LUXURY APARTMENT PESARO PAPAFAVA

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Luxury Apartment Pesaro Papafava almost by accident last spring – you know, one of those trips where you’re dodging the peak season crowds in Venice but still want that touch of elegance without feeling like you’re in a tourist trap. It’s tucked away on Calle de la Racheta in Cannaregio, right near the edge of the Jewish Ghetto, which honestly feels like a hidden gem compared to the chaos around San Marco. I arrived by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station – it’s about a 15-minute walk if you’re not lugging too much baggage, weaving through those narrow calli that smell faintly of saltwater and fresh bread from the nearby forni. The building itself is this classic Venetian palazzo with weathered stone and those tall, arched windows – nothing flashy from the outside, but that’s Venice for you; it’s all about the understated charm. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me with a key and a quick rundown in broken English – no front desk hassle, just a code for the door and you’re in. Oh, and fair warning, there are a couple of steep stairs up to the apartment, so if you’ve got mobility issues, well, pack light or ask about alternatives.

What really won me over, though – I mean, besides that insane 9.9 rating that actually holds up – was how the place feels like your own little slice of Venetian life. It’s a spacious four-star setup, with high ceilings and these gorgeous exposed beams that make you feel like you’re in some Renaissance painting. The living area opens up to a balcony overlooking a quiet rio – yeah, one of those skinny canals where you can hear the gentle lap of water against the walls at night, and maybe spot a gondolier practicing early in the morning before the tourists flood in. The kitchen’s fully kitted out (think Nespresso machine and a proper oven), so I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the Rialto market, which is just a 10-minute stroll away across the Ponte delle Guglie. Beds are comfy as heck, with that crisp linen that smells faintly of lavender, and the bathroom’s got this massive rain shower – a godsend after a day pounding the pavements. It’s not perfect, mind you; the Wi-Fi can be spotty during rainy spells, and if you’re there in summer, the lack of AC means relying on those big windows for a breeze, but honestly, it adds to the authentic vibe. No blaring noise from vaporettos here, either – Cannaregio quiets down after dark, unlike the party spots near the Accademia.

Look, if you’re planning a Venice getaway and want to skip the overpriced hotels for something that feels real, this is it. It’s perfect for couples or small families – we fit four comfortably – and being in Cannaregio means you’re steps from spots like the Strada Nova for casual cicchetti bars, or a quick hop to the Madonna dell’Orto church with its Tintorettos. Prices spike in high season (May to September), so book early, but off-peak? It’s a steal. I left feeling like I’d actually lived in Venice, not just visited – and that’s saying something in a city that can feel like a theme park. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $335. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent facility – John from Australia – 15 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very generous size and comfortable.
  Loved the facility and cleanliness.
  Host was very friendly and accommodating.

• Breathtaking, surreal and unforgettable. Thanks Nicola for everything been a tonne of help! – April from Australia – 12 July 2025 (9/10)

  The history of the palace, central to the shops and restaurants, cleanliness.

• This is really closer to staying in a castle. We lived our Princess dream ! Large, open and spacious beyond belief.. – Terry from United States – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Really liked being on the water and good location to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Since it is historical area, roads and direction get confusing. GPS does not always work. Carry a map with you. The host provided one for us with directions to interesting places.

• Amazing stay, highly recommend! – Freya from Australia – 24 June 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing property, so beautful and full of history. The hosts were so welcoming and helpful. We would give the stay 100/10 if we could!
  
  What could be improved: We can't fault the property!

• Venice at its finest! – Kelly from United States – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  This palatial palace is absolutely magical! When we arrived the hosts gave a tour/ history of this unique property. They went above and beyond to make our stay special! They even booked us a very early taxi to the airport.

• Beautiful palace apt in Venice – Maya from United States – 6 May 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful and super spacious place apartment near the center of Venice.
  The owner was super friendly and kind and we had a wonderful stay.
  
  What could be improved: None

• Exceptional – Kleiman from Australia – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  This is an amazing property, a palatial apartment within 15 century palace. The location is great, the beds are very comfortable, modern fully equipped kitchen, two modern bathrooms. The place is magical and we felt like royalty. The instructions on how to find it were clear and we easily reached it. Super helpful and responsive host.

• Simply stunning hosts and truly amazing apartment. – Richard from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  The owner met us and showed us to the apartment
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Caroline from United Kingdom – 22 February 2025 (10/10)

  Stunning property in a fantastic city would highly recommend.

• The perfect stay in Venice – Lambert from Australia – 31 December 2024 (10/10)

  The space is absolutely stunning.
  It's beauty exceeded our expectations. We felt like royalty getting to stay here and appreciated the thoughtful tour at the beginning of our stay.
  The hosts Monika and Nikola were so welcoming and provided us with so many amenities to make our stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
  
  This apartment was perfect for 2 couples, and we highly recommend it to anyone wishing to stay in Venice. The location was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: Cannot fault the palace or the service.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities