Palazzo La Scala

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the San Marco stop – you know, the one right by the Giardini Reali – and weaving through those narrow calli to find Palazzo La Scala tucked away on San Marco 4737. It’s not one of those flashy spots screaming for attention; honestly, it blends right into the old Venetian architecture, with its faded pinkish facade and those classic arched windows that make you feel like you’re crashing at some noble’s spare palazzo. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the summer crowds thin out but the air still has that crisp, salty tang from the canals. Check-in was a breeze; the front desk guy, Marco (I think that was his name), chatted me up about the best time to hit the Rialto Market for fresh fruit – early mornings, before the tourists swarm it. No parking hassles, obviously, since Venice is all about boats and feet, but he hooked me up with a tip on a reliable water taxi service that doesn’t gouge you like some do near the train station.

What really won me over was how the place feels lived-in, you know? My room was on the second floor – small, sure, like most spots in this city where space is at a premium – but it had these high ceilings with exposed beams that sort of whispered history, and a bed that was surprisingly comfy after a day of pounding the pavements. The decor’s got that authentic Venetian vibe: think heavy drapes in deep reds and golds, a little worn around the edges but charming, not tacky. I could hear the faint hum of conversations from the calle below in the evenings – nothing too noisy, though, especially compared to the racket over by the Accademia Bridge. Breakfast was simple but solid; they set it up in this cozy courtyard area with fresh croissants, cappuccino that actually tastes like it’s from Italy (not that watered-down stuff you get in chain hotels), and even some prosciutto if you’re feeling fancy. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Spotty in the room but fine in the lobby – I mean, you’re in Venice, who needs to be online all the time? It’s just a short stroll to Piazza San Marco, maybe five minutes if you dodge the souvenir hawkers on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, and you’re right by La Fenice theater if you want to catch an opera without the hassle of a long trek.

All in all, for a 3-star joint with an 8.6 rating, Palazzo La Scala punches above its weight – it’s got that genuine warmth that makes you forget the occasional creaky floorboard or the fact that the bathroom’s a bit compact (hey, pack light). If you’re the type who wants to immerse in Venice without blowing your budget on overpriced luxury, this is it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the quieter months when the city’s magic really shines through – well, minus the high water alerts in November, but that’s Venice for you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $170. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $256. Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Martins from Latvia – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very cozy hotel in best location of Venice, everything walking distance, really nice place.

• Absolutely perfect! – Pien from Netherlands – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. Location was perfect, room was very cute and clean. Even though it was very hot outside, the room had a lovely cool temperature. It was an absolute joy to stay here.

• Superb – Jane from Canada – 9 July 2025 (9/10)

  Simple and cheap

• Great hospitality, great location – Naho from Japan – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location to have access to all the touristic places, such as Palazzo Ducale and Rialto bridge! The vaporrato statin to take the boat for Murano & Brano Islands is walkable too.
  The reception can keep the backpacks after checkout, which helped us a lot.
  The reception people were very kind 🥰
  
  We will definitely come back for our future Venice visit.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Superb – Sue from Australia – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  It is a small local hotel but location and staff were excellent.
  
  What could be improved: Room was very small/tight.

• Great place to stay in Venice. Very clean, very close to all attractions, really good staff and a good working air condi – Saniye from Turkey – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean, very good staff, very good location

• Great stay…helpful staff, excellent room – James from United States – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  Comfortable beds, charming decor

• Exceptional – Diana from Romania – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was great – location, owner, clean and confortable room. Felt like home in the romantic city of Venice.

• Great stay . Friendly staff . Would highly recommend . – Andrew from Australia – 26 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great central location . With lift .
  
  What could be improved: Room was a little dark

• Highly Recommend! – Jackie from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely traditional and very clean room in a fabulous central location. Close to Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square and the Vaporettii.. Cristian and Fabiano were really helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend Palazzo La Scala to anyone seeking a good quality, fairly priced hotel in Venice.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities