LaLux Venezia

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso – you know, that stop right by the Grand Canal where the gondolas bob like they’re showing off – and weaving through the crowds toward LaLux Venezia. It’s tucked away on this quiet little calle off the main drag, at 5506 Sestiere di San Marco, and honestly, after lugging my bag over those uneven stones, finding it felt like a mini victory. Venice in summer can be a madhouse, with tourists swarming Piazza San Marco just a five-minute stroll away, but this place? It’s like a secret hideout. The entrance is unassuming – no flashy signs, just a brass plaque and a door that creaks open to this cozy lobby with worn marble floors that smell faintly of old wood and espresso. Check-in was a breeze; the staff, these locals who switch effortlessly between Italian and English, handed me a map with hand-drawn notes on avoiding the tourist traps. I mean, they even warned me about the high water in November – acqua alta, they call it – and how the hotel’s got raised walkways ready just in case.

What really got me was the rooms – mine overlooked a narrow canal where you could hear the soft lap of water against the walls at night, sort of lulling you to sleep amid the distant hum of vaporettos. It’s a 4-star spot with a stellar 9.3 rating, and yeah, it lives up to it without trying too hard. The decor’s all Venetian chic: heavy velvet curtains, Murano glass lamps that cast this warm glow, and beds so comfy you sink in and forget the jet lag. Breakfast is served in this sunlit courtyard – think fresh cornetti, cappuccino strong enough to wake the dead, and those little prosciutto sandwiches that pair perfectly with the morning bells from St. Mark’s Basilica (which, by the way, is so close you can pop over for the 7 a.m. mass if you’re into that). I appreciated the practical bits, like the free Wi-Fi that actually works (rare in these old buildings) and the air conditioning that hums quietly, drowning out the occasional street noise from Calle Larga XXII Marzo nearby. Oh, and no parking hassles here – Venice doesn’t do cars, but they arrange water taxi pickups from Piazzale Roma if you ask. One minor gripe? The elevators are tiny, like most in the city – pack light or be ready to squeeze.

All in all, if you’re chasing that authentic Venice vibe without the overwhelm, LaLux is a gem. It’s not the cheapest – rates spike in high season, around Carnevale when masks and costumes flood the streets – but for the location, smack in San Marco yet somehow peaceful, it’s worth it. I’ve stayed in flashier spots, but this one feels real, you know? Like you’re crashing at a friend’s elegant apartment rather than a hotel. Go in shoulder season, say April or October, when the crowds thin and you can actually hear the pigeons cooing in the piazza without the din. Trust me, you’ll leave with stories – and maybe a vow to come back.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $432. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Martin from United States – 3 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location was incredible. The host was very professional and kind. Very highly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: It all was excellent. No complaints.

• Ron from Canada – 11 October 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location short walk from the Rialto bridge made exploring Venice easy. Our host provided us with a great list of restaurants to try both local and a some with a fusion Venetian approach, as well as the closest grocery stores. The host is the best we've ever experienced, and to top it off, the truly 360 view from the deck on the roof was spectacular.
  
  What could be improved: There are five flights of stairs, which we knew, and which is VERY clear in the listing. We just paused for at the third floor landing, had a laugh and continued to our wonderful apartment.

• Simon from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location ideal
  Down a quiet side street, but very near main attractions/amenities
  
  What could be improved: Nothing
  Five flights of stairs, but we did know about this

• Nicole from Australia – 2 July 2024 (9/10)

  Fabulous apartment with exposed beams and stylish fitout. The reward for climbing to the 5th floor (which really isn't so bad) is the terrace – a magical spot early morning as the city wakes up, and in the evening for an aperitif. Chiara was a wonderfully hospitable host who went above and beyond to make the whole experience seamless. Super convenient location. All in all a standout place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: A few more creature comforts for travellers (like tea bags, shampoo/conditioner) would have made things perfect.

• Michele from United States – 20 June 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, comfortable bed, washer and dryer in unit. Excellent response for issues by contact person
  
  What could be improved: 5flights of stairs, no A/c in common area( only in bedrooms)
  Loft is a bit strange and the shower up there does not have a shower curtain or door, so water sprays everywhere. My college kids ended up just showering in downstairs bathroom
  Terrace was a bit tricky to access

• Angela from United States – 13 June 2024 (8/10)

  Nice modern appliances. Location. Washer, dryer 🙏🏾
  
  What could be improved: A lot of stairs to take 3 large suitcases. Advertised with a tub, but no tub 🙁

• Dmitrijs from Latvia – 29 May 2024 (10/10)

  Accomodation location is perfect very close to San Marco and it is in the heart of the old town. Nearby is everything you need for a perfect vacation restarans, bars, coffeterias and grocery stores. The most important apartment has a fantastic roof terrace with 360 degree observation (this is one of the tallest bildings in the area). Veronica has met us and showed everything inside the apartment. Also, Veronica and Chiara provided us with recommendations of local restarans and tours, that was very nice and helpful
  
  What could be improved: In general everything was perfect, just watch your head when going on the terrace there is a low ceiling 🙂

• Anna from Greece – 15 May 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect overall! We chose LaLux for our stay after our wedding in Venice . The house is spacious and extremely well decorated , fully equiped and the location is perfect , just 3 minutes walking from the Rialto Bridge !
  The hostess was really kind and always available !
  We will for sure come back !
  
  What could be improved: Only thing that could be mentioned is that the appartment is located on the 5th floor and as the majority of the buildings in Venice , there is no elevator .
  Nothing to do with the priority though 😉

• Kathryn from United Kingdom – 14 May 2024 (10/10)

  We loved the central location, right near the Rialto Bridge. Loved that it was clean and well equipped, traditional but also modern. Rainfall shower in a gorgeous bathroom. Chiara was very helpful with great comms, nothing was too much trouble. We loved the roof top space, away from it all, heaven to watch the sunset.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe not great for people who can’t manage the stairs BUT this is well advertised so shouldn’t be a problem.

• Eskil from France – 26 April 2024 (10/10)

  Chiara is an exceptional host. Very friendly, gave me information about the neighbourhood, recommended restaurants and responded immediately when I had a question about an equipment in the apartment on the second day of my stay. When I arrived at the airport, the water buses were suspended and she kindly gave me directions how to come to Venice in this situation. You can count on her!
  The apartment is very pretty, comfortable, modern but with a historical vibe thanks to the wooden parts and the windows. The location is perfect: very central. The terrace on the top is amazing, and worth the climb to the 5th floor!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities