Locanda Vivaldi

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that bustling stop right by the Bridge of Sighs – and weaving through the narrow calli of Castello to find Locanda Vivaldi tucked away on Riva degli Schiavoni. It’s not one of those flashy spots screaming for attention; honestly, it feels more like stumbling upon a hidden gem in Venice’s quieter eastern side. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, all faded pink stucco and wrought-iron balconies overlooking the lagoon – I mean, who wouldn’t love waking up to the sound of seagulls and the gentle lap of water against the quayside? Check-in was a breeze, even though I arrived mid-afternoon during high season last July, when the crowds around St. Mark’s Square can make you want to hide. The staff – a mix of locals who actually know their way around the neighborhood – handed over my key with a quick chat about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti, not some scripted welcome. Oh, and parking? Well, forget cars; it’s Venice, so if you’re coming by water taxi, they’ll point you to the nearest mooring spot without fuss.

What really stuck with me was how the place balances that classic Venetian vibe with just enough modern comfort to keep things from feeling stuffy. My room on the third floor had these huge windows framing the Bacino di San Marco – views of the Salute church across the water at sunset are straight out of a postcard, but fair warning, the summer humidity can make the air feel a tad thick, like breathing through a warm mist. The decor nods to Antonio Vivaldi himself (yeah, the composer was born nearby), with subtle musical motifs in the wallpaper and even a little playlist they suggested for the in-room sound system – sort of kitschy, but in a fun way that fits the city’s quirky soul. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard garden, nothing extravagant, just fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and maybe some prosciutto if you’re lucky, but it’s peaceful compared to the tourist traps along the Grand Canal. I wandered out to the Arsenale vaporetto stop, like two minutes away, for easy hops to the Lido or Murano – Castello’s got that authentic residential feel, with laundry flapping from lines and kids playing in the campi, away from the San Marco madness. Noise-wise, it’s mostly serene at night, though you might hear the occasional boat horn or church bells from Santa Maria Formosa, which is a short stroll inland.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels lived-in rather than polished to perfection, Locanda Vivaldi’s a solid choice – that 8.3 rating doesn’t lie, but it’s earned through those little touches, like the staff remembering your coffee order or the way the evening light filters through lace curtains. Sure, the elevators are on the slow side (typical for these historic buildings), and rooms can run small if you’re packing heavy, but for a 4-star in Venice, it’s got heart. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in November when the fog rolls in and the whole area turns magical – quieter crowds mean you actually get to savor it without elbowing through tour groups. If Venice is on your list, skip the overpriced chains and settle here; it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve got your own corner of the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $318. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $382. Classic Double Room with Full Breakfast with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $410. Deluxe Double Room with small Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $453. Classic Suite with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $491. Superior Double Room with Lagoon View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $554. Superior Double Room with Lagoon View and Full Breakfast with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $537. Superior Triple Room with Lagoon View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $631. Superior Triple Room with Lagoon View and Full Breakfast with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Frances from United States – 10 May 2023 (9/10)

  location, staff, service, restaurant
  
  What could be improved: liked everything

• Manaci from Spain – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great locStion, great friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: Perhaps a bit pricey, but then again, all of venice has high prices unless you book some cave under the water

• Richard from United Kingdom – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location could not be better on the lagoon front. The hotel is a little faded, but the location and delightful staff make for a very 'homely' stay. The hotel does not have a restaurant despite the view of one on the website. Breakfast is served on the roof top which obviously was the restaurant previously, lovely views over the lagoon and towards the Grand canal. Plenty of croissants, pastries and an option of cooked eggs etc is available. Coffee is good. Our room was spotless, good bathroom and great view.
  
  What could be improved: To have a good restaurant on the roof would be superb.

• Angelo from United States – 22 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great view of the canal

• Mary from Ireland – 7 October 2024 (7/10)

  Staff friendly and competent….
  
  What could be improved: Weather was poor so I was cold in the room on the first night… this was remedied once reported .Bar on third floor was disappointing… it was a type of conservatory..and appeared to be leaking water. It was quirky and did not spoil the experience

• Graham from Philippines – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  The locanda has a spectacular location facing San Giorgio Maggiore and the entrance to the Grand Canal next door to the Vivaldi church of the Pieta. I was given possibly the best room in the place, a corner room looking out onto the whole lagoon vista. The interior is in a plush classic style, typically Venetian. The room itself was beautifully decorated in a sort of Baroque style and had electric blinds for privacy. The bathroom was beautiful too. Breakfast was very simple in a cramped room down below. There is a bar terrace but that was closed for renovation of some kind. Staff were young and helpful throughout. Loved the Vivaldi themed soaps in the bathroom.
  
  What could be improved: A few things not working, such as the main lift, the bar terrace closed. Wifi was a little patchy. Only big grumble was no complimentary drinking water in the room. But nothing major. It was rather expensive, a five star price in any other city – paying for location no doubt.

• Gail from United Kingdom – 23 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location. We paid extra for a lagoon view and it was worth it!….The room was lovely, the staff friendly and the breakfast was varied and prepared to order and the servers were lovely. We could not have wished for a better hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sharon from Israel – 22 May 2024 (9/10)

  Location was amazing and view from room. Staff were very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom needs renovation . Pity there isn't breakfast on the premises.

• Petr from Czech Republic – 13 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, good breakfast, very helpful staff, nice room style.

• Meghana from United Arab Emirates – 8 March 2024 (9/10)

  The view ofcourse. It was phenomenal to wake up to the wonderful views of the canal. This is the biggest plus point of the property.
  
  What could be improved: Normally hotels keep a complimentary bottle of water in the rooms which were not kept & a hot kettle to make tea/coffee would be much appreciated. Also, the hotel didn’t have a kitchen so no room service was available.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities