Rialto Prestige Apartment

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Rialto Prestige Apartment almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mob scene. Tucked away on Calle Arco in San Polo – that’s the sestiere just across the Grand Canal from San Marco, if you’re mapping it out – it’s one of those spots that feels like a secret even though it’s smack in the middle of things. I mean, I got off the vaporetto at Rialto Mercato, dodged a few delivery carts hauling fresh fish (the market smells hit you first, all briny and alive), and wandered down those narrow, echoey alleys for maybe five minutes before spotting the discreet entrance at 468. No grand lobby or doorman drama – just a quick code entry and up a flight of those classic, slightly creaky Venetian stairs (fair warning, if you’ve got heavy luggage, pack light or brace yourself). But honestly, once you’re in, it opens up into this airy, four-star apartment that feels more like borrowing a local’s pied-à-terre than some sterile hotel room. The exposed beams and that soft, worn terracotta flooring – it all whispers old Venice without trying too hard.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that central buzz with actual peace and quiet. You’re steps from the Rialto Bridge – I popped over for sunset views most evenings, watching the gondolas glide by while grabbing cicchetti at a little bacaro on Campo Erberia (try the sardines in saor; they’re divine and cheap). But back at the apartment, the thick walls muffled the canal chatter, especially after 10 p.m. when things wind down – well, except for the occasional seagull squawk at dawn, but that’s Venice for you. The place is kitted out smartly: a full kitchen with one of those fancy espresso machines (I brewed my own every morning, saving a fortune on café prices), a comfy king bed that didn’t sag like some budget spots I’ve endured, and even a washer-dryer combo – a godsend after a rainy day traipsing to the Frari church nearby. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during peak hours, and there’s no elevator, which might bug folks with mobility issues. But the rating’s a solid 9.6 for a reason – it’s spotless, the air con hummed quietly through a humid June night I remember all too well, and the host left a welcome basket with prosecco and biscotti that felt genuinely thoughtful, not gimmicky.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want to skip the overpriced, impersonal hotels along the tourist drags, this is your spot. It’s ideal for a couple or small family – we fit four comfortably without feeling crammed – and lets you live like a Venetian, popping out for groceries at the morning market or wandering to hidden gems like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco without fighting the masses. Sure, it’s pricier than a basic B&B, but the value shines in those little freedoms: cooking pasta with market-fresh tomatoes, or just lounging on the balcony as the bells from San Polo churches toll softly. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced the city, not just ticked off sights – and isn’t that what travel’s about? (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $349. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds, 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Great location and great host. The Rialto Pretige Apartment lived up to our expecations. – Robert from United States – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  Apartment and Location:
  The apartment was furnished nicely and everything looked brand new. The location was excellent; it was convenient to a lot of good restaurants and to the water taxi in two directions. Initially, it was hard to locate in one of the small back streets, but we found that to be very convenient and nicely off the busy street. (I've uploaded a picture of the entrance door to help other guests since the street number is hard to see.) We were far enough away from the Rialto Bridge pedestrian traffic. Walking at night was nice in this area; lots of locals eating dinner and just having good conversation.
  Host:
  Upon our arrival on the first day, Luca met us with the keys and gave us a run through of the apartment. I forgot to give him an advance warning of our arrival to the apartment, but he was able to rush over quickly to open the apartment. That was much appreciated. On the day before departure, we needed to book a water taxi. We found it very difficult for some reason maybe due to the timing. Luca had a good contact and was able to get our problem resolved. He went above and beyond; that was very much appreciated as well.
  
  What could be improved: We could not figure out the espresso machine, but maybe that was due to our lack of knowledge. The carpet runners in the hallway were a bit of a nuisance. But, those are just minor things; I couldn't think of anything major that was really an issue.

• Beautiful apartment with easy access to everything. – Sara from Germany – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is very well located for all activities in Venice. It is a beautiful apartment with tastefully modern renovations. The use of space was ideal for our family of 5, including 3 teenagers, for our vacation. The 3 separate bathrooms, each with showers, was a huge advantage for our larger family. Thanks for a fabulous stay!

• Does the job for a short stay – Rameez from United Kingdom – 4 December 2024 (6/10)

  Spacious property and not far from the centre
  
  What could be improved: Had mosquitoes in the property
  Cleanliness could have been better in bathrooms
  Difficult to find but I guess that’s the same with a lot of properties in Venice

• Gran limpieza y comidad – Mario from United States – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Muy limpio y moderno
  
  What could be improved: Poquito complicado encontrarlo, pero vale la pena

• Superb – Zoltan from Hungary – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Nem volt a széf működésére vonatkozó leírás.

• Merveilleux séjour – Antoine from France – 1 May 2025 (9/10)

  Appartement très propre, bien agencé et bien décoré.
  Un vrai luxe que chaque chambre ait sa propre salle de bain avec serviettes et produits.
  
  What could be improved: L’équipement (vaisselle/ustensiles) est réduit au strict minimum.

• ¡Queremos volver! – Waldo from Colombia – 11 April 2025 (10/10)

  El diseño interior, la iluminación y las obras de arte, todo muy moderno y a la vez, muy veneciano.
  
  What could be improved: No encontramos nada que no nos haya gustado. Una pequeña diga de agua en la ducha del baño de la alcoba principal, vale la pena prestarle atención para que la evaluación sea perfecta en todo sentido.

• Exceptional – Guido from Spain – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  Por respeto al anfitrión, que ha sido muy agradable, he valorado mi estancia en Rialto Prestige Apartament con el máximo de la puntuación, no suelo hacerlo, pero es lo que se merece. Lo malo es que si los usuarios de Booking confían en mi valoración, tendré complicado poder volver a este piso. Amplio, limpio, cálido (en Venecia este fin de semana ha hecho frío), acogedor, silencioso, a dos pasos del puente de Rialto. Imposible pedir mas.

• appartamento a Rialto – Elena from Italy – 24 November 2024 (10/10)

  appartamento molto grande, recentissima ristrutturazione, luminoso, pulito e super accessoriato. Bellissimo!!

• Exceptional – Elena from Spain – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

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