Red Rose

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Riva de Biasio stop – you know, that little landing right on the Grand Canal in Santa Croce – and thinking, wow, this is Venice without the overwhelming tourist crush. The Red Rose is tucked away on Sestiere Santa Croce 1382, just a short wander from Piazzale Roma if you’re dragging luggage from the train station, but honestly, it’s far enough from the main drag that you don’t hear the constant rumble of suitcase wheels on cobblestones all night. I arrived in early spring, when the canals still have that crisp, briny smell mixed with blooming jasmine from nearby courtyards, and the hotel’s facade caught my eye right away – this classic Venetian building with faded red shutters and wrought-iron balconies that sort of lean into the narrow calle like they’re whispering secrets. Check-in was a breeze; the front desk guy, Marco I think his name was, chatted about the best time to hit the Rialto Market (early morning, before the crowds swarm) while handing over my key. No fuss, no upselling – just a genuine “Benvenuti” that made me feel like I’d picked the right spot.

What really sets the Red Rose apart, though – and I mean this after staying in a few overhyped places around San Marco – is how it balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually matters when you’re wiped out from wandering. My room overlooked a quiet side canal, with these heavy velvet curtains that blocked out the early morning light (a godsend if you’re jet-lagged), and the bed was one of those firm-but-plush deals that doesn’t leave you aching. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard – think fresh cornetti, cappuccino that tastes like it was pulled by a barista who cares, and maybe some prosciutto if you’re feeling indulgent – but fair warning, it gets a bit crowded around 9 a.m. during peak season, so grab a table early. The hotel’s got four stars for a reason: free Wi-Fi that’s surprisingly zippy for Venice, and air conditioning that hums softly without drowning out the distant church bells. It’s not perfect – the bathroom was on the smaller side, with that typical European shower setup where water sort of sprays everywhere if you’re not careful – but well, that’s part of the authentic vibe here. And location-wise, you’re a 10-minute stroll to the Frari Basilica or Campo Santa Margherita for aperitivo; I loved popping into that little osteria on Rio Novo for cicchetti after a long day, something most guidebooks skip.

All in all, if you’re looking for a Venice stay that’s more “lived-in” than “Instagram-perfect,” the Red Rose nails it with its 8.9 rating feeling spot-on. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers who want to dip into the chaos of St. Mark’s Square (a quick vaporetto ride away) but retreat to somewhere quieter at night. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a hidden gem – you know what, book it for shoulder season like April or October, when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more magical. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping spritz on the terrace, watching gondolas glide by without a horde in sight.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $247. Apartment with Canal View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Robert from United States – 21 May 2025 (10/10)

  Anything you need is walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Sophia was lovely and helped us getting into the facility. Kitchen and living area small – Jennifer from United States – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely area. Very pretty
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen and seating area smaller than expected

• Loved Venice and staying at this apt enhanced our experience. – Doreen from United States – 26 September 2023 (9/10)

  Located in a quiet, central part of Venice with easy access to everything. Apt was comfortable and bigger than expected. It
  is in a very neat older building with 1 short flight of somewhat uneven stairs to reach the apt. This was no problem for our group of 5 older adults. Also, we learned you can take a water bus from/to train or bus station 1 or 2 stops across the Grand Canal and cut down on lugging luggage over bridges. We really enjoyed our stay here and would not hesitate to rent again, Recommend!
  
  What could be improved: Only downside for us was that 1 of the rooms smelled of cigarette smoke which was easily remedied by opening the window.

• We loved our stay in Venice and this apartment was part of the reason. Perfect space for our family to relax after wande – Andrea from United States – 11 July 2023 (10/10)

  Very clean, air conditioning worked well, location was ideal. Lots of space.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Location was Fab·u·lous! – Brunke from United States – 19 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location.
  
  What could be improved: A/c units required the bedroom doors to be open to cool the hallway.

• Fantastic location for a family visit to Venice – Diana from Italy – 31 May 2024 (9/10)

  The nearby piazza was perfect to explore, have dinner or a gelato. We also found a nearby gondola ride which took us right by the house!

• Location was perfect!! – Angeline from Canada – 10 September 2023 (8/10)

  The owners were always available.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Superb – Hakan from France – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  Localisation top: commerces à 100 mètres.
  Tout est dans un périmètre de 15 min à pied: place saint Marc, gare,
  Logement propre , literie un peu dur mais bon ça passe.
  Pas eu besoin de clim il faisait 20 degrés.

• Super – Christine from Germany – 10 November 2024 (9/10)

  Die zentrale Lage. Sauber und komfortabel
  
  What could be improved: Leider war es am Abend sehr kalt und die Heizung ging nicht

• Découverte de Venise , séjour agréable – Hélène from France – 6 February 2024 (9/10)

  L’emplacement
  
  What could be improved: RAS

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities