Palazzetto Barnaba

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Palazzetto Barnaba almost by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it after hearing from a friend who’d crashed there during Carnevale a couple years back. Tucked away on Calle delle Botteghe in Dorsoduro, it’s one of those spots that feels like Venice’s best-kept secret, you know? I arrived via vaporetto from Santa Lucia station, hopping off at the Ca’ Rezzonico stop – honestly, if you’re lugging bags, that’s your move, because dragging suitcases over bridges in this city is a workout nobody needs. The walk from there is just a few minutes through these narrow, winding alleys that smell faintly of saltwater and fresh bread from the little bakery on the corner – Campo Santa Margherita’s right nearby, with its lively market stalls in the morning, but without the overwhelming tourist crush of San Marco. It’s quieter here, sort of artsy and residential, like you’re staying in actual Venice rather than a postcard version. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, nothing flashy – three stars, sure, but it punches above its weight with that faded elegance, you know, creaky wooden shutters and those high ceilings that echo a bit when you first step in.

Checking in was a breeze – the owner, this chatty guy named Marco (I think? Or was it Matteo?), handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood spots, like pointing out the hidden gelateria down the calle that’s open late and does the best pistachio. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard, all ivy-cloaked walls and the distant hum of canal boats – not a gondola serenade every night, but that’s a blessing if you’re trying to sleep. The bed was comfy enough, with those crisp linens that feel cool against your skin after a hot day wandering, though the bathroom’s on the smaller side, I mean, it’s Venice, so space is at a premium. No elevator, which could be a drag if you’ve got mobility issues – I huffed up the stairs with my backpack, but it added to the old-world vibe. Breakfast is simple – croissants, coffee, maybe some fruit – served in a cozy nook downstairs, and it’s included, which saves you from overpaying at those tourist traps. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s solid, surprisingly, for streaming a quick show before bed. What really got me was the location’s practicality: you’re steps from the Accademia Bridge for easy Grand Canal crossings, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is basically your neighbor – I popped in one afternoon when the rain hit, dodging the crowds at the bigger museums.

Look, it’s not perfect – the alleys can get echoey at night if someone’s out late chatting, and in high season like July, Dorsoduro fills up with day-trippers by noon – but that’s Venice for you. If you’re after that authentic, lived-in feel without breaking the bank (rates hover around 150-200 euros off-peak), Palazzetto Barnaba’s a gem. I’ve stayed in fancier spots, but this one sticks with me – it’s the kind of place where you linger over espresso in the morning, watching locals hurry by, and think, yeah, this is why I came. Book it for a long weekend in spring, when the light’s all golden and the canals aren’t mobbed, and you’ll thank me.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $149. Double Room with Terrace with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $176. Deluxe Double Room (2 Adults + 1 Child) with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $239. Deluxe Family Suite with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We loved our stay, would definitely recommend anyone to stay. The staff were so helpful with responses to all my questio – Jenny from Australia – 13 July 2025 (8/10)

  We loved the location it was in a great little square that had cheap food and drinks. Close to everything and within walking distance to lots of restaurants and bars and shops.
  
  What could be improved: Air con wasn’t cold enough

• Lovely friendly welcome . Always on hand to answer all my questions . Was helpful allowing me to check out late also – Tracey from United Kingdom – 5 July 2025 (8/10)

  Luca was amazing and so helpful .
  Lovely place super clean room

• We loved our stay and Luca and Marta were great to deal with! – Andrew from United States – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the property was ideal.. close to whatever you are looking for; cafes, gelato, taxi, etc.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Exceptional – Kerrith from United States – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  The location was awesome!!

• Great stay with comfortable large bed , air conditioning and good sized bathroom – Lara from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, really clean and very comfortable bed

• Perfect, clean, A location! – Daniela from Croatia – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location was perfect for having hours long drinks at Campo S. Barnaba.
  Beds are big and comfortable.
  Brilliant! We will come back.

• Spacious room, stunning view, ideal location – Luke from United Kingdom – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very accessible and spacious room. Bed was very comfy and the view from the window was a delight. The staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them to help. The apartment was ideally located and wasn’t too far from everything in walking distant far enough away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy street scenes.
  
  What could be improved: We couldn’t get the fridge to work, but that was no big deal. There was a lot of noise at night time with drunk folk in the square shouting. Boats coming past on the canal playing very loud music. The bin men and garbage barges coming early in morning around 6.30 ish were very loud, but it can’t be helped I suppose, just part of city life, just something to be aware of if you stay here. We were happy with it.

• Superb – Geoffrey from Australia – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Good location out of the popular areas but still close enough to walk to St Marks and other places. And very near Vaporetto station.
  
  What could be improved: Na

• Perfect – Andrew from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Attentive staff, with a fantastic location close to all the main tourist locations.
  The staff were so helpful and friendly and the communication was perfect for a seamless stay.
  The view from our room was perfect, over looking the city was spectacular
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Absolute perfection! Would highly recommend staying here for your time in Venice. – Pearson from Australia – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  The place was absolutely amazing! Prime location, clean, stunning and Luca was super friendly and available via WhatsApp whenever needed. The check in process was super simple. Couldn’t have found a better accomodation for our stay in Venice.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities