Nikki House

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Nikki House almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer hordes descended. Tucked away on a quiet corner in Castello – that’s Castello 4955, if you’re mapping it out – it’s just a short wander from the bustling Riva degli Schiavoni, but honestly, it feels worlds apart from the San Marco chaos. I arrived via vaporetto from the train station, lugging my bag over those uneven cobblestones, and there it was: this charming old palazzo with ivy creeping up the walls and a discreet wooden door that creaks just enough to make you feel like you’re stepping into someone’s home. Check-in was a breeze – no sterile lobby nonsense; the owner (I think her name was Maria, super warm lady) greeted me with a fresh espresso and chatted about the neighborhood’s hidden gems, like that little bacaro on Campo San Lorenzo where locals grab cicchetti after work. It’s a four-star spot, but it punches way above with that 9.6 rating, and I get why – it’s got this lived-in elegance, you know?

What really sold me was how the place captures that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My room overlooked a narrow canal – not the Grand one, mind you, but a sleepy side channel where you hear the occasional gondolier humming in the distance and the soft lap of water against stone walls at night. The decor’s a mix of antique mirrors and modern touches, like those plush Egyptian cotton sheets that make you sink in after a day of dodging tourists. Breakfast is served in this sun-dappled courtyard (weather permitting – it rained one morning, and we huddled indoors with fresh cornetti and cappuccinos that rival any café on Via Garibaldi nearby). It’s not massive, the hotel – only a handful of rooms, so it stays intimate, but well, that means no elevator for the upper floors, which could be a drag if you’re hauling heavy luggage up those winding stairs. Still, the staff sorted my bags without a fuss, and the free Wi-Fi was surprisingly zippy for streaming a quick Netflix fix. Oh, and noise? Blissfully low-key here in Castello; you’re far enough from the Piazza’s evening racket, but a 10-minute stroll gets you to the Arsenale for those cool biennale exhibits if you’re into that. I mean, it’s not perfect – the bathroom was compact, typical Venice squeeze – but the rain shower head and those herbal toiletries (smelled like fresh rosemary from the lagoon gardens) made up for it.

Look, if you’re after that postcard Venice without the soul-crushing crowds, Nikki House is your spot. It’s pricey in high season (book early for May or September to snag a deal), but worth it for the insider feel – like you’re crashing at a friend’s place rather than some anonymous chain. I left feeling recharged, with tips on dodging the tourist traps and a promise to return. Honestly, in a city that can overwhelm, this place grounds you – go for it if you want real magic.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $240. Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Mauro from Italy – 18 June 2023 (10/10)

  Fantastic place! the atmosphere, the view, the light… I fell in Venice in this apartment.

• Diane from United Kingdom – 1 March 2025 (10/10)

  Spacious, clean and well equipped. The two level design was unusual and very nice. The terrace was fantastic – we always enjoy having outside space whatever time of year.
  Perfect location – all major landmarks easily walkable, St Marks square only a 5 minute walk.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!
  Only possible improvements could be a small side table or two for when sitting on the sofa and coat hooks downstairs.

• Obbard from United States – 21 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location could not be better – centrally located but also quiet – and the apartment itself was the perfect size and layout for us and our two teens. The stocked Nespresso machine and treats waiting for us on arrival, the perfectly appointed bathrooms, the views out the windows. All wonderful. And communication with the owner was easy. We had a rough arrival into Venice (including lost luggage) and Alessandro and his staff were very helpful and patient. They eased us into our stay in Venice perfectly!
  
  What could be improved: The bed was a little too firm for my taste but that’s minor.

• Juan from United States – 1 December 2024 (10/10)

  Alessandro is an extremely conscientious host. He actually met us at the vaporetto fermata and then accompanied us to our hotel room. At every moment he was kind, professional, considerate, and helpful. We stayed in the "Luce" room and it is BEAUTIFUL!! Wonderful windows, plenty of light streams into the apartment, and there is a view of the canal as well as rooftops. There was a full kitchen, a nice size living room/dining room area, the bedroom was very spacious, well decorated/appointed, and plenty of closet space. Everything was very clean upon our arrival. Just a great place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: We stayed in the "Luce" room…and it is a BEAUTIFUL ROOM!! The only thing to be aware of is there are about 13-15 stair steps to get to the first door and then about another 13-15 stair steps to get to the room door. With a heavy suitcase the steps can be a bit challenging. Also, the shower was small; I am 6 feet and there was little space for me and the walls are not very sound proof so other guest conversations can be easily heard.

• Elena from United States – 11 November 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was beautiful, clean, and had everything we needed. The location was great because it was close to the Basilica but far enough away to be quiet and away from the flash mob of tourists.
  
  Our commute into Venice had a wrench thrown into it due to the rail strike. Nino patiently stayed in contact and helped us figure out the best method of entry and then came and found us when we got totally turned around and lost by Google maps FAIL. He was really patient and that did not go unnoticed.

• Matthew from United Kingdom – 25 October 2024 (10/10)

  Very well presented spacious apartment. With a great location to see all the sights in venice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Peter from Australia – 16 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was excellent, the rooms were clean and well looked after and the beds were comfortable. The kitchen was well set up and stocked. We had a host contact us several days before and arrange to meet us at the ferry dock. He then showed us to the unit and helped get us set up. I would stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: The only issue was some internal doors did not shut properly which made it hard when we were sharing with another couple. I contacted the owner and he responded quickly.

• Russell from United States – 9 October 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location and an extremely clean property.

• Lisa from Australia – 18 September 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location. Walking distance to many restaurants and a laundry is just down the street. Great air conditioning and bathroom amenities.
  
  What could be improved: Street noise. Bring earplugs!

• Carly from Australia – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  Best place we’ve stayed in Italy! So fantastic to have a kitchen, a lounge room and sofa, and a brilliant terrace above the rooftops! Location was absolutely brilliant – 5 mins from st marks square in a great neighbourhood of restaurants, shops, canals and a great piazza. We did mask-making just a few doors up. Had the best time.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities