Lo Squero 3 Apartment with Balcony in Dorsoduro

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Lo Squero 3 Apartment with Balcony in Dorsoduro almost by accident – well, not really, I’d been scouring for places off the beaten path after one too many overcrowded stays near San Marco. It’s tucked away on Calle dello Squero, this narrow little alley that’s literally named after the old gondola boatyards – squeri, they call them here – and if you time it right, you can hear the faint hammering and chatter from the craftsmen nearby in the mornings. Honestly, arriving felt like stepping into a quieter slice of Venice; I hopped off the vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico stop (just a five-minute stroll away, dodging the occasional delivery cart), and there I was, no throngs of tourists, just the soft lap of canal water against stone and that faint, briny scent that reminds you you’re in a city built on the sea. Check-in was a breeze – the host met me right at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English mixed with Italian gestures, which I appreciated because, you know, it felt genuine, not some scripted hotel spiel. The building’s got that classic Venetian vibe, all weathered brick and wooden beams, but watch the stairs if you’re hauling luggage – they’re steep, like most places here, though there’s no elevator, so pack light or brace yourself.

What really sold me on this spot – it’s a proper apartment, not some sterile room, with a balcony that overlooks the rio (that’s the canal, for the uninitiated) and lets you sip your morning espresso while watching locals zip by on their boats. Inside, it’s cozy in that lived-in way: high ceilings, a mix of modern kitchen gadgets (hello, Nespresso machine) and antique touches like creaky floorboards that add character – though, fair warning, they do squeak a bit at night if you’re a light sleeper. The bedroom’s spacious for Venice standards, with a comfy king bed that actually lets you stretch out after a day of wandering, and the bathroom’s got this rainfall shower that feels luxurious without being over-the-top. I mean, it’s rated 9.6 for a reason; everything’s spotless, and the Wi-Fi’s surprisingly zippy for an old building. Being in Dorsoduro means you’re steps from gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection – I popped over one afternoon and it was blissfully uncrowded compared to the Uffizi madness in Florence – or you can wander to Campo Santa Margherita for a spritz at sunset, where students from the university hang out and it feels more like real life than a postcard. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging). Noise-wise, it’s peaceful, especially off-season in fall when the summer crowds thin out, but you might catch the distant bell tolls from San Trovaso church, which sort of lulls you to sleep.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the chaos – maybe a couple escaping for a romantic week or a solo traveler like me who craves authenticity – this place is gold. It’s not perfect; the balcony can get a tad breezy in winter, and you’ll need to stock up on groceries from the nearby Coop on Fondamenta Zattere (pro tip: grab some fresh burrata), but that’s part of the charm, right? You feel like you’re living here, not just visiting. Four stars? It earns every one, and then some – I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those quiet evenings watching the sun dip behind the rooftops.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $313. Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Another Dorsoduro gem – ideal for two – William from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  A lovely little apartment. Ideal for two people – clean, comfortable and very well equipped. This part of Dorsoduro is perfect – very quiet but within short walking distance of so many brilliant places to visit. The representative who met us was lovely and gave us some excellent recommendations for local restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike.

• Exceptional – Aleksandr from Russia – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location, nice hospitality. Spacious, good TV inside.
  
  What could be improved: Everything is good, but pillows are a bit high and tough.

• Lovely place. Great location. – Oisin from United States – 2 April 2024 (9/10)

  Location away from the crowds. Near traditional restaurants and the amazing Zattere. Easy to get to San Marco via the No.1 boat which is nearby. Lovely apartment. Balcony barely big enough for one person but cool nonetheless. Bed is extra comfy. Price wasn't exactly great but it was Easter weekend so maybe that's why. I know a lot of places in Venice. This is a good one.
  
  What could be improved: There are two flights of stairs plus stairs inside the apartment. If you can't walk well, this might be an issue.

• super pobyt chętnie wrócę – Wojciech from Poland – 15 July 2024 (10/10)

  Świetna lokalizacja, blisko a jednocześnie cicho i spokojnie. Komfortowy apartament. Gospodyni przyjazna i pomocna.
  
  What could be improved: nic

• Superb – Rossella from Italy – 18 March 2024 (9/10)

  Ottima posizione.
  Personale gentilissimo.
  Appartamento accogliente

• Exceptional – Doru from Romania – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

• Superb – Monia from Italy – 6 March 2025 (9/10)

• Superb – Mirella from Italy – 26 July 2024 (9/10)

• Superb – Julian from France – 31 January 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities