PALAZZO SAN SAMUELE – elegant apartment in San Marco

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I stumbled upon Palazzo San Samuele, I was weaving through those narrow calli off the Grand Canal, dodging the usual tourist throngs around San Marco, and honestly, it felt like I’d discovered a little secret hideaway. Tucked away at 3440 Piscina San Samuele – that’s right by the San Samuele vaporetto stop, which is a godsend if you’re hauling luggage from the station – this place isn’t your typical hotel; it’s more like stepping into a grand old Venetian apartment that’s been polished up without losing its soul. I mean, the building itself is this elegant palazzo with those high ceilings and frescoed walls that whisper stories from the Renaissance, and my room (well, suite, really) overlooked a quiet rio where you’d hear the occasional gondola gliding by at dusk – that soft lapping of water against stone is pure magic, especially in the off-season when Venice quiets down after the summer crowds melt away.

What really sets it apart, though – and this is coming from someone who’s bounced around a few spots in the city – is how it balances that old-world charm with just enough modern touches to make you feel at home, not like you’re in a museum. The kitchenette was a lifesaver; I whipped up espresso from beans I grabbed at the Rialto Market, which is just a 10-minute stroll over the Accademia Bridge – pro tip, go early to avoid the fishmongers’ rush and snag some fresh artichokes if it’s spring. The beds are plush, with linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just the nearby campo’s flower boxes), but fair warning, the stairs can be a bit of a workout since elevators aren’t a thing in these historic piles – pack light if you’re not up for it. Check-in was a breeze, too; the host met me right at the door with a map marked up with insider spots like that tiny bacaro on Salizada San Samuele for cicchetti and spritz, away from the overpriced traps near St. Mark’s Square. Oh, and noise-wise, it’s surprisingly serene for San Marco – no blaring vaporettos honking all night, though you might catch faint church bells from Santo Stefano in the morning, which I actually loved as a gentle wake-up call.

All in all, if you’re chasing that authentic Venetian vibe without the chaos of the main drags, Palazzo San Samuele is a gem – it’s got that 9.3 rating for a reason, you know? I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in autumn when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more intimate. Just remember, Venice isn’t about rushing; it’s about lingering, and this spot lets you do just that, maybe with a glass of prosecco on the balcony as the sun sets over the rooftops. Trust me, it’s the kind of stay that sticks with you long after you’ve left the lagoon behind.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $483. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Norbert from Austria – 10 February 2024 (9/10)

  Very friendly host with helpful tips
  
  What could be improved: The sink of one shower wasn damaged. Bad luck but should be fixed. You have to bring the trash to a collection point by yourself.

• Isabelle from France – 7 November 2024 (9/10)

  Appartement grand et confortable, excellent emplacement.
  
  What could be improved: Le chauffage des salles de bain.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities