Palazzo San Lorenzo

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Palazzo San Lorenzo after a Vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the number 1 line that snakes along the Grand Canal, dropping you off at San Zaccaria, just a short wander down those narrow calli in Castello. It’s tucked away on this quiet corner, Castello 4981/B, right in the heart of what feels like the real Venice, away from the San Marco crowds but close enough that you can pop over to the Rialto Bridge in about 10 minutes on foot. Honestly, arriving there after lugging my bag over a couple of bridges (no cars in Venice, remember?), I was wiped, but the check-in was a breeze – this friendly guy at the desk, Marco I think his name was, sorted everything in minutes and even gave me a quick tip on avoiding the tourist trap restaurants nearby. The building itself is this gorgeous old palazzo, all faded frescoes and high ceilings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, but with that modern polish – think marble floors that echo a bit when you walk, and the faint scent of espresso drifting from the breakfast room in the mornings.

What really sets it apart, though – and I mean this after staying in a few spots around Venice – is how it balances that historic charm with stuff that actually makes your trip easier. My room overlooked a little canal, nothing flashy like the Grand one, but peaceful, with these heavy velvet curtains that blocked out the early morning boat traffic noise (which can be a thing in busier seasons, like summer when the vaporettos start chugging at dawn). The bed was super comfy, king-sized with crisp linens that smelled freshly laundered, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that rinse off the day’s humidity in seconds. Breakfast was solid – croissants, fresh fruit, and cappuccinos that rival the ones at that tiny café on Campo Santa Maria Formosa, just a five-minute stroll away. Oh, and if you’re into exploring, it’s perfect for wandering to the Arsenale or grabbing a spritz at a local bacaro without the hassle of packed squares. That said, it’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings (well, it’s a 4-star in a centuries-old building, so fair enough), and if you’re not a fan of stairs, ask for a lower floor since the elevator’s on the smaller side. But during quieter times, like early spring, it’s blissfully serene – no throngs outside, just the occasional church bell from San Lorenzo nearby.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want somewhere that feels authentic without skimping on comfort, Palazzo San Lorenzo is a gem. It’s got that 9-out-of-10 vibe for a reason – not over-the-top luxurious, but thoughtful in ways that matter, like the staff remembering your name or the way the location lets you dip into the city’s rhythm without the exhaustion of central spots. I’ve recommended it to friends who aren’t into the big chain hotels, and they’ve all come back raving. Just book ahead, especially in high season, or you’ll miss out on that canal-view room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $224. Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $251. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $287. Superior Double or Twin Room with Panoramic View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $431. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Canal View with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $530. Junior Suite with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Nataša from France – 1 February 2025 (9/10)

  Interesting room decoration. Room was a bit small, but clean. Location is good

• Andrea from United States – 3 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location and very nice, updated and staff was accommodating!
  
  What could be improved: Restaurant was a bit pricey.

• Ian from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  A kettle would be nice. Us British like a cup of tea. I would definitely recommend and stay again.

• Ole-brigt from Norway – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful hotel, great staff.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of noise insulation to adjacent room.

• Anna from Georgia – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was excellent! Very attentive staff, especially Erico! Thans for our wonderful stay, we enjoyed!
  
  What could be improved: Everything!

• Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 20 February 2025 (9/10)

  Huge warm room, brilliant shower and well located
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sofia from Belgium – 2 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location overlooking an idyllic but quiet canal. Beautiful room (we were upgraded!), very helpful and responsive staff even before we arrived, good breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: We had some issues with the hot water on the last day but they let us check out 1 hour later to give us time to shower so all good

• Daniel from United Kingdom – 22 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Beautiful rooms and friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: All positive

• Carol from United Kingdom – 19 January 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable room and bed, good shower, good amenities, beautiful deco and relaxing ambience, had elevator, quiet but convenient location close to St Mark’s Basilica.

• Elaine from Australia – 14 January 2025 (8/10)

  Quiet,good location
  
  What could be improved: Our canal view room didn’t afford us a good view of the canal. To do so meant us leaning precariously out of the window(we are not tall people)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities