Rialto Luxury Flat

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Rialto Luxury Flat kind of by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it after hearing from a friend who’d stayed in Cannaregio before, but you know what I mean. It’s tucked away on Salizada San Giovanni Grisostomo, this narrow little street in Venice’s Cannaregio district that’s got that perfect mix of old-world charm and actual livability, away from the worst of the San Marco crowds. I arrived by vaporetto from the train station – the Ca’ d’Oro stop is just a five-minute walk away, which is a godsend when you’re lugging bags over those uneven cobblestones. Check-in was smooth, honestly; the host met me right at the door with a quick espresso and a rundown of the place – no stuffy front desk vibe here, it’s more like crashing at a stylish friend’s apartment. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with high ceilings and these creaky wooden floors that sort of whisper history under your feet. My room – actually, it’s more of a flat, with a full kitchenette – overlooked a quiet canal, and the first night, I fell asleep to the gentle lap of water against the stones below, no traffic noise at all, which is rare in a city that never quite shuts up.

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it feels like a secret base for exploring Venice without the hassle. You’re literally steps from the Rialto Bridge – I mean, you can wander over for the morning market at Campo Erberia, snag some fresh artichokes or those tiny lagoon shrimp that locals swear by, and be back before your coffee’s cold. But here’s the thing: Cannaregio isn’t all tourist traps; head north a bit and you’re in the old Jewish Ghetto, with spots like Gam Gam for kosher eats that feel worlds away from the overpriced pasta joints. The flat itself is luxe without trying too hard – think marble bathrooms (a bit chilly in winter, fair warning), plush king beds that actually let you sleep off the jet lag, and Wi-Fi that’s surprisingly zippy for Italy. I appreciated the little touches, like the stocked minibar with local Prosecco and those fluffy robes that make you feel pampered after a day dodging gondolas. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre if you’re driving in, but the location makes up for it; everything’s walkable or a quick boat ride. That said, it can get noisy around lunchtime when the day-trippers flood in from the bridge – earplugs helped, or just time your outings for early mornings when the city’s still sleepy and the fog rolls off the Grand Canal.

Honestly, if you’re after that authentic Venice experience without sacrificing comfort, the Rialto Luxury Flat is a solid pick – it’s got an 8.7 rating for a reason, and as a 4-star spot, it delivers without the pretentiousness. I’ve stayed in pricier hotels that felt sterile, but this one had soul, you know? Sure, the stairs might be a workout if you’ve got heavy luggage (no elevator, classic Venice issue), and peak summer means booking way ahead to avoid the crush, but waking up to that canal view and strolling out to hidden osterias like Al Timon for cicchetti made it all worthwhile. I’d go back in a heartbeat – especially off-season in November, when the air smells like roasting chestnuts and the place feels like your own private hideaway. If Venice is on your list, skip the mega-hotels and give this a shot; it’s the kind of stay that sticks with you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $256. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests
• Estimated price from: $293. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6
• Estimated price from: $657. Apartment with 4 × 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Anne from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location was perfect, easy to find and central.
  Good options for water bus and taxi stops too!

• Julien from Switzerland – 9 August 2024 (9/10)

  Superb location, the flat is fully refurbished, yet kept a venitian style. Every window has a different view to canal/street.
  Everything is close. The neighbourhood is vibrant, yet the double window and the good air conditioning allow to stay quiet.
  I was able to "work from home" from the apartment in excellent conditions while the kids were visiting.
  
  There is even a washing machine for who wishes to travel light!

• Sim from Singapore – 13 July 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious and comfy apartment that is in a very good location, near the Rialto bridge. We liked that there are 2 bathrooms for 6 of us, and the air conditioning was a great respite from the summer heat.
  
  What could be improved: There's no elevator, so we had to climb up with our luggage up 2 floors.

• Anthony from United States – 23 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all

• Kashif from Canada – 20 June 2024 (9/10)

  The proximity to Rialto Bridge and shopping was amazing. The location of the apartment is in the heart of Venice. All the nearby attractions were walkable distance. The apartment was clean and comfortable air conditioning.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of elevator but the rest of the apartment was top notch.

• Nellie from United States – 17 June 2024 (9/10)

  This was an amazing apartment with gorgeous views from every window. Once you leave the apartment, you have everything right there, including a little grocery store. I wish we could have stayed longer! We will definitely be back and also recommend it to our friends.

• Zbigniew from Poland – 21 April 2024 (9/10)

  Great localization. The apartment has two bathrooms and two bedrooms plus a living room with a kitchenette.
  View of the small canals from the bedroom and dining room. The gondolier station is right next to the apartment. Every attraction can be reached on foot. Return to the apartment for a change of wardrobe or other needs. Great organization and contact with the owner, who adapts to the arrival time.

• Sofie from Belgium – 14 March 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, close to the Rialto bridge. Clean and comfortable, easy contact with the company renting it out.
  
  What could be improved: /

• Kjellberg from United States – 22 October 2023 (9/10)

  The central location
  
  What could be improved: The crowds

• Haylee from United Kingdom – 11 August 2023 (9/10)

  Everything was just right for the group. Close to most things, beautiful furniture plus our host was very attentive and kind.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities