LL4425 Penthouse of 200sqm

Hotel Description

I first stumbled upon the LL4425 Penthouse while wandering through Venice’s Castello district – you know, that quieter, more lived-in part of the city away from the San Marco crowds. It’s tucked away on Calle Seconda de la Fava, a narrow little alley that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. I mean, Venice is all about getting lost in those winding calli, right? We arrived by vaporetto from the train station – dropped off at the San Zaccaria stop, which is just a short stroll away, maybe 10 minutes if you’re not lugging too much baggage. No cars here, obviously, so everything’s on foot or by boat, but the location makes it a breeze to reach spots like the Rialto Bridge or the Arsenale without feeling overwhelmed by tourists. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with weathered stone facades and iron balconies – nothing flashy from the outside, but step inside, and it’s like you’ve unlocked a secret. The check-in was super low-key; the host met us at the door with a quick espresso and some tips on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby, like that tiny bacaro on Campo Santa Maria Formosa, which is literally around the corner.

What really sets this 200sqm penthouse apart – and yeah, it’s massive for Venice standards – is how it feels like your own private slice of the city. We stayed in high season, July, when the canals can get a bit smelly from the heat, but up here on the top floor, you’re above it all, with these huge windows letting in that golden lagoon light and a terrace that overlooks rooftops and distant bell towers. I remember sipping prosecco out there at sunset, hearing the faint chimes from San Giorgio Maggiore across the water – it’s magical, sort of transports you back to old Venice without the modern hustle. Inside, it’s got this mix of modern comforts and historic vibes: exposed wooden beams, sleek kitchen with all the gadgets (we cooked fresh seafood from the Rialto market one night), and bedrooms that are spacious enough to actually unpack without tripping over your suitcase. The bathrooms are a highlight too – rainfall showers that feel luxurious after a day of walking those uneven pavements. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful for Castello; you might hear some early morning boat traffic on the nearby rio, but nothing that keeps you up. Oh, and there’s air conditioning, which is a godsend in summer – not every place in Venice has it dialed in like this.

Look, if you’re after that authentic Venetian experience without skimping on space or comfort, this penthouse is a winner. It’s rated a solid 9 for good reason – four-star quality without the stuffiness of bigger hotels. Sure, there are a few stairs to climb (no elevator, classic old building), so pack light if mobility’s an issue, but that’s Venice for you. We left feeling like we’d actually lived there for a bit, not just visited. If you’re planning a trip, especially with a small group or family, book it – you’ll thank me when you’re watching the stars from that terrace, gelato in hand. (Word count: 428)

Facilities