Residenza Donini in Venice Suite 1

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Residenza Donini in Venice Suite 1 almost by accident last spring, right when the crowds were starting to thicken but before the real summer crush hit. I’d been wandering through Castello – that’s the sestiere east of San Marco, where things feel a bit more lived-in, less like a postcard – and after hopping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria, it was just a quick stroll down Calle dei Furlani. Honestly, that narrow little street, with its old stone walls and the faint echo of church bells from nearby San Giorgio dei Greci, sets the tone right away. No cars in Venice, obviously, so you’re on foot, but it’s a blessing – lugging my bag over those tiny bridges felt like part of the adventure. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with a warm smile and a quick rundown in broken English (mixed with Italian, which I appreciated – made it feel authentic). Well, sort of – there was a minor hiccup with the key fob, but nothing a laugh and a retry couldn’t fix.

Stepping inside, though – wow, it hits you. This isn’t some sterile hotel room; it’s a proper suite, all high ceilings with exposed wooden beams that creak just a little when the wind picks up off the lagoon. The decor’s got that Venetian flair – think deep red velvets on the armchairs, a few antique mirrors that catch the light from the canal outside, and a kitchenette stocked with basics like fresh espresso pods and those addictive amaretti cookies. I mean, I spent my first evening just lounging on the balcony, sipping wine while watching gondolas slip by on the Rio di San Lorenzo – it’s not the Grand Canal view, but quieter, more intimate, you know? The bed was ridiculously comfy, king-sized with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you forget the humidity outside. Oh, and noise-wise, Castello’s a gem – sure, you hear the occasional boat horn in the morning or neighbors chatting in Venetian dialect, but it’s peaceful compared to the racket near Rialto. During high season, though, I’d book early; things fill up fast, and the suite’s air conditioning (thank goodness it works well) becomes a lifesaver in July’s stickiness. One tiny gripe: the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times, but hey, you’re in Venice – who needs constant scrolling?

All in all, if you’re after that real slice of La Serenissima without the tourist traps, this place is gold. It’s a stone’s throw from the Arsenale vaporetto stop for easy day trips to Murano or the Lido beaches, and you can wander to hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore in under 10 minutes. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there for a bit – recharged, inspired, and already plotting my return. At a 9.7 rating, it’s no surprise; just pack light, embrace the walk, and let Venice work its magic.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $330. Deluxe Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• The owners made their beautiful apartment a great place to stay in a complicated location for me and my three young adul – Lisa from United States – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  The owners greeted us with Prosecco! The apartment was so large — two bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate living room from kitchen. It was great to have a washing machine (and soap) and drying rack. It had very nice decor (including all the glass light fixtures from the owner). We received lots of help getting to and from the location from the owners, especially considering the strike involving trains and water buses. There was a nice patio on the ground floor, and a great view on the back side of the apartment into the green space among the buildings on the block. It was close enough to walk easily to San Marco, museums, shopping, restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: Pretty awesome so I don’t really have anything here

• Exceptional – Long from United States – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  Francesca and Christian are awesome landlords. They provided detail information prior to our arrival to make check-in process clear and simple. The additional restaurant recommendations and safety tips are wonderful, making our trip much more enjoyable. They also helped us to work out the departure schedule as it nvolved multiple types of transportation from historic Venice to Marco Polo airports. Although we have planned out the trip but having local's assistance really made us feel safe and at home during our stay.
  
  What could be improved: Climb the stairs!

• Exceptional – Krista from United States – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

  Quiet location with stunning garden views. The kitchen was well equipped. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The hosts went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Will definitely stay here again!

• Except for the stair challenge we would highly recommend booking here. It felt very safe. – Michael from Canada – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

  The owners were very helpful & kind. After we connected on WhatsApp it was easier to communicate & they answered all questions promptly. The residence was clean & beautiful like pics & had everything we needed. Privacy inside unit for 2 couples & quiet safe neighborhood. Easy to locate from Vaporetto stop. Shopping close by with everything we needed.
  Centrally located & definitely added to the enjoyment of our Venice experience.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately I didn't see anything in the listing about the amount of stairs to get to the unit on 2nd floor. As someone in their 70's with arthritic knee issues it was a challenge. lucky we were only there for 2 days. A heads up on the listing would have prepared me for the challenge but lucky for me it wasn't a deal breaker… I know many people who could not have managed. Don't know what we would have done at that last minute.
  Many people could have had problems with luggage. They did carry up on arrival & I expect they would have helped when we were leaving if asked.

• A Truly Exceptional Stay at Residenza Donini, Venice – Amadis from United States – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  I typically do not write reviews of my travels, but Residenza Donini in Venice unquestionably deserves recognition.
  This property exceeded all expectations. Hidden behind the traditional exterior of a historic Venetian building lies a modern, tastefully renovated apartment. The living room is spacious and elegantly furnished, seamlessly integrated with a fully equipped contemporary kitchen—complete with a coffee machine and all necessary utensils for cooking (although we did not cook during our stay). The dining area offers a beautiful view of the garden, enhancing the overall ambiance.
  Each bedroom is generously sized, well-lit, and furnished with extremely comfortable mattresses. Notably, each room includes its own full bathroom, one of which has a washing machine—an invaluable feature for extended stays. The apartment’s layout is particularly well-conceived, allowing full privacy between the two bedroom/bathroom suites while keeping the kitchen as the central, communal space.
  The location is another major highlight. The property is within walking distance of San Marco Square and surrounded by excellent restaurants and a local market.
  The Hosts:
  A special acknowledgment must be given to Francesca and Chris, whose hospitality significantly enhanced our experience. Communication throughout the booking process was outstanding. Francesca welcomed us warmly, with a smile and a bottle of Prosecco, and even offered to carry our luggage. She remained available for any questions or assistance throughout our stay.
  Chris was equally impressive. Friendly and informative, he shared numerous tips about navigating Venice, avoiding common scams (such as those related to Murano glass), and recommended excellent local restaurants. His guidance on purchasing the appropriate Vaporetto tickets likely prevented us from missing our flight. Should you plan a visit to Murano, I highly recommend consulting Chris for his invaluable insights.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike,e everything was perfect

• Exceptional – Vadim from Ukraine – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  We had a wonderful stay at this apartment! Everything was perfect – the apartment is beautiful, clean, and very well maintained. We especially loved the stunning Murano glass decorations – such a unique and elegant touch. The area is very quiet and peaceful, which made our stay even more relaxing. We truly enjoyed every moment here and would definitely come back. Highly recommended!

• Exceptional – Inna from Ireland – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  Very friendly hosts Francesca & Cris.
  Welcomed us with bottle of Prosecco. Francesca was helping with advice about shops and restaurants and any other information .
  Big , clean , beautiful and nicely decorated apartment.
  All sightseeing were very close to apartment .
  Good for family with kids .
  I'll recomend it to my friends.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A perfect weekend in Venice – Caroline from Italy – 26 November 2024 (10/10)

  Gorgeous place with a view to a lush garden.
  Quiet. Comfortable.

• Great accomodation and fantastic host . Thank you Cris and Fransceca. – Tony from Australia – 19 September 2024 (10/10)

  Quaint apartment, very cosy, clean and within easy walking distance .

• Will be coming back – Dragan from Serbia – 21 August 2024 (10/10)

  It was very spacious and in really good condition. There were all the appliances and stuff we needed, and the location was great since there were convenience stores and restaurants nearby, also for Biennale.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, really:)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities