La Rosa dei Venti

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon La Rosa dei Venti tucked away in Venice’s Castello district – right on Castello 2143, just a stone’s throw from the Arsenale vaporetto stop – I thought, well, this is the Venice I’ve been chasing, not the postcard version swarming with day-trippers. I mean, arriving by water bus after dodging the crowds at San Marco, you weave through those narrow, shadowy calles like Fondamenta Sant’Anna, and suddenly there’s this unassuming four-star spot that feels more like a local’s secret than a hotel. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe – think weathered pinkish stone walls that smell faintly of salt from the lagoon, and a tiny lobby with creaky wooden floors that echo your footsteps. Check-in was a breeze, actually; the staff – mostly Venetians who know the city inside out – handed over my key with a quick tip about avoiding the high-tide acqua alta in November, which honestly saved me from soggy shoes the next day.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually matters when you’re traveling. My room overlooked a quiet rio (that’s a small canal, for the uninitiated), and mornings started with the distant hum of fishing boats chugging by – not the blaring horns you get closer to the Grand Canal. It’s rated an 8.2 for good reason; the beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that feel like they’ve been line-dried in the sea air, and breakfast? Oh man, it’s served in this sunny courtyard where you can grab fresh cornetti and cappuccino while watching neighbors hang laundry from their windows. Sure, it’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, and if you’re hauling heavy luggage, those stairs (no elevator in the older wing) might make you huff a bit. But honestly, that’s part of the authenticity; Castello’s more residential feel means you’re steps from Via Garibaldi, where locals shop at the floating vegetable market or grab cicchetti at hole-in-the-wall spots like El Refolo. I wandered there one afternoon, dodging kids on bikes and the occasional seagull, and it felt worlds away from the tourist traps. Plus, in quieter seasons like early spring, the whole area buzzes with that low-key energy – think blooming wisteria on the bridges and fewer selfie sticks blocking your path to the Biennale gardens, which are practically next door.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venice without the chaos, La Rosa dei Venti is where it’s at. It’s not trying to be flashy; it’s just solidly good, with that intangible warmth that makes you linger over a spritz on the nearby fondamenta as the sun sets. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there for a bit – and isn’t that the point of travel? You’d be smart to book ahead, especially in summer when the place fills up with repeat visitors who know better than to stay in the overpriced San Marco spots.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $156. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $179. Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $193. Junior Suite with Lagoon View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Warm, Welcoming Stay in a Perfect Location – Elvira from United States – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

  Our stay at La Rosa dei Venti was nothing short of memorable, not just because of the beautiful setting, but because of the genuine hospitality we received throughout.
  
  We arrived late and didn’t get to meet Giovanni in person right away, but his instructions were so clear that we found the place with no trouble. His communication was top-notch, and throughout the stay, both he and the housekeeping ladies were incredibly kind and thoughtful.
  
  My brother forgot his USB charger, and since we had no time to buy one, they generously lent us one — which ended up becoming a sweet little souvenir from the B&B.
  
  The location is amazing: canal views right outside, plenty of restaurants nearby, and the water bus stop just 3 minutes away. Most major sights are walkable, but we loved taking the vaporetto especially for the scenic ride.
  
  Would 100% stay here again if I return to Venice!
  
  What could be improved: The internet from the second room was a little slow and the two Wi-Fi options didn’t come up in our device settings, so we couldn’t use it during our stay. But it was nothing we couldn’t handle 🙂

• Nice b&b very close to the biennale – Chiara from Italy – 11 May 2025 (8/10)

  Friendly staff
  Great location close to the biennale
  
  What could be improved: Bed not very comfortable

• Superb – Μαρία from Greece – 29 April 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was fine

• Fantastic location and reasonably priced – Fbgrays from Australia – 5 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough for easy access to all the sights and restaurants. Lovely cafe downstairs. Very affordable. Clean and reasonable size room and bath facilities. Giovanni is lovely, hospitable and gave great instructions for accessing the local sights. Highly recommend.

• Very good – Radoslav from Czech Republic – 31 March 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast was good and sufficient. The location is quiet, but close to lively places, bars and main sights such as St. Mark's Square. The staff was very nice.

• Lovely place with beautiful views and friendly host. – Zuzana from Czech Republic – 13 February 2025 (9/10)

  The Junior suite room facing the waterfront was amazing.

• Delightful, cosy and friendly. Wonderful host. – Clare from United Kingdom – 29 October 2024 (9/10)

  Waterfront location just the right distance from the crowds of St Marks square.
  
  What could be improved: No lift but not a problem for us

• Very good – Kimberly from Austria – 26 July 2024 (8/10)

  the place is literally infront of the sea and a 2 minutes walk from the vaporetto "arsenale" station. there is also a restaurant just right infront of the building. you can also leave your luggage in the building after check out. staffs are very nice and warm, specially the lady housekeeper. She gave us tips on where visit.
  
  What could be improved: none

• The location here was brilliant. Close to the Arsensale stop. – Lincoln from Australia – 14 May 2024 (9/10)

  Location was fantastic, with lovely lagoon views.
  
  What could be improved: Shower didn’t drain well at all.

• Good – Ian from United Kingdom – 13 May 2024 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Generally needed upgrading and modernisation. WiFi not available throughout the property.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities