Lo Squero 1 The Secret Courtyard in Dorsoduro

Lo Squero 1 The Secret Courtyard in Dorsoduro Overview

First Impressions

You know what strikes you first about Lo Squero 1 The Secret Courtyard in Dorsoduro? It’s actually hidden — I mean, properly tucked away on Calle dello Squero where most tourists never venture. The entrance feels almost secretive, which honestly makes perfect sense given the name. This three-star property sits in what locals consider the most authentic part of Venice, and you can tell immediately that you’ve found something special. The building itself has that weathered Venetian charm that you can’t fake, with details that speak to centuries of stories.

Location & Neighborhood

Dorsoduro is where Venetians actually live and breathe — it’s got this artistic, slightly bohemian vibe that’s worlds away from the San Marco crowds. You’re walking distance from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia, but more importantly, you’re surrounded by genuine neighborhood life. There’s a reason couples rate this location a perfect 10, and it’s not just the romantic canals (though those help). The area comes alive in the evenings when locals spill out of wine bars, and you’ll find yourself stumbling upon tiny squares that feel like your own private discovery. I mean, the property scores 9.8 for location — that’s not an accident.

The Secret Courtyard

The courtyard is genuinely the heart of this place, and honestly, it lives up to the “secret” billing. It’s this peaceful oasis where you can actually hear yourself think — something that’s pretty rare in Venice. The space feels intimate without being cramped, and there’s something magical about having your morning coffee there while the city slowly wakes up around you. You’ll probably find yourself lingering here longer than planned, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits just right. It’s the kind of spot that makes you understand why people fall in love with Venice beyond all the obvious reasons.

The Rooms & Atmosphere

The accommodations strike that perfect balance between Venetian character and modern comfort — you get the historic charm without sacrificing the essentials. The rooms feel thoughtfully designed rather than just decorated, with details that show someone actually cares about the guest experience. What I really appreciate is how quiet everything is, especially considering you’re in the middle of a major city. The whole property has this refined, understated elegance that works so much better than trying too hard to impress. You’ll sleep well here, and that’s honestly half the battle in Venice where thin walls and tourist noise can be real problems.

Why Guests Love It

This place gets a 9 rating because it delivers on what Venice should actually feel like — authentic, romantic, and just a little bit magical. You’re not paying for marble lobbies or over-the-top amenities; you’re paying for location, character, and that rare sense of discovery that’s getting harder to find. The fact that it’s in Dorsoduro means you’ll experience Venice like someone who actually belongs there, not just someone passing through. Couples especially seem to get it — there’s something about this neighborhood and this particular hidden gem that just works for romance and genuine connection to the city.

Lo Squero 1 The Secret Courtyard in Dorsoduro Accommodations

Reviews of Lo Squero 1 The Secret Courtyard in Dorsoduro

• Darius from Lithuania – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  – Suggested early check-in, which was great for us
  – Representative met us and welcomed us at agreed time, no hasle
  – Very calm part of Venice, end of a side street
  – Good bathroom, shower and wifi (not always easy to get in Venice)
  – Not far from Accademia bridge, so easy access by foot and by vaporetto (be careful as vaporetto are $$$$)
  
  What could be improved: – Coffee machine, but no capsules
  – Not the owner's fault, but reconstruction of a nearby flat was in process, so this did not allow for use of garden, and had an overall negative vibe
  – First floor, so relatively dark
  – Floor was a bit cold, but not a big issue

• Stefan from Germany – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is a perfect stay in Venice. Well appointed, tastefully decorated, spacious and comfortable.
  Excellent heating of the apartment ( gas) and shower. Nice bathroom. Location could not be better. We will be back !
  
  What could be improved: –

• Helen from United States – 30 October 2024 (9/10)

  This is a very spacious, cheerful, extremely comfortable apartment in a great neighborhood. The courtyard is lovely, filled with plants. The decorations are quite nice–very pleasing, homey. The apartment is well-equipped. The shower was great–plenty of hot water and good force. The hand shower was well placed a bit lower down on the wall (great for short people, especially). Good linens, extremely comfortable bed. It's really a lovely place and we would certainly stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: There is very little not to like. It would be good if there were some paper napkins in the kitchen or paper towels. A light over the stove would be nice.
  
  Be aware of the rules and regulations regarding disposal of trash! They are printed and left on the coffee table in the living room. The trash must be brought directly to the trash boat quite early in the morning. That's ok, but if you then have breakfast after you have taken out the trash and are checking out after that, it's not clear what must be done with the additional refuse.
  
  The only negative is that luggage cannot be left past 11:00 a.m. Management offers guests to leave luggage in their office near the Ponte Accademia, but the luggage must be brought to the first floor via the stairs (no elevator), and if you're a little older or have any kind of muscle issues, this does not work. Someone MIGHT be there to help, but is impossible to know in advance. Sometimes there is only one person in the office and they are slow to answer the door, probably because they have to multi-task.

• Anne from France – 9 August 2024 (8/10)

  Appartement cosy,bien équipé,bonne literie.bonne clim (et vraiment indispensable pour notre séjour).quartier calme mais tout près du pont de l'Académie.superette pas loin.proche d'un joli canal et des arrêts vaporetto.quartier chouette.
  
  What could be improved: mal insonorisé.heureusement la voisine du dessus était peu chez elle et donc ça a été mais on entend tout .appartement sombre car rez de chaussée dans petite ruelle.

• Regina from Germany – 27 May 2024 (9/10)

  Ruhige Lage und trotzdem zentral, ruhiger Innenhof, sehr malerisch. Supermarkt und Vaporetto Stationen in der Nähe. Sehr gute Ausstattung. Sehr gutes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis

• Zoe from United Kingdom – 7 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent communication with the host, who guided us to the location and gave us a nice introduction to the city. Clean and tidy with all the amenities you need, including a large shower, washing machine, mosquito repellent, tea and coffee machine.

• Ana from Spain – 1 April 2024 (9/10)

  Bien ubicado, hay un supermercado cerca. Muy cómodo y confortable. Muy silencioso y tranquilo.Muy agradable. Muy calentito y muy limpio.

• Gerald from Austria – 28 March 2024 (9/10)

  Super Kommunikation vor der Anreise (zB. genaue Infos, was vorhanden ist – im Grunde alles ;)), persönliche Abholung beim Öffi-Boot, super sauber, sehr gemütlich, optimale Lage mit Supermarkt ums Eck, sehr guter Bezirk – eigentlich wirklich optimal, der Anbieter hat sein Geschäft wirklich im Griff!
  
  What could be improved: Alles perfekt!

• Marlene from Austria – 16 March 2024 (9/10)

  Tolle Lage, geschmackvoll eingerichtet

• Aurelie from France – 8 April 2022 (9/10)

  grand, confortable ,chaleureux .
  personnel vraiment top!
  Bien situé ,loin de la foule mais près de tout!
  
  What could be improved: la seule chose . c est la mauvaise isolation.
  Nous avons eu des voisins bruyants en face et au dessus .
  on les entendait comme s’ils étaient dans la pièce .
  Mieux valait dîner à l extérieur .

Surroundings

Facilities