Relais Venezia

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Relais Venezia almost by accident during one of those drizzly autumn afternoons in Venice when the crowds around San Marco start to feel overwhelming. It’s tucked away on Calle Casselleria in the Castello district – that’s the sestiere just east of the main tourist drag, where things get a bit more local and lived-in. I remember weaving through those narrow calli from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop (super handy if you’re coming from the airport or train station, by the way – it’s only about a five-minute walk, dodging the occasional delivery cart and the smell of fresh bread from that little bakery on the corner). No cars in Venice, obviously, so you’re on foot, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. The hotel’s in this unassuming historic building, and when I pushed open the door, it was like stepping into someone’s cozy Venetian home – all exposed brick walls, creaky wooden floors that whisper under your steps, and that faint, salty lagoon scent that seeps in from nearby canals.

What really won me over, though – and I mean, this place has a ridiculous 9.7 rating for a reason, even though it’s just a three-star spot – is how it balances that old-world feel with the little things that make traveling easier. The rooms are on the smaller side (hey, it’s Venice; space is a premium), but mine had this massive window overlooking a quiet courtyard – no gondola traffic noise, which is a godsend if you’re trying to sleep after a day of pounding the pavement. The bed was plush, with crisp linens that actually smelled like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and the bathroom? Spotless, with one of those rain showers that washes away the jet lag. Staff-wise, they’re like your friendly neighborhood hosts – the guy at check-in (Marco, I think?) chatted with me about avoiding the tourist traps and pointed me toward a great cicchetti bar just down the calle, hidden behind the church of San Zaccaria. It’s not flashy; no spa or gym, but there’s a sweet breakfast setup in the mornings with fresh cornetti and cappuccino that rivals what you’d get at a corner café. Oh, and if you’re there in high season, like July, book early – it fills up fast because it’s so close to the Biennale gardens and the Arsenale, but without the chaos.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venice without the inflated prices or the impersonal vibe of the big chains, Relais Venezia is a gem. I stayed there for three nights last fall and left feeling like I’d uncovered a secret – well, sort of, given the ratings. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to wander off the beaten path, maybe catch a quiet sunset from the nearby Riva degli Schiavoni promenade. Sure, the stairs might be a workout if you’ve got heavy luggage (no elevator, classic Venice issue), but that’s a small trade-off for the warmth and the way it makes you feel connected to the city. I’d go back in a heartbeat – actually, I’m already plotting my next trip around it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $313. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $325. One-Bedroom Apartment – Separate Building with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $338. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $708. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Bart from Belgium – 17 August 2024 (10/10)

  The hosts were amazing, they took their time to show us around and carefully explain everything. He also gave us some great recommendations what to visit and where to eat. The place is immaculate, location is perfect and the breakfast is perfect. Would definitely recommend this when coming to Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Biserica from Moldova – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very, very nice, cozy, clean and welcoming hotel. The experience at Hotel Relais Venice left us with many stories and great memories. The hotel facilities and room services are exceptional. The staff are also accommodating and friendly.
  The breakfast served by Mrs. Elena, a very kind person who speaks several languages ​​was fantastic! The rooms were clean and very comfortable, with elegant décor. They went over and beyond to help make our stay enjoyable. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Venice! We will definitely stay at this hotel if we come back to Venice.

• Shayalon from Israel – 28 February 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel is located in a very quiet area close to S. Marco Square and the Rialto Bridge. Leonardo and his brother gave us personal attention from the moment we landed to take off, kindly answering every question and helping us get to the attractions of the Mask Festival. The room was air-conditioned and cozy with a luxurious bathtub, breakfast was served to us personally and was very tasty. Highly recommend the hotel!

• Uri from Germany – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  Location and staff were superb.
  
  Apartment was practically, nice kitchen and comfortable bedroom.
  
  What could be improved: Was a bit expensive.

• Carina from United Kingdom – 4 January 2025 (10/10)

  Made to feel so welcome and genuinely made our stay as fabulous as possible. No question was too much effort : recommendations for best places to eat, spot to grab a gondola etc. Couldn’t recommend any more highly. In terms of customer service, best hotel we have stayed at. Breakfast was simple but the fruit salad delicious!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Michael from Austria – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  Very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent location and great value for money (in Venice)

• Fatih from United States – 9 December 2024 (10/10)

  We were welcomed like royalty and treated like royalty. Both Frederico and Leonardo were exceptional gentlemen . Rooms were clean, cute, romantic and authentic.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sharadah from United Kingdom – 1 December 2024 (10/10)

  It was a perfect boutique hotel and at a very reasonable price! It was in a perfect spot within a few minutes of St Mark's Square and Rialto bridge.
  We did various long walks around the city and could easily return to our hotel for a short rest. The staff were all so incredibly nice & helpful, from the moment of booking. Frederico gave me instructions about how to transfer from the airport & made some superb dinner recommendations. The hotel room was very clean and the room service was daily and perfect. At the end of our visit, Frederico ordered us a water taxi which picked us up literally from the canal outside our door! I would definitely return to this hotel and have highly recommended it to friends and family
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Mariya from Ukraine – 1 December 2024 (10/10)

  We’re happy to have chosen this place for our stay! The hotel itself and the room are beautiful and super comfortable, everything is clean and very well-taken care of. The location is the very centre of Venice, we could get by walking to any major destination within 5-10 minutes.
  We were greeted by Federico in the most polite and friendly way, he took his time to give us tips and suggestions on the places to visit, and the breakfast with Elena is truly exceptional.
  Next time we’re back to Venice we’ll stay here again.

• Lynn from United Kingdom – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location is perfect, halfway between Rialto and San Marco, so everything you need is a short walk away. Federico and Leonardo were exceptionally kind and attentive and did everything to help us with local information and useful recommendations. They were also incredibly flexible on our last day holding our luggage so we could enjoy the city until our departure for the airport.
  
  What could be improved: We found it a bit tricky to locate on the first day as it is in a small side street, but this was a small inconvenience in an overall lovely experience. Both my daughter and I would happily return.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities