Rialto apartment with Canal Grande view

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Rialto Apartment with Canal Grande View almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill and the tourists hadn’t fully swarmed in yet – that sweet spot in April before the summer crowds turn the bridges into obstacle courses. It’s tucked away in San Polo, at San Polo 524 3, which is basically a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge but far enough from the main drag to feel like you’ve got your own little slice of the city. I mean, arriving by vaporetto (the number 1 line drops you off practically at the doorstep), you weave through those narrow calli – the ones locals zip through without a second thought – and suddenly you’re at this unassuming door. No fancy lobby or doorman; it’s more like checking into a friend’s place. The host met me with keys and a quick rundown – “Watch the steps, they’re steep like everywhere in Venice” – and honestly, that personal touch made it feel authentic from the get-go. Parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the water life. But once inside, oh man, that view hits you like a postcard come to life – the Grand Canal right there, with gondolas gliding by and the occasional speedboat churning up the water. I spent my first evening just leaning out the window, sipping cheap prosecco from the corner enoteca on Campo San Polo, listening to the lap of the waves and the distant chatter from the fish market across the way.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I say this as someone who’s bounced around a few spots in Venice – is how it nails that lived-in apartment vibe without skimping on the comforts. It’s rated 4 stars with a solid 9.1, which tracks because it’s spotless, well-equipped (think a full kitchen where I whipped up pasta with fresh clams from the Rialto Market – that smell of garlic and sea air mixing was pure magic), and surprisingly quiet at night, even with the canal traffic. Well, sort of quiet; mornings can get a bit lively with delivery boats honking around 7 a.m., but that’s Venice for you – embrace it or stay in a chain hotel on the mainland. The decor’s a mix of modern and old-world charm – exposed beams, comfy beds that actually let you sleep after a day of walking (those cobblestones are brutal on the feet), and a bathroom that’s tiny but functional, with hot water that doesn’t quit. I appreciated the little details, like the provided umbrellas for those sudden spring showers, or the fact that it’s in San Polo, so you’re steps from hidden gems like the Frari Church (go for the Titian paintings; it’s less mobbed than St. Mark’s). One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re trying to stream something – but hey, you’re in Venice; put the phone down and watch the sunset over the canal instead. It’s not sprawling, mind you – more cozy for a couple or small family – but that intimacy makes it feel like your own pied-à-terre.

All in all, if you’re after that immersive Venice experience without the sterile hotel feel, this apartment’s a gem. It’s the kind of spot where you wake up to the scent of baking bread from the bakery down the calle and end the day with a glass of wine on the balcony (well, it’s more of a window ledge, but it works). I’ve recommended it to friends heading over in quieter months like October, when the fog rolls in and the city’s magic really amps up – just book early, as spots like this fill up fast. Honestly, it left me wishing I could extend my stay; there’s something about that Grand Canal view that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $737. Apartment with 3 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Wonderful apartment in a great location – Mike from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location and facilities with comfortable rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Shower was a bit poor

• Spacious apartment with spectacular views. Everything in the apartment worked. Host was wonderful. – Michael from Australia – 9 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very large apartment with plenty of space to sit and relax. Exceptional views of the canal and Rialto bridge. Met by Mattia at the water taxi and helped us to the room. Well appointed kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: Leaving

• Magnificent location and Views – Daryn from Australia – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location for exploring Venice.
  Clean and Comfortable.
  Ilaria and Nicola were fantastic hosts.
  
  What could be improved: Hot water was in short supply.

• It was a magical stay! – Sarah from United States – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  Hosts were very kind and went above and beyond to help us find the apartment. Absolutely beautiful location.

• Excellent – Joseph from Israel – 9 May 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location. Exceptional view Very helpful staff helped us in transportation arrangement. Well equipped apartment and very spacious
  We were family of 8
  Cleaning lady called us twice to collect items our kids left behind… were still in the city
  
  What could be improved: 3rd floor no elevator. But apparently was a palace. So … and the owner met us and helped us with the suitcases

• Ilaria and Mattia were fabulous hosts. Extremely helpful and kind and left us lots of treats. We loved our stay. ❤️ – Jacki from Australia – 7 January 2024 (9/10)

  The location of the property is fantastic overlooking the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. We stayed over New Year’s Eve and had an amazing view of the fireworks.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing we didn’t love about the property was the water pressure of the showers but don’t let that put you off.

• Near Perfect! – Wade from United States – 16 November 2023 (10/10)

  Lots of bathrooms for all the guests. Beautiful apartment, and views astonishing!
  
  What could be improved: Water taxi pickup to leave substandard. Water taxi on time, but took us to a ground transportation taxi. Had to move all the bags from water taxi to ground taxi. Water taxi driver said he couldn’t take us to the airport because of weather? Beautiful morning, no fog or rain! And then he wanted paid! Told him we would pay upon arrival at the airport, which we did. Owner assisted the setup. Please don’t use that taxi company again.

• Great location!! Historical land mark view – Saranya from Thailand – 2 October 2023 (9/10)

  The local is the best very closed to Rialto bridge ,great view!!! There’re plenty of restaurants you can choose near by. Full furnished apartments with air condition every room which is the best when the weather is hot there. The contact person was very kind and helpful. We forget our passport at the outlet and she arranged private taxi water and car driver for us. Check in& out was so smooth.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is on the third floor, so please bring small luggages I would recommend.

• Excellent location and host. Illaria was very helpful in helping us arrange transport. – Aarti from United States – 11 September 2023 (10/10)

  The location was perfect. The views from the windows to Rialto bridge made our trip.
  
  What could be improved: Shower pressure.

• It was fantastic to be able to share an apartment of this size with my family of eight and not feel too crowded or confi – Carole from United States – 22 July 2023 (9/10)

  Location and cleanliness. Spacious. What a great view. You could not ask for a better location.
  
  What could be improved: The beds were low and not very comfortable. The stairs to to upstairs room are steep. The stairs to the apartment are numerous. The cash security deposit is a giant hassle and if you’re leaving early morning it’s nearly impossible to recover it.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities