Residence Laguna Giudecca

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Residence Laguna Giudecca kind of by accident last spring – I was fed up with the tourist crush around San Marco and wanted something a bit more low-key in Venice. It’s tucked away on Giudecca island, right on Calle dei Bolzeri, which is this narrow little street that feels worlds away from the Grand Canal chaos. I hopped on the vaporetto from Piazzale Roma (line 4.1, if you’re planning ahead – it only takes about 15 minutes, and honestly, the ride across the lagoon with that salty breeze whipping through your hair is half the fun). When I stepped off at the Palanca stop, there it was: this charming old building with weathered brick facades and those classic Venetian shutters, overlooking the water like it’s been there forever. First impression? It felt authentic, not some glossy chain – more like crashing at a friend’s place who happens to have killer views of the Giudecca Canal. Oh, and pro tip: if you’re arriving with luggage, the walk from the stop is flat and short, but Venice being Venice, there are no cars, so pack light or splurge on a water taxi.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends that old-world Venice vibe with just enough modern comforts to make you forget you’re in a city built on water. The rooms – well, they’re more like apartments, actually, with kitchenettes that come in handy when you snag fresh produce from the Rialto market and want to whip up a quick pasta (I mean, who needs overpriced restaurants every night?). Mine had this cozy balcony where I sipped coffee each morning, watching the fishing boats bob along – the sound of gentle waves lapping against the fondamenta is oddly soothing, especially at dawn when the island’s still quiet before the day-trippers flood in. Inside, it’s all exposed beams and terracotta floors that feel cool underfoot after a hot day wandering Dorsoduro (which is just a quick boat hop away, by the way – don’t miss the Peggy Guggenheim Collection if you’re into art). Check-in was a breeze; the staff are these warm locals who chatted about hidden spots like the nearby Redentore church, and they even hooked me up with a map of the less-touristy cicchetti bars on Fondamenta Zattere. That said, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, and if you’re sensitive to noise, you might hear the occasional church bell or boat horn, but it’s nothing like the racket in Cannaregio. Still, for a 4-star spot with a 9.2 rating, it punches way above – clean, spacious, and that lagoon scent lingering in the air makes it feel alive.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelm – maybe a couple escaping for a romantic week or a family needing room to spread out – this is your spot. Giudecca’s got that underrated charm: quieter evenings, authentic eateries like the hole-in-the-wall places on Calle Lunga San Barnaba (just across the way), and it’s perfect in shoulder seasons like April or October when the crowds thin out but the weather’s still balmy. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced the real Venice, not just the postcard version. Honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – just remember to time your vaporetto rides around rush hour to avoid the squeeze.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $276. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent and would definitely recommend – Nicola from United Kingdom – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great communicate and very helpful staff.

• A top residence that I would return to. – James from Australia – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  Position, views, space and excellent communicative host.
  
  What could be improved: No toaster, only one bath towel for two guests.

• A lovely stay in this delux apartment with a wonderful location. – Johnston_e from United Kingdom – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  Exceptional location, quiet with wonderful outlook over the water.
  
  What could be improved: All was excellent

• Superb – Cyrille from Ireland – 5 May 2024 (9/10)

  Location was lovely and quiet. You have to be aware that you need a boat to reach the main island of Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Exceptional – Andreea from Romania – 18 April 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment we stayed in was a haven of comfort. The generously sized and tastefully decorated space created a relaxing atmosphere. With panoramic views, the experience was comforting.Extremely kind hosts
  
  What could be improved: If you're traveling with children, consider mosquitoes; if the weather is bad, the wind sounds strange.

• Away from the hustle and bustle – Antoinette from Australia – 23 October 2023 (9/10)

  Spacious and well equipped apartment. Peaceful. Very attentive and helpful host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Sally from Egypt – 3 October 2023 (10/10)

  Perfect and the view is breathtaking and the best thing is a life saver elevator
  
  What could be improved: A little bit far from the water bus, if u have bags will need time to reach the water bus

• Superb – Natalia from Russia – 16 August 2023 (9/10)

  It was amazing trip to Venice. Very good location, comfortable and amazing view appointment.

• A wonderful base with a real Venetian feel. Peaceful but so easy to get to everything in the centre – Cathy from United Kingdom – 30 July 2023 (9/10)

  Fantastic situation / quiet, amazing views but a super easy water bus ride to all the sights
  
  What could be improved: The twin room was small but it was fine – we were hardly there. A couple more ISB plug sockets would have been good.

• The instructions and map was so helpful and all the local intel provided. We felt very welcomed! – Lynne from United States – 29 July 2023 (10/10)

  The view and the layout
  
  What could be improved: N/A

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities