Pensione Accademia – Villa Maravege

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Pensione Accademia – Villa Maravege in Venice’s Dorsoduro district felt like uncovering a little secret garden amid all the tourist chaos – and honestly, that’s saying something in a city where every corner screams history. I arrived by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station, hopping off at the Accademia stop (it’s right there, no more than a five-minute wander along the Rio San Trovaso), and suddenly you’re in this quieter slice of Venice, away from the San Marco crowds. The hotel’s tucked into a 17th-century villa – yeah, it’s got that old-world charm with creeping ivy on the walls and a courtyard that smells faintly of blooming jasmine in spring. I remember checking in around dusk; the staff – mostly locals who’ve been there forever – were super welcoming, chatting about the best time to hit the nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia (pro tip: go early morning to beat the lines, it’s literally across the bridge). No hassle with luggage either, since everything’s on foot here – forget parking woes, this is Venice after all.

What really hooked me was how the place balances that cozy, lived-in vibe with just enough polish to make you feel pampered, without going overboard. My room overlooked the canal – well, sort of a side one, not the Grand Canal frenzy – and it had these heavy wooden shutters that blocked out the early morning boat hum (Dorsoduro’s peaceful, but you do get the occasional water taxi chugging by at dawn). The beds are comfy, with crisp linens that actually smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and breakfast in the garden is a highlight – fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and maybe some prosciutto if you’re lucky, all while birds chirp away. It’s not huge or flashy; rooms are on the smaller side, which is par for the course in Venice’s historic buildings, but they’ve got air conditioning that works a treat in July’s humidity (trust me, you’ll need it). I mean, there’s no gym or spa – if you want that, head to the Lido – but the location puts you steps from Campo Santa Margherita, where locals grab aperitivi at sunset. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms during peak season, but hey, who comes to Venice to scroll Instagram all day?

All in all, if you’re after an authentic stay that feels like crashing at a Venetian friend’s villa rather than some sterile chain, this is it – especially with that 9.3 rating that’s well-earned from folks who’ve actually lingered here. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting to explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (a quick stroll away) or just wander the calli without the overwhelm. Book in shoulder season like April or October for quieter vibes and maybe snag a garden-view room; summers get busy, but the evenings here, with the courtyard lights twinkling, make it worth every euro. I’d go back in a heartbeat – it’s that rare spot where Venice’s magic feels personal, not performative.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $132. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $229. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $254. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Nikolay from Spain – 4 February 2025 (10/10)

  Great hotel, fantastic location and really good breakfast
  
  What could be improved: None

• Ernie from United States – 2 April 2025 (10/10)

  A little hidden gem. Tucked away in a quiet area. Not close to any of the other hotels but if you want peace and quiet, this is a nice place to stay at.
  
  What could be improved: Room could have been more bigger for me and my wife. I also could not get the A/C to work so we had to just prop open the window.

• Robin from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Quirky, old-school decor. Ideally situated.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Ingeborg from Canada – 22 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, historic and well maintained villa, wonderful gardens, exceptionally friendly and professional staff.

• Emma from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (8/10)

  The location is perfect for exploring Venice whilst also providing peace and tranquility away from the crowds. The breakfast is a delicious feast with a wide variety of options. All in all a fantastic place to stay in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Bann from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  Unique position close to the Accademia but not on any through path for other visitors
  Delightful ambiance which is never crowded or noisy
  
  What could be improved: Nothing much to say here
  My room was definitely better than on a previous stay9

• Rebecca from United Kingdom – 6 March 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful historic villa in a wonderful location. I had a stunning view of the water and couldn’t fault the stay. Really friendly staff and lots of amenities on offer (albeit I didn’t use them!).

• Sarah from Hong Kong – 5 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Friendly staff. Excellent breakfast. Lovely garden and log fire. Free snacks. Fantastic room.
  
  What could be improved: The ants which invaded one day…but the staff got rid of them pretty quickly (we were in the garden suite)

• Steven from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  This hotel is a pleasant historic villa in a very convenient location for the Dorsoduro sestiere (many good restaurants and bars) and also within walking distance of the popular sites. The Accademia vaporetto stop is just a couple of minutes away. The hotel service is excellent, with all the staff being friendly, helpful and welcoming. My room was just a single, so it was not particularly spacious, but that was to be expected. The room was clean and comfortable. The breakfast selection was extensive, well-presented and good quality.
  
  What could be improved: No problems.

• Richard from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location close to all areas and good facilities. Nice breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities