Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Palazzo Guardi feels like stepping into someone’s elegant Venetian home — which, honestly, is exactly what this place used to be. The entrance on Calle del Pistor is understated in that perfectly Italian way, where you almost wonder if you’re in the right spot until you push through those heavy doors. Once inside, the restored 16th-century palazzo reveals itself with original frescoed ceilings and marble floors that have this wonderful lived-in patina you just can’t fake.

Location & Neighborhood

You know what I love about Dorsoduro? It’s where actual Venetians still live and work, not just the tourist circus you’ll find around San Marco. From Palazzo Guardi, you can walk to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in about three minutes — I timed it — and the Accademia Bridge is just around the corner. The thing is, Venice is small enough that everything feels walkable, but being in this neighborhood means you’re close to some genuinely good local spots. There’s this little bacaro called Al Bottegon nearby where the cicchetti are incredible, and honestly, most tourists never find it.

The Room Experience

My room had these tall windows that opened onto a quiet courtyard — a blessing when you consider how sound carries through Venice’s narrow streets. The four-star rating shows in the details: quality linens, a marble bathroom that actually has decent water pressure (not always a given in historic buildings), and air conditioning that works properly. The decor strikes this nice balance between respecting the building’s history and providing modern comfort. I mean, you’re not getting cutting-edge design here, but the antique furniture and Murano glass touches feel authentic rather than themed.

Daily Life at the Hotel

Breakfast happens in what used to be the palazzo’s main salon, and it’s actually quite lovely — though don’t expect anything too elaborate. The staff really knows their stuff about Venice, which matters more than you might think. They steered me away from the obvious tourist traps and suggested taking the vaporetto to Burano on a Tuesday when it’s less crowded. The concierge also sorted out dinner reservations at places that would have taken me weeks to book on my own. There’s no spa or fancy amenities, but honestly, when you’re in Venice, you want to be out exploring anyway.

Why Guests Love It

This place works because it gets the balance right — you’re staying somewhere with real character and history, but you’re not sacrificing comfort for authenticity. The location puts you in the heart of things without the chaos, and the building itself tells a story that connects you to Venice’s past. Couples seem to particularly love it here, and I can see why — there’s something romantic about staying in a genuine palazzo, even if it’s not the flashiest option in town. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re experiencing the real Venice, not just visiting it.

Palazzo Guardi Accommodations

Reviews of Palazzo Guardi

• Terri from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (8/10)

  This was a detour trip from original plans so we were looking for comfort and value – Palazzo Guardi was the right choice . The room was the perfect size for a few days , the bed comfortable , and the shower area ca good size – all exceptionally clean .
  
  What I also loved was the room’s character . Sometimes value can feel stark and the room was warm and fit a stay in Venice. You will ‘hear’ this and that – but Venice is close together and that was expected .
  
  Breakfast was just right ! The fruit was fresh and sweet (so ripe and not green). And the staff was helpful.
  
  It’s good to know there is an elevator – helps with the steps. Very happy we choose to stay here .

• Paweł from Poland – 16 December 2024 (9/10)

  It’s located in somewhat less touristy area (but still close to major trails) close to schools and university – it felt like Italian town not a global tourist destination. Also great corner window view
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast could have some veggies, at least a slice of tomato. Room decor is bit retro Venetian – I don’t care but just don’t expect modern Nordic minimalism 🤷‍♂️

• Jonathan from United States – 5 December 2024 (7/10)

  The terrace with the room was very nice
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was mediocre but the coffee was excellent.

• Mark from United States – 20 October 2024 (8/10)

  Very well located. Comfy bed. The lift was appreciated to get to the 3rd floor reception!

• Jessica from United Kingdom – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and spacious clean room, amazing canal views
  
  What could be improved: A little noisy due to passing boats etc but expected given the canal views

• Michelle from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  Great location. Near the vaporetto stop, great bars and restaurants nearby. Good breakfast, plenty of choice.
  
  What could be improved: The canal view is lovely but the room is rather noisy as it's a buzzy neighbourhood. We were also right next to the breakfast room so we were awake quite early. We had to check in on the 3rd floor of the main building although we were staying in another building around the corner. Neither property was initially very easy to find.

• Alfaro from Austria – 27 September 2024 (7/10)

  Very cosy rooms / hotel
  Everything very clean
  Fantastic location
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was very poor.
  Staff was not able to speak English or another language than Italian
  The check-in/check-out was a bit complicated

• John from United Kingdom – 12 September 2024 (9/10)

  Warm welcome, helpful staff, comfortable bed,
  
  What could be improved: Air conditioning occasionally drips water and not always the level displayed.

• Chris from Canada – 11 September 2024 (9/10)

  Close proximity to everything we needed and wanted, comfortable room, good cappuccino in the morning

• Людмила from Bulgaria – 29 May 2023 (9/10)

  The location of the hotel is absolutely amazing – 10 min walk from San Marco and the main touristic attractions. At the same time, it avoids the insane crowds and noise of the city center. The beds are extremely comfortable and the room is spacious and very clean. The cleaning service was impeccable. The Venetian style of the room simply contributed to a better overall experience in Venice. The breakfast was very simple, but had everything you need. Croissants were freshly baked and were delicious (like everything else on the breakfast actually). We read some reviews saying it was very noisy on breakfast because it is served outside the rooms (in the corridor). We don't agree, the hotel staff organise it very well, and it is very quiet. Last, but not least, we has absolutely amazing view to the canal – it was breath-taking. Overall, the hotel is an amazing value for money and it is highly recommended!
  
  What could be improved: The only thing we didn't like is that breakfast starts at 8:00. For most people (including us before going to Venice), this is a quite reasonable time. But Venice has another pace – if you want to see it in a relaxed pace, at 8 am you are already outdoors. So, the only recommendation we had was to start breakfast at 7:30 (if possible at all). That would be awesome!

Surroundings

Facilities