Palazzo Soranzo Noble Floor R&R

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon Palazzo Soranzo Noble Floor R&R kind of by accident last spring, you know, during that sweet spot in April when Venice isn’t totally overrun yet but the weather’s finally warming up. I’d been wandering from the Santa Lucia station, lugging my bag over those endless little bridges – honestly, if you’re not used to it, Venice’s pedestrian life can wear you out quick – and there it was, tucked away on Calle del Remedio in the Castello district. It’s this unassuming door in a narrow alley, right near the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, which is one of those spots locals actually hang out in, with its quirky church and that tiny bakery selling fresh cornetti that smell like heaven first thing in the morning. No flashy signs or anything; you feel like you’re stepping into someone’s historic home rather than a hotel. And yeah, it’s a palazzo – think 15th-century vibes with those high ceilings and frescoed walls that whisper stories from Venice’s glory days. My room on the noble floor (that’s the fancy main level, I guess) had this massive window overlooking a quiet courtyard, where you could hear the distant lap of canal water and the occasional gondolier calling out – not the touristy ones, mind you, but the real deal ferrying folks around.

What really sold me, though, was how it balanced that old-world charm with stuff that actually makes a stay comfortable. The place is rated a solid 9.2 for a reason – it’s spotless, with these plush beds that swallow you up after a day of pounding the pavements. I mean, Venice is all about walking, right? From here, you’re like a 10-minute stroll to the Rialto Bridge, dodging the crowds on Strada Nova, or you can cut through to Piazza San Marco without feeling like you’re in a human traffic jam. Breakfast was a highlight – served in this cozy salon with exposed beams, fresh pastries, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake the dead, plus they throw in some local cheeses and fruits that taste like they came straight from the Rialto market. Oh, and practical note: no elevator, which might be a drag if you’ve got heavy luggage or bad knees – those stairs are steep and creaky, like something out of a novel – but the staff hauled my stuff up without a fuss. It’s quiet at night, too, away from the noisy bars in San Marco; you might hear a distant bell from the Arsenale or the soft hum of a vaporetto on the lagoon, but nothing disruptive. Well, except maybe during Carnevale season, when everything amps up – book early if that’s your jam.

Look, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venetian life without the over-the-top luxury prices, this is it. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker walls, and yeah, the bathroom’s on the smaller side – but honestly, who comes to Venice for a massive tub? You come for the magic, and Palazzo Sorzano delivers that in spades. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in the off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole city feels like your own private secret. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner, it’s romantic as hell; families might find it a bit snug. Either way, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you, making you feel like you’ve lived a little piece of history.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $758. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Kristin from United States – 25 July 2024 (9/10)

  The beauty of the location and the apartment were unforgettable. We loved opening the large window pained doors and being able to site-see in the comfort of the living room. This was our favorite stay of the trip.

• Al from United States – 14 October 2024 (9/10)

  exceptional property and location

• Patrick from United States – 2 October 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment with all the amenities to make the space a home away from home. Beautiful views of Venice – canals. Great location to many points on the island.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing that we didn’t like. Great place.

• Patti from United States – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location, location, location! The property is absolutely gorgeous! Tons of space, and it is only a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square. Secluded from the main path, but close enough to walk to the heart of the city!
  
  What could be improved: The canals below are moderately noisy at night.

• Sean from Australia – 13 October 2023 (9/10)

  The photos just don’t do this amazing apartment justice. The location is incredible, right on a bustling (busy is an understatement) junction. We counted 7-8 gondolas and 2 water taxis at some of the busiest moments, all trying to get around the junction. And they do with incredible calm and relaxed precision, like watching a symphony of gondolas! Which we did, every day for sunset, sitting or standing on our balcony with a glass of wine, waving at the gondoliers and their passengers. It was magical every afternoon.
  The apartment is huge, airconditioned and palatial. After all, it’s a 13th century converted palace, which has been done so exceptionally well. Just keep this in mind, the building, the apartment is some 800 years old, and much of the extensive renovations inside have been done to retain as much of the original structure as possible: enormous and beautiful wooden beams through the roof; undulations in some areas of the floor which have been kept and protected; what look like original or reconstructed glass and frames in keeping with the original build. All of this adds immense character and charm to this incredible place.
  Oh, then add the high quality appliances throughout, excellent bathrooms and cavernous rooms, and a view of the bridge of sighs?!
  
  What could be improved: Just be aware the water junction is very busy, so it is noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, bring ear plugs (or more wine?!) 🍷 but this place is so magical. If deep, silent sleep is more important to you than experiencing this amazing place, then I suggest you stay elsewhere. It is so very Venetian!

• Obaid from United Kingdom – 17 October 2022 (9/10)

  a very comfortable apartment with excellent location right in the heart of Venice. we were welcomed by Caterina and she was amazing in arranging our tour to islands, taxis to the airport. will definitely visit again and stay in the same apartment.
  
  What could be improved: breakfast not available in nearby surroundings

• Sally from Italy – 5 November 2024 (8/10)

  You are on your own for food. kitchen is incredibly well stocked in some ways and poorly stocked in others— no way to froth milk but China service for a crowd. Two tiny bottles of water, so-so tiny bottles of shampoo, etc., but fine crystal wine glasses.
  
  What could be improved: The BIG deal killer for me, and why I would not rebook this place or any place operated by these managers, is their lack of caring about solving problems. We had a train at noon and asked for a later than 10 am check out. Sophie, who was our point person, basically texted me and told me to read the small print, there is no accommodation for a late check out, and to find a bag storage facility as there are a number of them. Had she said, so sorry, the unit is rented and the housekeeper needs to clean it, so we suggest this storage unit, less than a five minute walk, and here is a bar code that will allow you 3 hours (;or whatever) free storage for 4 pieces of luggage…this would have been great customer service and an amenity that mattered rather than silverware for a dozen or more place settings. I travel non stop, I rent many places, and the attitude was just so off putting. If you are in the service business and are in the upper tiers of price points, provide the customer with a sense of caring and service. I felt like I was told to just get out before 10 and deal with it. Hate writing negative reviews, but this one is warranted.

• Furqan from Pakistan – 11 October 2022 (6/10)

  Location and the interior of the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Firstly when you are travelling with heavy luggage like us it is a nightmare getting to the apartment. There is a lift in the building but we were not granted access to it. We had to lift our heavy luggage over two flights of an old antique staircase.
  
  The entrance of the apartment building was dark, gloomy and had a very strong moldy smell. It wasn't a pleasant experience getting into the apartment building at night, especially because it was always unlit(including the staircase). There was no daily housekeeping and such things should be clarified at the time of booking. We have stayed at some of the most luxurious apartments in London and have always been received with an essentials hamper( water, bread, milk, butter, eggs, preserves and bathroom supplies.) The hosts did not provide us with anything not even water.
  
  The apartment had insufficient insulation against sound and light. It felt as if the windows were open even when they were closed.
  
  There were large mosquitos in the apartment and the mosquito plug-in machines were not working.

• Claudio from Italy – 8 September 2024 (9/10)

  Molto bella, in tipico palazzo veneziano, tanto spazio. bellissimo affacciò a sud su piccoli canali interni… ( privilegio che si paga con un po’ di rumore..solo al mattino.. comunque sopportabile) arredata con tutti i comfort.. location perfetta a due passi da S Marco

• Henri from Finland – 21 May 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Toiset pyyhkeet olisi 5 päivän reissulla ollut hyvä!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities