Palazzetto Manin San Marco

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria and weaving through those narrow calli toward Palazzetto Manin San Marco – it’s tucked right in the heart of San Marco, at 4013/A, just a stone’s throw from the bustle of St. Mark’s Square but somehow feeling like a secret hideaway. Honestly, Venice can be overwhelming with all the day-trippers flooding in, especially around midday in summer, but this place is on a quieter side street off Campo San Moisè, so you get that classic Venetian vibe without the constant selfie-stick chaos. I arrived a bit jet-lagged after the train from Milan, and the check-in was a breeze – no big lobby fuss, just a friendly guy at the desk who handed over an old-fashioned key (you know, the kind with a heavy tassel) and pointed out the creaky wooden stairs up to my room. No elevator, mind you, which might be a hassle if you’re hauling heavy bags, but it adds to that authentic palazzo charm. The building itself is this restored 16th-century gem, with high ceilings and those worn marble floors that echo a little when you walk – sort of transports you back in time, if you ignore the faint hum of air conditioning kicking in during July’s humidity.

What really won me over, though, was how the rooms blend old-world elegance with just enough modern perks to make you comfortable. Mine overlooked a tiny courtyard garden – nothing flashy, but waking up to birds chirping and the distant lap of canal water was pure magic, especially compared to the noisier spots near Rialto. The bed was ridiculously comfy, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, and there’s a little balcony where I sipped my morning espresso (they provide a machine in the room, thank goodness, because who wants to trek out first thing?). Breakfast is served in this cozy salon downstairs – think fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and cappuccinos that rival any café on Strada Nuova – and it’s included, which is a nice touch in pricey Venice. I mean, you’re steps from hidden gems like the Teatro La Fenice for an opera night, or you could wander over to Harry’s Bar for a Bellini if you’re feeling fancy, but the hotel’s got its own quiet allure. Oh, and a minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms, but hey, it’s Venice – you’re not here to scroll endlessly, right? Evenings are peaceful; the area quiets down after the last water bus, leaving just the occasional gondolier’s song floating in.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star spot that feels genuinely Venetian without the tourist trap vibes, Palazzetto Manin is a winner – that 9.8 rating isn’t hype. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to dive into the city’s soul, maybe during shoulder season like April when the crowds thin out and the air smells of blooming wisteria. I left feeling like I’d stayed in a friend’s elegant home rather than a hotel, and honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back to places like this. Just pack light for those stairs, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable trip. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $829. Four-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Rolf from China – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  The property is an apartment mansion and we prepared breakfast by ourselves. However is was perfect for our group of six as we had a connection door between the 2 apartments rented. Extension of check out granted. Response from the agency was always fast.
  
  What could be improved: heating of the rooms not controlable.

• Elzbieta from Poland – 29 May 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities