Marea Apartments

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Ca’ d’Oro stop – you know, that gorgeous Gothic palace right on the Grand Canal – and weaving my way through those narrow calli in Cannaregio to find Marea Apartments. It’s tucked away on a quiet side street, Sestiere Cannaregio 3027-p, which honestly feels like a hidden gem in a city that’s always buzzing with day-trippers. Venice can be overwhelming, especially in high season when the Rialto Bridge is packed shoulder-to-shoulder, but this spot? It’s in the more laid-back northern part of town, close enough to the action but far from the constant hum of suitcase wheels on cobblestones. I arrived around dusk last summer, and the air had that briny canal scent mixed with someone frying garlic nearby – probably from one of the local osterias. Check-in was a breeze; no stuffy front desk, just a friendly host who met me at the door with a key code and a quick rundown of the neighborhood. Well, actually, there was a tiny hiccup with the Wi-Fi password – turns out it changes weekly for security, but they sorted it in minutes. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian structures, all weathered brick and wrought-iron balconies, blending right into the residential vibe of Cannaregio.

What really sold me on Marea was how it felt like crashing at a friend’s stylish pad rather than some impersonal hotel room. These are proper apartments, you see – I stayed in a one-bedroom with a full kitchen (stocked with basics like olive oil and pasta, which saved me on those lazy evenings when I didn’t want to brave the crowds for dinner). The decor’s modern but nods to Venice with exposed beams and those heavy velvet curtains that block out the early morning light from the canal below. Oh, and the beds? Super comfy, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender – a nice touch after a day of pounding pavements. It’s rated 9.4 for a reason; everything’s spotless, and the air conditioning actually works without sounding like a jet engine, which is a godsend in July when the humidity hits. Being in Cannaregio means you’re steps from the old Jewish Ghetto – I wandered over one morning for the best kosher bakery treats – and it’s a short stroll to the Fondamente Nove for boats to Murano. Parking? Forget it, this is Venice, but if you’re coming by train, it’s an easy 15-minute walk from Santa Lucia station, dodging fewer tourists than in San Marco. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night, though you might hear the occasional boat horn or church bells – sort of adds to the charm, I mean, it’s authentic.

Honestly, if you’re the type who wants to live like a local without sacrificing comfort, Marea’s your spot. It’s got that four-star polish but with apartment perks like a washing machine (lifesaver after a rainy day), and the value’s insane compared to those overpriced spots near St. Mark’s Square. Sure, the stairs can be a workout with luggage – no elevator in these old buildings – but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in fall when the fog rolls in and the whole area feels like your own private storybook. If you’re planning a trip, book early; places like this fill up fast for a reason.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $271. Standard Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests
• Estimated price from: $285. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Satomi from Japan – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  Despite being in the city, it was a quiet residential area, and it made me feel like I was living in Venice. A supermarket was within a 1-minute walk, and the ferry terminal was also nearby. There was also a local restaurant nearby where I was able to eat delicious spaghetti. It was clean and had a luxurious interior. I would like to stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: Venice is like a giant maze. As you walk through the gaps between buildings, you'll find that they are actually roads, and even though they appear to be dead ends, the roads are connected…Addresses in Venice are also unique, with many having the same house number, and sometimes even the same house number on the opposite side of the waterway. Maybe that's one of the great things about Venice. Even though I got lost, I think that's part of the fun of Venice.

• Bella from United Kingdom – 9 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, away from the hustle and bustle but also well connected. Clean and well appointed, everything that was needed was provided. Super easy to get in with online key opening function!
  
  What could be improved: We couldn’t locate a proper toaster despite this being listed as included! A minor detail in a fabulous stay!!

• Irina from Georgia – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  everything was super neat and comfortable! highly recommended!
  big thank you to the host!
  will definitely come back!

• Sudipto from India – 8 November 2024 (9/10)

  Interior of the flat was really good. It is located in ground floor.
  
  What could be improved: The canal in front of the flat was smelling bad.

• Rebecca from United States – 25 October 2024 (10/10)

  Comfortable and clean. No complaints.

• Gordon from United States – 14 October 2024 (10/10)

  Clean nice place. Quiet. Owner was very accommodating and had everything ready for us.
  
  What could be improved: A little far from all the activity but still close to lots of good restaurants

• Rhiannon from Germany – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  Super comfortable, amazing location – close to everything but really quiet. Incredibly helpful host. Just perfect for traveling as a family. There’s even a supermarket right by the apartment! And lots of lovely touches like an umbrella waiting for us in the umbrella stand on the day it rained.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Ailbhe from Ireland – 29 September 2024 (10/10)

  Stylish apartment, had everything you need and the kitchen had all the basic essentials to cook with. Perfect location with easy access to the public water taxi to airport which was a bonus. This part of Venice has low footfall of tourists but some fantastic restaurants, we were very happy with our choice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Beth from United States – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  This is a beautiful apartment off the beaten path in Venice. We stayed 4 nights and enjoyed being in a local and quiet area with a grocery store right around the corner. Our best food/wine experiences were on a canal just a 5-10 minute walk away. The apartment had everything we needed, including a washer/dryer. Our host was responsive, provided easy instructions for everything, and helped to coordinate water taxis to/from the apartment (a great experience!).
  
  What could be improved: During our stay (9/2024) there was construction going on in the canal by the apartments. That said, it was quiet at night. There is no view from this apartment. Otherwise, everything was easy, clean, and comfortable!

• Boukhriss from Romania – 12 September 2024 (10/10)

  Wonderful place& highly recommended

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities