Locanda Herion

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Locanda Herion after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re dodging tourists with oversized suitcases on the No. 1 line along the Grand Canal. It’s tucked away in Cannaregio, right off Campiello Picutti, which is this tiny square that’s more of a locals’ hangout than anything flashy. Honestly, the first thing that hit me was how refreshingly quiet it felt compared to the chaos around San Marco; no throngs of day-trippers snapping selfies, just the occasional clatter of someone wheeling a cart over the cobblestones or the faint splash from a nearby rio (that’s a small canal, for the uninitiated). The building itself is one of those classic Venetian spots – think weathered brick walls and wooden shutters that creak a bit when the wind picks up off the lagoon. Check-in was a breeze, well, sort of; the owner greeted me with a warm “buongiorno” and a quick espresso from their little machine in the lobby, but don’t expect 24/7 concierge vibes – it’s more like chatting with a neighbor who knows every shortcut in the sestiere.

What really won me over, though, was how the place captures that authentic Venice essence without trying too hard. The rooms are cozy – okay, maybe a tad snug if you’re packing heavy, with those high ceilings and exposed beams that make you feel like you’re in an old palazzo (minus the opulence, of course). Mine overlooked a narrow alley where I could hear the distant hum of boats in the morning, and the bed was firm but comfortable, the kind that lulls you to sleep after a day of wandering. Breakfast is simple – fresh croissants, yogurt, and strong coffee served in a sunny courtyard that smells faintly of blooming jasmine in spring – but it’s enough to fuel you for exploring nearby gems like the Jewish Ghetto, just a five-minute stroll away, or grabbing cicchetti at a bacaro on Strada Nova. I mean, you’re steps from spots like the Ca’ d’Oro vaporetto stop, so hopping over to Murano or even the Rialto is effortless, especially if you time it for the less crowded early mornings. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, that’s Venice for you – forces you to unplug and actually enjoy the city.

All in all, if you’re after a no-frills stay that feels genuinely Venetian, Locanda Herion is a solid pick, especially in shoulder seasons like fall when the crowds thin out and you can snag a room without breaking the bank. It’s not perfect – the bathroom was basic, with that slightly musty scent from the humidity – but it beats those soulless chain hotels by a mile. I’d go back in a heartbeat for the way it lets you slip into local life, maybe grabbing gelato from a hole-in-the-wall on Fondamenta della Misericordia after dark. Just remember to pack light; those bridges and alleys aren’t forgiving to big luggage.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $169. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $210. Deluxe Double Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Luxury Triple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Superior Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Luxury Triple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Bredahl from US Virgin Islands – 7 July 2024 (8/10)

  The staff were exceptional, luggage storage available and room was spacious.
  
  What could be improved: I could hear other guests in their room, but it wasn’t too bad.

• Spyridoula from Greece – 24 February 2025 (8/10)

  Exceptional location, near the train station and next to the waterbus station. Lots of shops, bars, and restaurants around. Relatively quiet area around the hotel. Spacious and quiet room. Exceptionally clean and the staff was really kind.
  
  What could be improved: There was nowhere to dry our towels, so we had to hang them wherever we could in the room near the heating. The bathroom was a bit cold and we couldn't adjust the heating. A tip: Don't put the toilet brush just below the toilet paper, it's unhealthy and disgusting.

• Rebeca from Spain – 26 January 2025 (7/10)

  Very well located, close to the train station and easy to walk from there as there is just one bridge to cross with your lugagge.
  Very clean and quiet at night.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom is a little dump.

• Iain from United Kingdom – 21 January 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location not even ten minuteswalk from Santa Lucia train station. Easy to find with the excellent directions supplied.
  
  Room decent size and very clean. Staff very communicative when asked via WhatsApp
  
  Very good value for money
  
  What could be improved: My room although with e suite bathroom could possibly be a problem for older people in the evening in that the bathroom is down some stairs. Not ideal if one had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night

• G from Italy – 24 December 2024 (7/10)

  Good position, very clean.

• Mara from Australia – 15 October 2024 (8/10)

  This property was close to main Venice train station. Walking distance about 10mins depending on your age and fitness. I think only 1/2 small bridges. Centrally located to all restaurants, shops, supermarkets. About 20mins to San Marco but you can find ferries to get about. Nice and quiet and comfortable. Great communication and the staff were really lovely. We are out for breakfast. Great cheap cafe across from the place if you like croissants and coffee. 😀
  
  What could be improved: It was on the older side of places I have stayed. On one night there was a sulphur egg smell, but disappeared after an hour. Not sure what that was. Still overall for an economical and practical stay, this place was pleasant, and great for me and the kids!

• Roberto from Guatemala – 3 October 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean. Staff very helpful.

• Bridgette from United States – 15 September 2024 (8/10)

  The location was amazing and the bed was comfortable. The room stayed cool. There was a side table that was nice. It was located really close to two Vaparetto stops and one also took us to and from the airport. Several nice restaurants around and grocery fruit stand too. Easy walk to the train station. It was very nice to get away from the overcrowded areas.
  
  What could be improved: The shower had no place to put your shampoo and soap. There were no hooks for your towels in the super small bathroom and there was no room to stand infront of the sink because it was so close to the toilet. A shallow sink that was wider would work better in the space. We couldn’t use one of the hooks in the bedroom it fell out as soon as you touched it. Two plugs by the bed would be nice so you could use the little lamp that have there and charge your phone at night.

• Renata from Ireland – 12 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  Clean
  
  What could be improved: Small
  Tight shower
  You can hear the neighbours through the walls

• Udermann from United States – 6 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and helpful staff. Perfect setup for 3 people! AC worked great in the hot Venice summer

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities