contemporary art like that Punta della Dogana spot nearby.

What really sold me on this place, though, was how it balances that four-star polish with a cozy, lived-in feel – none of that sterile chain-hotel nonsense. My room overlooked a quiet canal, and waking up to the soft lap of water against the walls, mixed with the distant hum of a gondolier’s oar, was pure magic. The beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just the nearby flower market on Rio Terà dei Assassini influencing things), and the bathroom had a rain shower that actually worked without the usual Venetian plumbing drama. Breakfast downstairs is a highlight – think fresh cornetti, cappuccinos strong enough to wake the dead, and views of passersby on the salizzada. It’s not huge, so it gets a bit crowded during peak season like Carnevale, when San Marco turns into a zoo, but if you go early, it’s peaceful. Well, almost – there’s some street noise from evening revelers heading to Campo Santo Stefano, but nothing earplugs couldn’t handle. And yeah, it’s not the cheapest spot (rooms can push 200 euros in summer), but for a 9.2 rating, it delivers without the gimmicks. I even appreciated the little library nook in the lobby, stocked with books on Venetian history – perfect for rainy afternoons when you’re avoiding the high water in Piazza San Marco.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Venice’s heart without the hassle of constant commuting – say, walking to the Accademia Bridge in under ten minutes or grabbing a quick bite at that hidden osteria on Calle della Mandola – this is your spot. It’s authentic, not tourist-trap flashy, and left me feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of la dolce vita. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the quiet hours let you hear the city breathe. Just pack light and embrace the stairs – no elevators in these old palazzos, after all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $292. Holiday Home with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Leah from Canada – 20 September 2023 (9/10)

  Even before our arrival, the hosts, Antonio and Luisa were friendly and responsive to all of our questions. We were able to check in on time, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of restaurants within a couple of minutes of the property. The property was spacious, beautifully decorated, and in the perfect location – quiet, but so close to everything! We loved the canal access just 30 seconds away, the view from the rooftop deck, and the beautiful neighbourhood piazza just full of cafes where you could enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the evenings before dinner. Many thanks, Antonio and Luisa. Your place truly felt like home.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing. It was perfect.

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

  The apartment was large, homely, comfortable, well set out across 3 floors and an amazing roof terrace. It’s well stocked with everything you need, including a coffee machine with capsules. Such a nice touch. It’s in a great location in the historical centre but in a quiet street, close to a couple of vaporetto stops. Luisa was really helpful and kind – great communication.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – we loved it!

• Stephanie from Canada – 1 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great! It was very close to a water bus stop. It was very close to nice restaurants, a bank machine and shopping.

• Sabine from Netherlands – 5 September 2023 (9/10)

  Nice contact, top location. Thank you

• Charles from United Kingdom – 22 August 2023 (9/10)

  This is a delightful and charming house on 3 floors with a roof terrace. A fantastic and quiet location. It is a short walk from the Academia and St Mark's Square. Considering this is Venice, this house is spacious. It was really comfortable.
  
  The terrace on the top is the icing on the cake and easy to access. The kitchen was well equipped, and the host kindly left nice coffee capsules and a breakfast for the first day.
  
  The host could not have been more helpful. I needed to shorten my stay from a week to 4 nights, and the host was incredibly helpful. Booking.com website would not allow me to do this without cancelling the original booking and re-booking at the risk of losing it. The host carried out the process of changing the dates for me.
  
  The host communicated excellently about the check in and check out process and was there to assist on any queries.
  
  A new recycling policy is in place for Venice. It is complicated but exactly the right thing to do. Guests need to follow these rules and this has to be quite right.
  
  I definitely would come back on my next visit.
  
  What could be improved: There is no air conditioning in the first floor bedroom. There is a fan but in hot weather this meant that the 1st floor bedroom was uncomfortably hot at night.
  
  A small point but the towels are rather hard and rough.

• Susan from United Kingdom – 14 July 2023 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment. Amazing location. Very spacious and comfortable. Stunning roof terrace for morning coffee or evening drinks.
  Brilliant hosts!
  Close to everything you need in Venice.

• Sharon from United Kingdom – 26 June 2023 (9/10)

  Great location, just 100yds from San Samuele Vaperetto stop. Apartment was spotless and comfortable with typically Venetian decor. Lovely little roof terrace
  
  What could be improved: wasn’t a problem for us but for the less mobile there were a lot of stairs

• Rebecca from United Kingdom – 22 May 2023 (8/10)

  The location is so central to walk everywhere, or to catch a waterbus.
  
  The roof Terrance was a real plus, couldn't see a lot apart from roofs, but it was a great space to sit and relax in the sun.
  
  What could be improved: Being charged €20 for a later check in, when we were told the key would be in the key safe. We did have a very nice man meet us from the waterbus and take us to the apartment, which did make it very easy. But we could have made it there ourselves.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 6 April 2023 (9/10)

  We were staying in the apartment as a family (4 of us). The photographs do not do it justice, it is very spacious, very clean and has everything you would need: excellent kitchen items including a lovely welcome pack of biscuits, jams, crackers. There was washing up liquid, coffee, sugar, olive oil etc. Lots of towels, very comfy beds and a great heating system. The terrace is beautiful with nice furniture, we had breakfast and evening drinks as we watched the boats on the canal. The hosts were very responsive and extremely helpful. The apartment is situated within easy walking distance of all the sights but was very quiet during the night. I would highly recommend this apartment.
  
  What could be improved: There was not anything I did not like.

• Graham from United Kingdom – 21 March 2023 (9/10)

  The property is typically Venetian (so expect stairs!) and has been modernised but kept it's character. It's position, as far as we are concerned was perfect. It is roughly equidistant from St Mark's Square, Rialto and academia (all within half a mile). It is close to two Vaporetto stops – Sant' Angelo 350m and San Samuele 50m! Although not claimed in the description you can actually see the Grand Canal from the lovelly little terrace.
  
  What could be improved: The kitchen/dinet is a little cramped but we didn't spend much time there. The access to the terrace is tricky but worthwhile.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities