Querini Suite-Balcony on canal, close to San Marco

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Querini Suite almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mosh pit. I’d hopped off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – that’s the stop just east of San Marco, super handy if you’re coming from the train station – and wandered down those twisting calli in Castello. Calle Querini is one of those narrow alleys that feels like a secret, tucked away from the main drags but close enough that you can hear the distant hum of tourists without being in the thick of it. Honestly, finding the entrance was a bit of a puzzle at first – no big sign, just a discreet door buzzer – but the host buzzed me in quick, and there I was, climbing these old wooden stairs that creak like they’re whispering stories from the Renaissance. No elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing, especially with luggage. But once you’re up there, whew, it opens into this cozy suite that smells faintly of polished wood and fresh linens, with that underlying canal tang that reminds you you’re in Venice, not some sterile hotel chain.

What really sold me – and I mean, hooked me for the whole stay – was that balcony overlooking the canal. It’s not one of those massive terraces, but just big enough for two chairs and a tiny table, perfect for sipping prosecco at dusk while watching gondolas glide by below. The water laps right against the building, and in the evenings, you’d catch these soft echoes of laughter from passing boats or the occasional accordion tune drifting over from somewhere. The suite itself is sort of elegantly simple – four-star vibes without trying too hard, you know? Think exposed beams, a comfy king bed that actually lets you sleep through the night (rare in old buildings like this), and a little kitchenette where I whipped up espresso from the provided pods. Oh, and the bathroom’s got this rainfall shower that feels luxurious after a day of pounding pavements – though fair warning, the hot water can take a minute to kick in, like it’s on Italian time. I stayed during a quiet week in April, so noise wasn’t an issue; just the gentle slosh of the canal and maybe some church bells from nearby San Zaccaria. But come high season, say July, I bet you’d hear more foot traffic in the mornings as folks head to the piazza.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venice feel without the chaos of staying smack in San Marco – where it’s all tour groups and overpriced gelato – this spot in Castello is a gem. You’re a quick 5-minute stroll to the Bridge of Sighs or the Doge’s Palace, and there’s this little bacaro around the corner on Campo Santa Maria Formosa where locals grab cicchetti and spritz for way less than tourist traps. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, balcony perch and all. Sure, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi dipped out once during a rainstorm – but with a 9.6 rating, it’s clear others agree it’s worth it. Go in shoulder season if you can; you’ll thank me when you’re not elbowing through crowds to get back “home.”

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $478. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Luxury stay in Venice – Tania from United Kingdom – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location @ 5 minutes walk to St Marks Square but in a very quiet location by the canal
  
  Beautiful home with balcony overlooking the canal. Lots of gondolas going past on the canal which was stunning
  
  Spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated and very comfortable
  
  Air conditioning fabulous, cooking facilities, amazing bathroom and shower,
  
  Francesco met us at the apartment and gave us lots of information and was very helpful and friendly plus we were able to check in earlier
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was all fabulous

• Great communication from host Francesco and Luca. Our luggage was lost and Luca went above and beyond his duty to get i – Cathy from United States – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Very clean. Good AC. Quiet location but close to everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Hinglin from Ireland – 7 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very central to everything & modern apartment

• Exceptional – Maksim from Serbia – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing place. Francesco meet guests at the desired place and was very welcoming. Also there was a request to have the iron and wine glasses at the property and everything was perfectly satisfied!

• Exceptional – David from Australia – 26 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very nice little apartment

• Beautiful accomodation in fantastic location – Jamie from Australia – 20 January 2025 (10/10)

  Fabulous Location! Nice and quiet right on the Canal but yet right around the corner from a mini supermarket and heaps of restuarants. The accomodation is very modern and clean with everything you could need. Lovely to have complimentary water & brioche when we arrived. Our host was marvelous and send me a message to check in to see we had everything we needed and to make sure we were ok. Looking forward to planning our next trip to Venice and would book here again for sure!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing! Just a side note for anyone booking – the stairs are quite steep

• Exceptional – Julia from Australia – 10 January 2025 (10/10)

  The property was in a great location, just a short walk to all of the main attractions and the apartment was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Francesco was extremely helpful with providing directions and advice regarding transportation.

• A perfect stay from start to finish. – Maureen from United Kingdom – 14 October 2024 (10/10)

  It was clean, very quaint and a fantastic location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Amazing location, lovely decor – Kylie from Australia – 9 October 2024 (10/10)

  The location and view from our balcony was amazing! And the apartment was fantastic – super clean and lovely decor. Francesco was a very friendly and helpful host- highly recommend!!
  
  What could be improved: Had noisy neighbours upstairs, but that's obviously no fault of Casa Querini

• Francesco’s apartment was the perfect place for us to stay in Venice. He created a very relaxed space, and also was very – Jennifer from United States – 21 September 2024 (10/10)

  The location was very central, but also very quiet. Amazing canal view, really calm and beautiful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities