Maurizio House – near the Train Station

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the train at Santa Lucia station in Venice, my backpack heavier than it should’ve been after that long ride from Milan, and thinking, thank goodness Maurizio House is literally just a stone’s throw away. You know, it’s right on Calle Rio Terà Lista di Spagna – that bustling stretch in Cannaregio that’s basically the gateway to the city if you’re arriving by rail. I mean, no need to drag your luggage onto a vaporetto or hail one of those pricey water taxis; it’s a quick five-minute walk past the scalpers hawking cheap gondola rides and the little kiosks selling those overpriced masks. The entrance is tucked into this narrow calle, sort of unassuming with its old wooden door, but once you buzz in, it’s like stepping into a cozy Venetian hideaway. Honestly, the lobby smells faintly of espresso and that musty canal air – not in a bad way, more like it reminds you you’re really here. Check-in was a breeze; the staff, this friendly older guy named Paolo (I think?), handed over the keys with a quick chat about avoiding the tourist traps on Strada Nova nearby. My room on the second floor overlooked a quiet side canal – no grand views of the Grand Canal or anything, but hey, it was peaceful, with those classic high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that make you feel like you’re in someone’s actual home rather than a sterile hotel chain.

What really won me over, though, was how Maurizio House nails that balance between old-school charm and the stuff you actually need as a traveler. The rooms are spacious for Venice standards – mine had this massive bed with crisp linens that felt like a hug after a day of wandering, and a bathroom with one of those rain showers that blasts away the sweat from trekking to the Jewish Ghetto (which is just a 10-minute stroll away, by the way – great for some authentic cicchetti at those hidden spots locals love). Breakfast is included, nothing fancy, but the fresh cornetti and cappuccino on the tiny terrace hit the spot, especially in the morning when you can hear the distant hum of vaporettos starting up. It’s a four-star place, sure, but it doesn’t scream luxury; more like comfortable reliability with free Wi-Fi that actually works (a rarity in these old buildings) and air conditioning that kept the summer humidity at bay. Oh, and a minor gripe – the area gets noisy in high season with all the day-trippers rolling their suitcases over the cobblestones till late, but inside, it’s surprisingly quiet, like the thick walls muffle everything. I even caught a whiff of baking bread from a nearby forno one morning, which lured me out early for a real Venetian start.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Venice without the hassle – maybe basing yourself for day trips to Murano or just exploring Cannaregio’s underrated corners – this spot’s a smart pick. It’s not perfect; parking’s nonexistent (but who drives in Venice?), and in peak summer, you’ll weave through crowds to get anywhere. But with that solid 8.3 rating, it’s earned its stripes for being authentic and well-placed. I left feeling like I’d found a little secret amid the chaos, and honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat for that easy access and homey vibe. If you’re arriving by train, well, you couldn’t ask for better – just watch your step on those uneven calles after a spritz or two.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $711. Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Henry from United States – 25 March 2023 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment was exceptional! Very easy to get to.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was as advertised. There is not 1 thing that we did not like. Place was perfect! I only wish we ( family of 5 including 2 teenagers ) packed lighter. 🙂

• Victor from Dominican Republic – 27 December 2024 (9/10)

  Very nice and comfortable

• Chun from Hong Kong – 30 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: No lift

• Brigitte from South Africa – 26 June 2023 (9/10)

  Location is brilliant – couldn’t be better! Literally 200m from the station.
  
  What could be improved: The Wi-Fi wasn’t working which was frustrating.

• Ben from Singapore – 16 May 2023 (8/10)

  Good location, fairly close to the Centrale Station. Clean, quiet, and food eateries and supermarkets just a step away. The breakfast was good. We will book the property again if we visit Milan.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, only issue was the other visitors tended to pull their wooden chairs across their rooms, making noise.

• Travelexperia from Ireland – 8 May 2023 (9/10)

  Very spacious. As we were a group of three families it was great that there were ample room for kids to move around. Fully stocked kitchen, 2 bathrooms. 50m from the St Lucia train station and very short walk to the bus station, was very convenient as some of our party arrived very late at night so very easy to get to the apartment.
  Check -in very smooth, preregistered & paid the tourist tax online, detailed instructions sent for the apartment how to retrieve the keys etc.
  
  What could be improved: Rubbish policy not very tourist friendly, but I suppose there is nothing the hosts can do about it. You have to drop the rubbish at the collection boat in the mornings (2min from the apartment) or wait for the rubbish collectors to go around the houses and collet it at random times. We had to leave a small amount of waste at the apartment as the collection was early in the morning and while we finished packing, some extra stuff would be accumulated before the check out, so there was no way of disposing of it.

• Imre from Hungary – 4 February 2023 (9/10)

  Fantastic location, clean, spacious, very comfy.

• Wayne from Australia – 31 December 2024 (8/10)

  Great location minutes from the station right off the main thoroughfare opposite Despar for groceries, quirky, original Venetian apartment gave us an authentic experience in Venice. Very thoughtful, responsive and considerate Host.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs wer an issue for our elderly parents but we were able to carry their bags up and down for them.

• Wl from Malaysia – 21 October 2024 (8/10)

  Great location with a cosy terrace to hang out. Near to supermarkt, pharmacy and restaurants
  
  What could be improved: Too many stairs to climb

• Brandy from United States – 3 October 2024 (7/10)

  Location was right next to train
  
  What could be improved: Cleaning lady was there before our check out time.
  Living room beds very uncomfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities