Privacy in Venice – Your apartment to be let alone

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon “Privacy in Venice – Your apartment to be let alone” during one of those hazy spring afternoons in Venice, when the canals are still quiet before the summer crowds hit. Honestly, finding it tucked away on Calle dei Furlani in the Castello district felt like discovering a secret – you know, that part of town where locals actually live, away from the San Marco madness. It’s at Castello 3233, right on the first floor (primo piano, as they say here), and getting there from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop is a breeze – just a 10-minute wander past those old shipyard walls of the Arsenale, dodging the occasional cat and the smell of fresh bread from that tiny bakery on Campo San Lorenzo. I mean, Venice can be overwhelming with all the tourists, but this spot? It’s like the city lets you breathe. Check-in was super low-key; the owner met me with a quick key handoff and a map scribbled with insider spots – no front desk hassle, which is a godsend after lugging bags over bridges. And parking? Well, forget it – this is Venice, so you’re walking or boating in, but that’s part of the charm, right?

What really sold me was how this place lives up to its name – it’s basically your own little apartment, sort of like crashing at a friend’s pad but with way more privacy. The rooms have these worn wooden floors that creak just enough to feel authentic, and big windows overlooking a narrow courtyard where you can hear distant church bells from San Giorgio dei Greci without the constant buzz of vaporettos. I loved brewing coffee in the kitchenette (stocked with basics, thank goodness) and just zoning out – no hotel staff knocking, no shared spaces. It’s rated 9.5 for a reason, even as a 3-star; the bedding is comfy, the bathroom spotless with that old-school tile that smells faintly of lemon cleaner. But here’s a minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, like when everyone’s streaming in the evenings – nothing a quick reset didn’t fix, though. Castello’s vibe seeps in too; you’re steps from hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore, piled high with books in gondolas to beat the floods, or that quiet osteria on Fondamenta San Severo for cicchetti and spritz without the markup. In winter, it’s dead quiet after dark, which is blissful, but summer mornings bring the hum of delivery boats – still, way better than the Piazza noise.

Look, if you’re after that real Venice experience without feeling like a tourist prop, this is it. It’s not flashy, but it’s genuine, and at that price point, you’ll feel like you scored big time. I’ve stayed in fancier spots, but honestly, nothing beats retreating here after a day of getting lost in the alleys – it’s like the city whispers, “Hey, take a break.” I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and makes everything magical. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $378. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Nelson from United States – 16 June 2023 (10/10)

  The property had a great location, all the white being quiet & away from the crowds. Everything was modern & comfortable. highly recommended. it was also very conveniently located very close to a grocery store & pharmacy.
  
  What could be improved: Not sure if there was anything we didn’t like. perhaps some of the random outside smells you get once in a while, but it’s part of the experience.

• Susan from Australia – 17 October 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely and clean property with comfortable beds. Good location which was fairly easy to find, even late at night when we arrived. The hosts were extremely nice, and took pride in their properties appearance, even leaving a welcome package for each member of our family upon arrival.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike.

• John from New Zealand – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  The location is awesome ! Close to the attractions .
  
  What could be improved: The neighbours were a little noisy .

• Jana from Czech Republic – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location is excellent, you can walk everywhere and yet it is away from the tourist crowds. Very cozy, spacious and clean accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is a bit darker and doesn't have a nice view, but as soon as you step out onto the street you find yourself at a beautiful canal with a view.

• Nicole from Australia – 17 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: I wish I could of stayed longer.

• Miroslav from Slovakia – 15 July 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful, clean and stylish apartment. Great location to explore Venice. Very helpful host. Well equipped and safe.

• Muralidhar from India – 28 May 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious apartment…
  
  What could be improved: Inside room had no air conditioner and we had mosquitoes…
  They didn’t provide drinking water…

• Raine from United Kingdom – 14 May 2024 (9/10)

  Attractively decorated property with comfy beds and plenty of space for two people.
  
  What could be improved: Only one bathroom which was accessed both through the kitchen area and one of the bedrooms. No key for the second door which was awkward.
  A lot of footfall noise from upstairs , an unfortunate product of wooden flooring.

• Adnan from Saudi Arabia – 19 September 2023 (9/10)

  Very clean and organized, everything you need is there
  
  What could be improved: One bedroom without AC

• Andrea from United Kingdom – 16 July 2023 (9/10)

  Great location and helpful hosts. The apartment has everything you need and is spacious. Thanks for a great stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities