Lovely Venice

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Lovely Venice almost by accident during my last trip to the city – I was wandering through Cannaregio after getting off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro, and there it was, tucked away on this quiet stretch of Calle del Forno, right off the main drag of Strada Nova. It’s not one of those flashy spots in San Marco that scream tourist trap; honestly, it’s more like a cozy hideaway in what feels like the real Venice, where locals actually live and shop. The building itself has that classic Venetian charm – think faded pink stucco walls with wrought-iron balconies overlooking a narrow canal, and inside, the lobby smells faintly of fresh espresso and old wood, like someone’s nonna just brewed a pot. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of friendly Italians who switch effortlessly between English and that rapid-fire Venetian dialect – handed me my key with a smile and a tip about the best nearby cicchetti bar (it’s Al Timon, just a five-minute stroll away, and trust me, their baccalà mantecato is worth the detour). I mean, in a city where everything moves by water or foot, it’s a relief to find a place that’s walkable from Santa Lucia station – about 15 minutes if you’re not dragging a massive suitcase over the bridges.

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel nails that balance between comfort and authenticity without trying too hard. My room on the third floor had these tall windows that let in the morning light bouncing off the canal – you could hear the gentle lap of water against the boats below, and occasionally a gondolier’s call echoing from farther down. It’s a solid 4-star setup, with crisp linens on the bed (though the pillows were a tad firm for my taste, but hey, that’s Europe for you), a modern bathroom stocked with those herbal toiletries that smell like rosemary from the Veneto countryside, and free Wi-Fi that actually works without dropping every five minutes. Breakfast is served in this sunny courtyard – nothing extravagant, but fresh croissants, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that hit the spot, especially if you time it for the quieter early hours before the day-trippers flood in. Cannaregio gets lively in the evenings with folks spilling out from osterias, but the hotel’s position keeps the noise down – well, except for the occasional church bell from nearby Madonna dell’Orto, which adds to the vibe rather than annoys. And if you’re into history, you’re steps from the Jewish Ghetto, with its synagogues and that haunting Campo del Ghetto Nuovo; I spent an afternoon there, and it felt worlds away from the chaos of Rialto. One minor gripe? No elevator for the upper floors, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing, especially in summer when Venice turns into a humid sauna.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that lets you dip into Venice’s magic without the overwhelming crowds – say, during shoulder season in spring or fall when the fog rolls in and everything feels a bit more mysterious – Lovely Venice is a gem. It’s got that 8.8 rating for a reason; it’s not perfect, but it’s genuine, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced the city, not just snapped selfies at the hotspots. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe even splurge on a canal-view room next time. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $181. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good located with facilities nearby. – Roland from Netherlands – 24 June 2025 (8/10)

  All the necessary equipment was there. Including an airco. Good location, train station nearby and waterbus lines just around the corner.

• Excelent – Selena from Costa Rica – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Md from United Kingdom – 21 May 2025 (10/10)

  Nice and clean,but just need one cattle for tea or hot water and need one microwave than it’s gonna be perfect.
  
  What could be improved: Good location,nice and clean

• Superb – Elia from United Kingdom – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  The apartament is nice and comfortable, and it was clean. In a good location
  
  What could be improved: The process to get access to the apartment, and to rely on Internet only to be able to access the building and to get the code for the apartment door. It took us a long time to get in.
  Check out is at 10 am, and there's no option to leave the luggage there.

• This place is perfect for short and long stays. – Ilaria from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect for a family. Clean, comfortable and in a great location in the old Venice ghetto.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really 😀

• good quality, pleasant space – Michiel from Netherlands – 15 December 2024 (9/10)

  good price / quality.
  spacious apartment, very suitable for a family of 4p.
  nice and calm corner of Venice. basic stuff nearby.
  great wifi
  
  What could be improved: heating didn't work initially. but supported remotely by host. heating infrastructure could be better, undersized for the space.

• Exceptional – Anna from Norway – 27 November 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is located a bit off the track, which we found splendid. Way less hustle outside the building.
  Comfortable and well equipped apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Good value for money, enough amenities provided for a short stay. Beds very comfy. – Kelly from United Kingdom – 3 October 2024 (9/10)

  Good location, away from main tourist area but close enough to bars n restaurants. Very cosy, homely apartment. Good communication with host.

• A lovely apartment in a lovely area, and a great host! – Isabelle from United Kingdom – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  Situated in a lovely area with every amenity you could need nearby. Only a 10 minute walk to where all the shops and nice restaurants are. Very helpful host!
  
  What could be improved: Advertised as two bathrooms but it only has one shower. The lone toilet was not clean on arrival! The way to get in to the apartment was not the easiest, and we're young people who know how to work technology!

• These are wonderful apartments located on an island in Venice, in the Ghetto quarter, with plenty of cafes nearby. It’s – Erekle from Georgia – 30 August 2024 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Never

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities