Prince Apartments

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Prince Apartments after a long vaporetto ride from the airport – you know, the kind that leaves you a bit wobbly from the waves and the crowds piling off at San Marco. It’s tucked away in the Castello district, right on Campo Arsenale, which honestly feels like a hidden gem compared to the tourist crush around the Rialto. I mean, you’re just steps from the old Arsenale shipyard – that massive, atmospheric complex where Venice built its fleets back in the day – and it’s got this quiet, almost locals-only vibe, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers head out. Checking in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly Italians who chatted about the best nearby cicchetti bars (try the ones on Via Garibaldi, like five minutes’ walk away), and they handed over the keys with a smile, no fuss. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian spots – think faded pink walls, wrought-iron balconies, and that faint salty scent from the lagoon that seeps in through the windows. It’s not flashy, but it’s got character, you know? Four stars, sure, but it feels more like staying in a friend’s well-kept apartment than some sterile hotel chain.

What really won me over was the setup inside – these are actual apartments, so you get a little kitchenette with a fridge and stove, perfect for whipping up a quick pasta after a day of wandering. My room overlooked the campo, and mornings were magic: sunlight filtering through lace curtains, the distant hum of boats on the canal, and no blaring horns or street noise like you’d get closer to Piazza San Zaccaria. Honestly, the beds are comfy – firm but not rock-hard, with those crisp white linens that smell freshly laundered – and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger a bit too long. It’s not without its quirks, though; the stairs can be a hike if you’ve got heavy luggage (no elevator, classic Venice), and in high season, like during the Biennale art fest, the area buzzes a little more with visitors spilling over from the gardens nearby. But that’s part of the charm – you’re close enough to hop on a vaporetto to the islands (the Arsenale stop is literally around the corner), yet far enough from the main drags to snag a quiet spritz at a spot like El Refolo without elbowing through crowds. I spent one afternoon just people-watching from the balcony, listening to church bells and kids playing soccer in the square – felt authentic, not staged.

All in all, if you’re after that real Venice experience without the overpriced hype, Prince Apartments is a solid pick – that 8.6 rating doesn’t lie. It’s great for couples or small families who want space to spread out, and in the off-season, like early spring, it’s downright peaceful, with lower rates and fewer folks around. Well, maybe skip it if you’re all about luxury spas (they don’t have one), but for the price and location, you’d be hard-pressed to find better. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just passed through – and isn’t that what travel’s all about? (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $221. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $316. Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Alexandre from Switzerland – 22 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent apartment, exceedingly clean and comfortable. The location couldn't be better. Great restaurants and walking trails nearby – all in a very quiet neighbourhood. The host has been fantastic! We received a very warm welcome indeed! I can only highly recommend it to anyone keen to explore the south side of Dublin.

• Zilan from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Prince was very welcoming, he was in contact with us as soon as we landed and ensured to meet us at the door on time. He also informed us about the closest water bus stop and called me to confirm if we were on the right route. He introduced himself with a very friendly and welcoming manner and gave us a tour of the apartment. He was exceptional. I would 100% recommend to stay here while travelling to beautiful Venice.
  I don’t usually feel comfortable staying in hotels/airbnbs
  but here I felt very comfortable, this place gave home vibes and it was clean, the toilets, kitchen and living room (all common areas) were very clean and spacious. We were 5 travellers all girls and had plenty of room for each of us. The sofa bed was also comfortable and big.
  The location is perfect just in the middle, you can walk to the center in 10 minutes water bus stop very close.
  I believe when travelling the place you stay changes your experience, and for us Prince apartments was nothing but positive and highlighted our trip. Thank you very much hope to come here again.

• Sometourist from Australia – 2 February 2025 (9/10)

  Surprisingly spacious with modern facilities, good location

• Linda from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  We loved the location, very peaceful but close to St Mark’s Square and major attractions. It’s a short walk from the Arsenale vaporetta/ alilaguna stop. The apartment was clean, warm and we liked that it was on the ground floor.
  The area around the apartment is perfect for those with limited mobility, it’s mainly flat and few bridges. Castello is beautiful.
  
  What could be improved: No check in after 12pm was an added stress we didn’t need as we had no control over any travel delays.
  The apartment itself was very basic- only one flat pillow each, no cushions on the sofa and very few kitchen utensils – not even a plug or washing up bowl for the kitchen sink. Apart from washing up liquid there were no cleaning products, no dustpan or brush.
  Having several apartments in one location with no way of knowing which is yours, we were constantly disturbed by other guests arriving and banging the door or trying to get in; this needs sorting.

• Anne from Australia – 14 December 2024 (9/10)

  Easy walk to major sightseeing locations.
  Close to water taxi station 4.1 & 4.2
  Coop supermarket 600m away.
  
  Apartment is a great size, warm, quiet.
  Has a lift so luggage can be transported to the floor you are staying on.
  Beds comfy

• Jorge from Portugal – 3 December 2024 (9/10)

  Location was perfect

• Marjorie from United Kingdom – 26 November 2024 (9/10)

  Main bedroom and bathrooms were spacious with plenty of cupboards /drawers. Very comfortable bed.
  Excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: The second bed was in the living/kitchen area and took up most of the room. We were three people but I’d originally booked for four which would have been a bit tight.

• Bryan from United Kingdom – 12 November 2024 (8/10)

  As I,was in Venice for the Biennale it was a perfect location and comfortable retreat after a hard day's art viewing. It had everything I,needed to make breakfast and coffe or cook and ILoved the view over the Arsenale.
  
  What could be improved: All fine, but the lift made me anxious, but it worked fine.

• Thomas from Ireland – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Host
  
  What could be improved: A kettle 😊

• Amy from Singapore – 10 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location to biennale, water bus stop.
  Yet quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Mosquitoes 🙁

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities