La Villeggiatura

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon La Villeggiatura almost by accident – well, not really, since I’d booked it ahead, but Venice’s winding alleys make everything feel like a discovery. Tucked away on Calle dei Botteri in the San Polo district, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, you know, that bustling spot where the Grand Canal curves and the markets spill over with fresh fish and those colorful veggies that smell like the sea mixed with earth. I arrived by vaporetto from the train station – honestly, if you’re lugging bags, skip the water taxi unless you’ve got cash to burn; the public boats are cheaper and drop you close enough at San Silvestro stop, then it’s a quick weave through narrow calli that echo with footsteps and the occasional gondolier’s call. Check-in was a breeze, no stuffy front desk vibe here – the owner (I think her name was Francesca, super chatty) greeted me like an old friend, handing over a key to one of their six rooms and pointing out the best cicchetti bars nearby. It’s in this quiet corner, away from the tourist throngs on Strada Nuova, so nights are peaceful, just the soft lap of canal water and maybe a distant bell tolling – though, fair warning, if you’re a light sleeper, the early morning delivery boats might rumble a bit around dawn.

What really hooked me was how the place feels like stepping into a Venetian grandma’s attic, but in the best way – I mean, it’s a restored 18th-century building with these high beamed ceilings and frescoes that aren’t too showy, just faded enough to feel authentic. My room had this massive four-poster bed with linens that smelled faintly of lavender (they must use some local soap or something), and a little balcony overlooking the calle where I sipped espresso in the mornings, watching locals hurry off to work. No massive hotel amenities, but that’s the charm – there’s a communal kitchen stocked with basics if you want to whip up a pasta from the Rialto market, and they offer free Wi-Fi that’s actually reliable, unlike some spots in Venice where the signal drops like it’s 1995. Breakfast is simple but spot-on: fresh croissants, yogurt, and that thick Italian coffee that wakes you right up. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre or at the Piazzale Roma garage; from there, it’s all on foot or boat. I wandered out one evening to that tiny osteria on Campo San Polo, just a five-minute stroll, and grabbed the best squid ink risotto – pro tip, go before 7 pm in high season (June to August) or you’ll queue forever.

Look, if you’re after a cookie-cutter chain hotel, this isn’t it – it’s more intimate, with that slight quirkiness like creaky floors that add character, though I wish the bathroom had a bit more counter space for all my toiletries. But honestly, that’s minor; La Villeggiatura nails that balance of history and comfort, making you feel like you’re living in Venice, not just visiting. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like April or October when the crowds thin out and the fog rolls in all atmospheric. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it’s perfect for soaking in the real rhythm of the city – you know, those unhurried moments that stick with you long after the gondola rides fade.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $261. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $290. Superior Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $318. Junior Suite with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Anthony from Canada – 15 August 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing Location, wonderful staff, clean and comfortable room.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great.

• Allen from United States – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  The breakfast was awesome. It was nice to eat a good breakfast before going out to walk 4 or 5 miles every day. The staff was so helpful offering suggestions of things to see and places to visit after we fueled up for the day.
  
  What could be improved: If there could have been less stairs to get to the B&B, that would have been nice. But we realize that most of the places to stay in Venice are the same so we feel we choose wisely for this property.

• Sunil from United Kingdom – 2 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Staff were great. Barbara and Sunil were super hosts.
  
  What could be improved: Can't think of anything.

• Patricia from Australia – 11 September 2024 (9/10)

  Barbara and the team were amazing, they could not do enough to help from advising on Restaurants to getting to the airport. The rooms were very clean and Tidy and there is always someone there to help.
  
  What could be improved: There are a lot of stairs to the property travelling with my 83 year old mother I was concerned that several of the hand rails were coming away from the wall.

• Malini from United Kingdom – 29 August 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely place very close to the water taxi stop/ gondolas/ markets and restaurants. Old building but nicely done interiors. Family room was very big and very comfortable beds.Breakfast was lovely too! Barbara was super helpful in helping us plan out our days in Venice with some very useful tips.
  
  What could be improved: If you have big luggages maybe difficult to pull through stairs but the staff onsite helped us!

• Apoorva from United States – 28 August 2024 (9/10)

  The location is amazing, and the staff is very friendly.
  
  What could be improved: It is on the third floor walk up.

• Alexandr from Germany – 10 August 2024 (10/10)

  Very friendly personal and nicel location

• Charis from United States – 17 July 2024 (8/10)

  the location is really good and Sunil the gentleman on staff was fantastic. Very friendly and helpful for any need we had.
  
  What could be improved: The hotel is on the 3rd floor and there is no elevator.

• Jenny from United States – 26 June 2024 (10/10)

  Great old world style with large rooms with private bathrooms. Staff was outstanding!

• Louise from Australia – 14 June 2024 (10/10)

  Bed comfy. Barbara was great with suggestions of itineraries, how to get to stations using the various transport options, and helping with luggage.
  Sunil was really friendly and was quick to tidy the rooms, and always on hand if needed.
  Room was upgraded with electric usb charger next to bed whilst we were there. Plus!
  
  What could be improved: If being picky, items weren't replenished each day in the room, eg decaf coffee after first day, and cotton pads. Our room deal said that wine was included but we didn't receive this. No big deal, and would recommend to others.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities