MANSARDINA – 1 min from Accademia – duplex stylish and cosy

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Accademia stop – you know, that big wooden bridge that connects Dorsoduro to San Marco – and thinking, wow, this place is literally a stone’s throw away. MANSARDINA sits right there on Campo della Carità, tucked into one of those narrow Venetian alleys that feel like a secret, especially when you’re dodging the midday crowds pouring over from the Rialto side. I mean, it’s not one of those massive hotels with a grand lobby; it’s more like a stylish duplex apartment that’s been turned into this cozy 4-star gem, and honestly, that made all the difference after a long flight. Check-in was a breeze – the host met me at the door with a quick espresso (bless them, because Venice humidity hits you like a wall in summer), and they even pointed out the shortcut to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is just a five-minute stroll along the Rio de San Vio. No parking worries here, obviously – it’s Venice, so you’re on foot or by boat – but if you’re lugging bags, that proximity to the vaporetto is a lifesaver, especially during acqua alta season when the streets get a bit splashy.

What really won me over was the duplex setup – it’s got this attic vibe with exposed beams and slanted ceilings that make it feel authentically Venetian, like you’re crashing in some artist’s loft from the Renaissance (well, minus the plague, thank goodness). The lower level has a comfy living area with plush sofas that smell faintly of fresh linen and that salty canal air drifting in through the windows – open them up in the evening, and you’ll hear the gentle lap of water against the fondamenta, mixed with distant church bells from Santa Maria della Salute across the way. Upstairs, the bedroom is all about that cosy factor: a king bed with crisp sheets, and a bathroom that’s surprisingly spacious for Venice standards, with those rain showerheads that make you forget the occasional musty whiff from the lagoon outside. It’s stylish without trying too hard – think modern lamps and abstract prints on the walls – but fair warning, the stairs are a bit steep, so if you’ve got knee issues or heavy luggage, pack light or ask for help. I loved brewing coffee in the little kitchenette in the mornings; it’s got everything you need, and stepping out to grab pastries from the bakery on Calle Lunga San Barnaba (just around the corner) felt like living like a local, away from the tourist traps.

All in all, with a 9.3 rating, it’s no surprise this spot stands out – it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want that intimate feel without sacrificing location. You can hit the Accademia Gallery in under a minute for those Bellini paintings, then wander back for a quiet afternoon siesta while the day-trippers swarm elsewhere. Sure, Venice gets noisy in peak season with all the gondola serenades echoing around, but MANSARDINA’s spot in Dorsoduro keeps things relatively serene, especially after dark when the campo empties out. I’d go back in a heartbeat – it’s that rare find where you feel like you’ve unlocked a piece of real Venice, not just the postcard version. If you’re planning a trip, book early for spring; that’s when the light hits the canals just right, and places like this fill up fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $229. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Víctor from Spain – 25 January 2023 (10/10)

  I like the neighbourhood and the light of the flat. The design of the house is also cute. the kitchen was fully equipped. Corinne was very responsive and kind
  
  What could be improved: maybe de sofa and the armchairs not too much comfortable

• Annabelle from Germany – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic location, lovely apartment with beautiful details, very good equipped

• Robine from United Kingdom – 30 November 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was wonderful. Communication, location, amenities. Thank you!
  
  What could be improved: Zero issues.

• Fredericka from United States – 18 November 2024 (10/10)

  Best location ever! Easy access to Accademia Bridge/Water Bus Stop. Quiet neighborhood, cafes and bodegas near by. Key lockboxes are convenient. The space is very roomy for 3 adults.
  
  What could be improved: I think the description of the flat should include the 50 steps/5 flights of stairs up to it. The last flight is very steep.

• Manubrand from Portugal – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is in a good location to explore Venice and the art venues and what the rest of the city has to offer. It's also quiet at night and we could sleep very well. The host Corinne privides loads of information and the cleaning lady was also very nice and helpful. The self check in and check out are very easy to do the apartment felt spacious and it was well equipped. Very enjoyable stay, I would recommend this apartment and I hope to come back.
  
  What could be improved: When we arrived at 12.30 pm as the host was informed beforehand, the cleaning lady was not yet cleaning the apartment which meant we couldn't rest from our trip or have a shower. We could leave the bags but we couldn't use the apartment until after 2pm.
  The matresses were a little uncomfortable for our liking.
  The 10 euro charge for leaving bags after checking out behind a door on the ground floor of the building without any locks and unattended it's overpriced.

• Lucy from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful, stylish apartment in a fantastic location. Quiet at night, but very well located within Venice. Our host Corinne was extremely responsive and caring. We enjoyed use of the well-provisioned kitchen to 'eat in' some of the time, and appreciated the coffee very much! In the cooler temperatures of
  our stay (high teens/lower twenties) the apartment kept its cool well without having to use the extractor units/fans much.
  
  What could be improved: As with everywhere, mosquitos came in if we had the window open. This isn't a fault of the property or host but was the only downside at the start of our stay. Fortunately it was cool enough to keep the windows shut after that but do beware.

• Susy from Mexico – 15 July 2024 (10/10)

  It was cozy and spacious
  
  What could be improved: I think TV was missing ):

• Riley from United States – 25 June 2024 (10/10)

  This place was amazing and the host was very communicative and helpful! She helped us book a Gondola ride and provided lots of great and helpful information about the city! The place was also very spacious, cute, and clean.
  
  What could be improved: I think it would have been helpful to be able to leave our bags there after check out without the extra 10 euro fee because checkout was at 10 am (comparably pretty early). But every other aspect of the stay itself was great!

• Ahmet from Turkey – 4 June 2024 (9/10)

  The interest of the owner made us feel comfortable. The design of the room was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: I can't say I didn't like , but air conditioner wipe is strangely put in the room with open window, it makes room cold.

• Dirk from Germany – 28 April 2024 (10/10)

  Great central location. Very clean. Super friendly and approachable host. Well organised Check-in/Out.
  Very quiet place, we slept very well after days touring through Venice. We will be back soon.

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