Lagoon Secret Venice

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Zitelle stop on Giudecca – you know, that quieter island just a quick boat hop from the madness of San Marco – and weaving through those narrow calli toward Calle dei Scorzeri. Honestly, it’s one of those spots in Venice where you feel like you’ve slipped into a secret pocket of the city, away from the throngs snapping selfies at the Rialto. The Lagoon Secret Venice is tucked right there at number 492 H 2, in this unassuming old building that blends right into the faded brick and shuttered windows of the neighborhood. I arrived in the late afternoon, the air thick with that salty lagoon scent mixed with faint whiffs of baking bread from a nearby forno – yeah, there’s a little bakery just down the calle if you’re craving a quick cornetto in the morning. Check-in was a breeze; the staff, these warm locals who actually live on the island, chatted about the best times to catch the sunset over the water while handing over my key. No big lobby fuss, just a cozy reception area with worn wooden floors that creak a bit underfoot – sort of charming, if you ask me, though I did notice there’s no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing.

What really hooked me was how the place captures that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My room overlooked the Giudecca Canal – well, more like peeked at it through these tall, arched windows that let in the golden light bouncing off the water. It’s a 4-star spot, but it feels more like a hidden guesthouse, with these plush beds draped in crisp linens and bathrooms stocked with those herbal toiletries that smell faintly of rosemary (reminded me of the gardens over on San Giorgio Maggiore, which you can spot from the rooftop terrace, by the way). I spent one evening up there with a glass of prosecco, listening to the gentle lap of waves against the fondamenta and the distant hum of vaporettos – it’s blissfully quiet compared to the Dorsoduro side, especially after dark when the day-trippers clear out. Breakfast was solid, too: fresh pastries, local cheeses, and coffee that’s actually strong enough to wake you up, served in a sunny courtyard where you can hear seagulls calling overhead. Oh, and if you’re into art, it’s a stone’s throw from the Fondazione Giorgio Cini – I wandered over one morning and caught an exhibit; total insider tip, as it’s not as mobbed as the Guggenheim.

Look, if you’re chasing that postcard Venice but want to dodge the crowds, this place is gold – rated a solid 9.5 for good reason. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who appreciate the slower pace of Giudecca, maybe in shoulder season like early fall when the humidity drops and the light’s just magical. Sure, getting around means relying on water buses (grab an ACTV pass to save some euros), and the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings, but that’s Venice for you – imperfect, but utterly captivating. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe book a lagoon-view room next time and just linger. You should too; it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own little secret in the city of canals.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $234. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Cast-ortega from United States – 21 October 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment is beautifully decorated and has a magnificent view.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Alexander from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Nice staff, good location, very quiet, easy transport to all of venice

• Marta from United Kingdom – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  We like absolutely everything , the owner is super friendly. Great location, quiet , specious, well equipped. There is nothing to complain about, definitely come back for us.

• Ciaran from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  Stunning location. Very quiet. Amazing sunsets. Caffe Majer by Palanca boat jetty is superb (much better value than the other side of the canal).
  
  What could be improved: There isn't much to do/see on Guidecca albeit it is only a few boat stops to San MarcoSan Zaccaria.

• Harry from Austria – 22 December 2024 (10/10)

  Very modern and stylish appartment. Modern with old Venice flair and Italian style. Very good kitchen, nice living room, heating fine, most comfortable double bed ever seen. Nice balcony with view to the southern see of Giudecca, sunny, quiet and safe. Extremely sufficient and good communication before and during the stay.
  
  What could be improved: Wonderful

• Brent from United States – 18 October 2024 (10/10)

  What could be improved: Perhaps a microwave and a toaster. And the bathtub jets did not work.

• Jonhonho from Czech Republic – 16 October 2024 (10/10)

  This is an absolute hidden gem in Venice – In a perfect location 7m from the center but away from all the confusion and tourism. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the host Carlotta was and how perfect the stay is.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Everything was perfect!

• Ba from United States – 2 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful view and tastefully decorated apartment ❤️. Carlotta and her assistant Rosangela is so thoughtful and detailed oriented. They have a bottle of wine and cookies waiting for us in the apartment ❤️. We had a wonderful time in Venice thanks to both of them. Hope to get to stay here again when we come back 😃.
  Thank you very much Carlotta and Rosangela for your hospitality 🙏
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great!

• Dzordana from Netherlands – 28 August 2024 (9/10)

  It wass totally great!wanderfull place and super friendly people who meet us there😊

• Robin from United Kingdom – 18 August 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic location and view. Beautifully decorated. Friendly and helpful hosts. Comfortable. Spotlessly clean. Nice quiet area.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

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