Palazzo del Giglio

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso stop – you know, the one that’s always buzzing with tourists snapping photos of the lagoon – and weaving through those narrow calli toward Palazzo del Giglio. It’s tucked away on S.Marco 2462, right in the heart of San Marco, but honestly, it feels like a little secret hideout amid all the chaos. I mean, you’re just a five-minute stroll from Piazza San Marco, where the pigeons outnumber the people some mornings, and yet this place manages to stay surprisingly quiet, especially after the day-trippers head out on the evening trains. Arriving in the late afternoon during shoulder season – think early October, when the air’s crisp but not biting – I could actually hear the gentle lap of canal water against the nearby Rio di San Moisè before the hotel’s ornate wooden door came into view. No parking hassles here, obviously, since Venice is all about boats and feet, but if you’re lugging bags, the staff will grab them right from the water taxi drop-off without a fuss. The facade looks like something out of an old postcard, with that faded Venetian plaster and wrought-iron balconies – sort of grand but not over-the-top pretentious.

Inside, it’s like stepping into a cozy slice of old Venice, you know? The lobby’s small, with these plush velvet armchairs that smell faintly of aged wood and whatever polish they use – comforting, really, after a day dodging crowds. My room on the second floor overlooked a quiet courtyard (ask for one if you can; the canal-view ones pick up more gondola serenades at night, which is romantic until it’s not). The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with those heavy damask curtains that block out the early morning light – perfect for jet-lag recovery. Breakfast is served in this charming little salon downstairs, nothing massive but fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and those tiny jars of local honey that make you linger. Well, actually, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings – I had to wander to the lobby for a solid signal once or twice – but that’s Venice for you, buildings from the 1500s weren’t built for routers. The staff, though? Absolute gems. One concierge – Marco, I think his name was – sorted out last-minute tickets to La Fenice opera house, which is literally a stone’s throw away on Campo San Fantin, and tipped me off about avoiding the tourist-trap restaurants along the Grand Canal by heading to a hidden osteria on nearby Calle Larga XXII Marzo for proper cicchetti instead.

Look, if you’re after that authentic Venetian vibe without the massive chain-hotel feel, Palazzo del Giglio nails it – it’s got that 4-star polish with an 8.9 rating that feels earned, not inflated. Sure, the stairs might creak a bit (elevators are tiny, like most spots here), and peak summer means the area gets packed, so book early and aim for off-peak if you want peace. But honestly, waking up to church bells from Basilica di San Marco, sipping coffee while watching the city stir – it’s the kind of stay that makes you feel like you’ve actually lived a little piece of Venice, not just passed through. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for a romantic getaway or if you’re into history without the hassle.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $304. Economy Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $359. Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $467. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $598. Junior Suite with 2 single beds and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 4 guests
• Estimated price from: $641. Superior Junior Suite with 2 single beds and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 4 guests
• Estimated price from: $847. Suite with 2 single beds and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Shanelle from Ireland – 15 December 2023 (9/10)

  Great location & lovely staff

• Susan from United Kingdom – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly helpful staff. Lovely generous breakfast served in our room free of charge.
  Great location.

• Marios from Switzerland – 9 March 2025 (9/10)

  Stuff
  Proximity
  
  What could be improved: No buffet breakfast, you had to order from a list and deliver via room service to your room

• Zichao from China – 3 February 2025 (9/10)

  Good breakfast, clean room, nice reception.
  
  What could be improved: Great location if taking ferries but a little tiring if walking with laggages from or to the train station.

• Aarthi from Spain – 3 January 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful location and easily accessible
  
  What could be improved: Clean, large space and excellent breakfast

• Solvita from Latvia – 21 November 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel was a gem in Venice, 3 minutes away from the main square but it was so quiet and off the tourist tracks. the staff was outstanding and very welcoming, the breakfast was served in the room and everything was tasty and hot.
  Thank you for wonderful stay in Venice! Will definitely stay there again if back.

• Philip from Australia – 14 November 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Some noise from outside

• Esra from New Zealand – 9 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and staff was very helpful

• Amanda from United States – 1 November 2024 (9/10)

  Loved the character of the hotel!
  
  What could be improved: Not very sound proof.

• Nancy from United States – 29 October 2024 (9/10)

  The bed, the room, the location and service. Close to vaporetto and the gondola across the canal.
  
  What could be improved: I would prefer a buffet breakfast, but the served breakfast was good.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities