Loving in Venice, 5 stars

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the train at Santa Lucia station – you know, that bustling hub where everyone drags their suitcases over the Ponte degli Scalzi – and thinking, Venice is magical, but man, it’s a workout getting around without cars. Luckily, Loving in Venice is just a short stroll away, tucked into Calle Priuli in the Cannaregio district. It’s not right on the Grand Canal or anything flashy like that; actually, it’s on the ground floor (piano terra, as they say here), which made it super easy to roll my luggage in without huffing up stairs – a godsend after a long trip. The entrance is unassuming, almost hidden in this narrow alley that smells faintly of saltwater and fresh bread from the nearby panificio on Strada Nova. I arrived in early October, when the tourist crowds thin out a bit but the air still has that crisp, autumn edge, and honestly, the quiet of Cannaregio felt like a welcome escape from the San Marco chaos. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of locals who chatted about the best cicchetti spots – handed over my key with a smile and a quick tip on avoiding the high water during acqua alta season.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends that classic Venetian charm with modern comforts without feeling over-the-top. My room overlooked a tiny canal – well, more like a rio, I suppose – and the sounds of lapping water and distant gondola songs drifted in at night, making it hard not to feel like you’re in some romantic movie. The decor’s got these exposed brick walls and velvet headboards that nod to the city’s history, but with crisp linens and a rainfall shower that actually works (no finicky Italian plumbing issues here, thank goodness). Breakfast was served in this cozy courtyard – think fresh cornetti, cappuccino strong enough to wake the dead, and those little prosciutto sandwiches that hit the spot before wandering to the Jewish Ghetto, which is literally a 10-minute walk away. Oh, and if you’re into practical stuff, there’s no parking drama since, duh, it’s Venice, but they hooked me up with vaporetto passes and even stored my bags post-checkout so I could squeeze in one last stroll to the Rialto Bridge. It’s rated a solid 9.6 for a reason; the place is spotless, but I mean, if I had one tiny gripe, it’s that the Wi-Fi can get spotty during peak hours – nothing a quick reset didn’t fix, though.

All in all, if you’re looking for a four-star spot that feels authentically Venetian without the tourist trap vibe, Loving in Venice is it. It’s not the glitzy five-star palace (despite what the name might suggest), but that’s what makes it special – sort of like staying with a stylish aunt who knows all the hidden gems. I’ve recommended it to friends heading to Venice in spring, when the canals sparkle and the neighborhood’s outdoor markets buzz, because honestly, you’ll leave feeling like you actually experienced the city, not just skimmed the surface. Worth every euro, especially if you snag a room during the quieter shoulder seasons.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $164. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• The place to be in Venice – Jojoita from Germany – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Laura is an amazing host! Location was great to discover Venice. The apartment was fresh but also had air conditioning if needed. it was nice to have the basics for cooking and it even had cold beverages on the fridge. Bathroom included amenities and around the apartment you could find everything you could need: iron, hair dryer, towels, dishwasher, etc.

• We are happy to recommend it! – Valentin from Romania – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  The room is nicely decorated, with many utensils in the kitchen, very close to Rialto, and the supermarket is close to the apartment.
  The hosts have a restaurant around the corner, we felt no constraint to go there, but we did.
  Warm enough in the winter period.

• The host with the most – Horder from United States – 13 September 2024 (10/10)

  The place was spotless, the bed was incredibly comfortable, the host was the most wonderful and friendly host we've had in Italy. We always had a way to contact the host if we need anything and we didn't need anything because of how accommodating everyone was.
  
  What could be improved: If you need clothing washed you will have to walk a short way to a laundromat.

• Very comfortable. Quiet street. Very good location – Clare from United Kingdom – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  It was spotlessly clean and was well equipped . Our host was very kind when our flight was delayed and we did not arrive til 3 am!

• We enjoyed our time very much – Julia from Australia – 28 May 2024 (10/10)

  The location, it was close to everything yet very quiet and on the ground floor. It was spotless and tastefully finished. The bed was very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: A washing machine would have been more convenient but Laura did some washing for us

• Fantastic stay with ideal location – Helene from United States – 12 May 2024 (10/10)

  Awesome stay! Can’t wait to return! Best location, super clean, great bed, friendly hosts

• The host was amazing which made of stay great – Timothy from South Africa – 6 May 2024 (10/10)

  Close to the centre of Venice, good appartment, great host.
  
  What could be improved: all good

• Modern villa with everything you need – Gowithflor from United States – 20 April 2024 (10/10)

  What an amazing stay. A modern villa in the heart of Venice.
  Wifi was strong and didn't drop at all (good for remote work).
  15 mins walk to Rialto, 20 min to St. Mark's Square. Nearest vaporetto stop is CA d'Oro, line 1, the stop furthest to the right at the train station.
  Literally had everything you need in the kitchen. Plastic wrap, tools, spices, materials to cook with. Nearest supermarket is just 1 bridge away (Coop).
  Same in the bathroom – lots of extras in the drawer.
  Laura was very kind and allowed me to store my luggage in the room on day of check out during a morning tour.
  Even had a little courtyard to eat your breakfast in.
  Bed was very comfortable. Felt like a queen staying here. Wish I could stay longer.
  
  What could be improved: Not sure what to do about laundry?
  Otherwise, everything was great

• This apartment provided a fantastic base for our family trip to Venice. We also enjoyed a free drink and excellent hospi – Oliver from United Kingdom – 14 April 2024 (10/10)

  Spotlessly clean, well-equipped and comfortable apartment. Also very well located, about half-way along the main tourist route that takes you from Santa Lucia station to Saint Mark’s square – with a boat stop, supermarket and much else besides, only minutes away. The apartment itself is on a quiet residential street. Oh – there’s wi-fi too!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike. Just be aware the satellite receiver / TV are a bit old-school!

• Exceptional – Sungjae from South Korea – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  방이 넓고 깨끗하고 쾌적합니다. 시내 중심가에 위치하고 있고 수상버스까지 약 5-10분 거리로 매우 가깝습니다. 잘 모르고 어려운 점, 궁금한 점은 호스트에게 연락하여 해결했습니다. 세심하게 챙겨주는 친절한 호스트 덕분에 베네치아에서 좋은 시간을 보내고 갑니다. 베네치아에서 세가지 좋은 기억이 있다면 맑은 날 윤슬이 비치는 아름다운 베네치아의 물길, 해질녘의 베네치아의 하늘, 그리고 친절한 미소로 대해주던 호스트 입니다. 다음에 베네치아를 다시 방문하게 된다면 꼭 이곳으로 다시 오고 싶습니다.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities