Locanda Ai Santi Apostoli

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Locanda Ai Santi Apostoli almost by accident during one of those rainy spring trips to Venice when the crowds around San Marco feel like they’re swallowing you whole. It’s tucked away on Strada Nova in Cannaregio – that lively stretch where locals actually shop for their daily bread and cheese, not just overpriced souvenirs. I remember hopping off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro, dodging a few puddles, and weaving through the narrow calle for maybe five minutes before spotting the unassuming entrance. Honestly, it’s not one of those grand palazzos that scream luxury from the outside – more like a cozy, centuries-old building that’s seen its share of floods and festivals. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm guy named Marco (or was it Matteo? Anyway, super friendly), handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best time to hit the nearby fish market at Rialto – early mornings, he said, before the tourists flood in. My room overlooked the canal, and oh man, the sound of water lapping against the walls at night was like a lullaby, though I did notice the faint musty scent that comes with any old Venetian spot, especially after a high tide. It’s got that authentic patina, you know? Wooden beams overhead, a bit creaky underfoot, and a bathroom that’s functional but not spa-level – think simple tiles and a shower that takes a second to warm up.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like a hidden gem in a city that’s all about show. Cannaregio’s got this quieter vibe compared to the chaos over the bridge in San Polo – fewer selfie sticks, more neighborhood cats wandering the alleys. I mean, you’re steps from that gorgeous Ca’ d’Oro gallery if you’re into Renaissance art, and there’s a little bacaro around the corner on Campo Santi Apostoli where I grabbed cicchetti and a spritz for like half what you’d pay near the Grand Canal. The hotel itself is small, just a handful of rooms, so it never felt overrun; breakfast was served in this sunny communal area with fresh croissants and cappuccino that actually tasted like Italy, not some watered-down tourist version. Well, sort of – the eggs were a tad overcooked one morning, but hey, that’s real life. And practical stuff? No parking worries since, duh, it’s Venice, but they helped arrange a water taxi from the station without any hassle. In summer, it might get a bit noisy from the street below – vendors calling out and all – but come winter, it’s blissfully quiet, perfect for holing up with a book while the fog rolls in.

All in all, if you’re after that genuine Venetian experience without the hefty price tag – it’s a solid 3-star with an 8.8 rating for a reason – this place delivers. I left feeling like I’d lived there a bit, not just passed through. Sure, it could use a fresh coat of paint in spots, but that’s part of the charm. Go in shoulder season, pack light (those stairs are no joke with luggage), and you’ll thank me when you’re sipping wine on your balcony, watching gondolas glide by. It’s not perfect, but it’s real, and in Venice, that’s gold.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $258. Standard Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $379. Superior Double Room with Grand Canal View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $281. Standard Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $497. Family Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Ammar from Iran – 15 March 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was great. Access to restaurants, supermarkets, attractions, etc. was great. The staff was friendly. And the breakfast was great.
  
  What could be improved: N.A.

• Anne from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (8/10)

  Good location, helpful staff and lovely view over the Grand Canal.

• Paula from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location, exceptionally clean and cosy room, towels and bedding smelt divine, bed comfy, choice of pillows were great, all staff so friendly and welcoming, breakfast was really good a lot of choice and as much as you want.
  Would highly recommend, great price
  Steps up to hotel but great views.

• Matthew from United Kingdom – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location near Rialto. Large comfortable room with fantastic view of Grand Canal. Tea and coffee in room, friendly and helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: Not a big deal but system of choosing breakfast in advance meant we ended up with the same choices for breakfast every day.

• Yong from United States – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  We got a free upgrade for the room with view of the grand canal and Rialto Bridge! We really enjoyed our two-night stay and all staff were super friendly. The breakfast was served with selection of many options and they are delicious. We were also store our bags at the hotel for our last day. Plus you can walk to all main attractions within 10 mins from the hotel.

• Charlotte from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, Probably the best service I’ve received in a while. There’s a balcony in the main “lounge” area of the hotel with views of the grand canal, every morning I enjoyed a peaceful coffee watching Venice wake up. The room was bigger than the pictures depicted, very clean and the beds were very comfy, pleasantly with how room darkening the curtains were. Location was perfect for us and could easily walk to a lot of the main tourist drags in about 10-15mins.
  
  What could be improved: Personally I was happy with everything.

• Katarzyna from Switzerland – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  Wonderful location, unforgettable view from the room on Canale Grande, exceptionally nice staff.

• Ljudmila from Denmark – 27 February 2025 (9/10)

  It was my seventh stay in Venice and this time it was like I won the Lotto. Everything was perfect.
  The view of the Grand Canal from the shared lounge, the silence and the peace, spotlessly clean, comfortable bed, free coffee, tea, croissants and small cakes, old atmosphere and not least welcoming and helpful staff. Thanks to Margo for the good tips and stories about the area.

• Victor from Portugal – 22 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location and staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain, if you take into consideration that you are in Venezia and all the challenges of the city.

• Viktoriia from Ukraine – 21 February 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel is really clean and comfortable. Personal is friendly and knows a lot of languages. Good working conditioner in each room.
  
  What could be improved: The rooms are very cozy

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities