Lion Palace – San Marco R&R

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Lion Palace – San Marco R&R kind of by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mosh pit. It’s tucked away on Calle Lion in the Castello district – that’s the sestiere just east of San Marco, where things feel a bit more lived-in and less like a postcard. I remember hopping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria (the one that drops you near the Bridge of Sighs), and it was maybe a 10-minute wander through these narrow, winding calli – no cars, obviously, since this is Venice, but watch your step on those uneven stones if you’re hauling luggage. The entrance is unassuming, almost hidden behind a heavy wooden door with this carved lion head that gives the place its name – honestly, it feels like stepping into someone’s old palazzo rather than a hotel, which is kind of the charm.

Once inside, well, it’s got that classic Venetian vibe – high ceilings with exposed beams, terrazzo floors that are cool underfoot even on warmer days, and rooms that mix antique furniture with modern touches like decent Wi-Fi and those rainfall showers that actually work (a rarity in some older spots around here). My room overlooked a quiet side canal – nothing grand like the Grand Canal views you pay an arm and a leg for elsewhere, but you could hear the gentle lap of water at night, and in the mornings, the smell of fresh bread from the bakery on nearby Calle della Madonna would waft up. Breakfast is included, and it’s solid – think croissants, local cheeses, and espresso that packs a punch, served in this cozy courtyard where pigeons sometimes crash the party (I mean, it’s Venice, what do you expect?). The staff were friendly without being over-the-top; one guy even tipped me off to skipping the touristy restaurants on Riva degli Schiavoni and heading to a little osteria in Campo Bandiera e Moro instead for cicchetti that won’t break the bank. That said, it’s not flawless – the 4-star rating feels about right with a 7.9 score; rooms can be on the snug side if you’re used to sprawling American hotels, and during high tide in fall, you might get a faint whiff of the canals if windows are open. But hey, that’s authentic, right? No major noise issues, though – Castello quiets down after dark, unlike the chaos around Piazza San Marco.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that’s close enough to the big sights – like a quick stroll to St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace – but far enough to escape the worst of the day-trippers, this place hits the sweet spot. I stayed four nights and didn’t regret it; it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want that R&R vibe without isolation. Just book ahead for busy seasons like Carnevale, when everything fills up fast, and maybe pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper – though honestly, the serenity here made up for any minor gripes. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that courtyard breakfast with the sun filtering through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $249. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $262. Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $321. Maisonette with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $377. Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Angela from Colombia – 13 January 2025 (9/10)

  The place is very nice, good spaces and very comfortable. Pietro, was amazingly helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Lindsey from United States – 3 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great! Apartment was very large and easily accommodated our family of 5. Tons of windows!
  
  What could be improved: The shower was inside the bedroom which provided less privacy, but wasn’t really an issue for our short stay. The second bathroom was toilet and sink only.

• Deacon from United Kingdom – 28 June 2024 (8/10)

  We had a lovely time at the apartment. Excellent location, very close to St Marks Square. It was lovely to be able to pick up a gondola so close to the apartment in a quiet location. We felt very safe in the apartment. Great security, with CCTV, and it was nice to have an outside door that could be locked. Great to have an elevater.
  The apartments (superior and deluxe) were decorated very nicely with a modern feel.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment could do with a full-length mirror, a mirror above the dressing table in the bedroom, and some drawers.
  
  The air conditioning unit in the bedroom of the superior apartment did not work whilst it was helpful to have desk fans it was still very hot during the day and night. We did notice that our friends in the deluxe apartment did not have fans, but their air conditioning was working.

• Giorgia from United Kingdom – 15 March 2024 (9/10)

  beautifully decorated, comfortable and great location
  
  What could be improved: a bit noisy, you could hear everyone on the street

• Patel from United Kingdom – 9 March 2024 (8/10)

  The place was really nice, modern and clean, and loved the underfloor heating
  
  What could be improved: The only downside was that we didn't get hot water in the sink in the bathroom

• Laura from United Kingdom – 6 August 2023 (8/10)

  We had a well below glass under our feet. It was fab!

• Nikhil from India – 1 June 2023 (8/10)

  proximity to the all the best attractions in Venice. Very nice apartment with modern facilities, well furnished and very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: no access to lift, which makes it inconvenience for travellers with baggages.

• Josie from Australia – 19 May 2023 (7/10)

  great location and friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: bathroom door wouldn’t close and handle was also broken
  no heating available and no natural light

• Lange from United States – 7 May 2023 (8/10)

  Great location. Quiet.
  
  What could be improved: old, non-smart, TV – watched movie in our iPad

• David from United Kingdom – 4 May 2023 (9/10)

  Location was fantastic, loads of space inside.
  
  What could be improved: Bed sheet was ill-fitting, only a tiny drama

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities