Rialto Terrace on the Grand Canal

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Rialto stop – you know, the one right by the bridge where all the tourists flock for those postcard shots – and weaving through the narrow calle with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones. It’s not the easiest haul if you’ve got heavy bags, especially in summer when the crowds are thick as fog, but honestly, that’s Venice for you. The Rialto Terrace on the Grand Canal popped up almost like a secret – tucked away at Rialto San Polo 622 in the San Polo district, which feels a bit more lived-in than the glitzy San Marco side. I mean, you’re literally steps from the bustling Rialto Market, where locals haggle over fresh squid and artichokes in the mornings, and the air smells like salty lagoon mixed with espresso from the nearby cafes. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of chatty Venetians who actually live on the mainland and commute by boat – handed over my key with a quick tip about avoiding the midday rush on the bridge. No parking woes here, obviously, since cars are a myth in Venice, but if you’re coming from the train station, it’s a solid 15-minute walk or a short water bus ride.

What really hooked me was that terrace – oh man, the name doesn’t lie. My room opened right onto it, overlooking the Grand Canal with gondolas gliding by like something out of a movie, and the sounds of lapping water and distant church bells filtering in at dawn. It’s a 4-star spot, rated around 8.6 last I checked, and it earns it with these cozy, if a tad compact, rooms decked out in that classic Venetian style – think heavy drapes, wooden beams, and bathrooms with marble sinks that feel authentically old-world without being stuffy. Breakfast was served up there too, a simple spread of croissants, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that hit the spot while watching the canal wake up. Well, sort of simple; they throw in some local touches like buranelli biscuits from Burano island, which I hadn’t tried before and now crave. Noise-wise, it’s lively during the day with all the market chatter and boat horns, but come evening, it quiets down – especially off-season in winter when the fog rolls in and everything feels mysteriously serene. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re trying to stream from the terrace (blame the thick stone walls, I guess), but who needs Netflix when you’ve got that view?

Look, if you’re plotting a Venice trip, this place is gold for anyone who wants to feel plugged into the real rhythm of the city without the over-the-top luxury price tag. It’s not perfect – stairs can be a hassle with no elevator in some parts, and high season means elbowing through tour groups to get back “home” – but that’s what makes it authentic. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in shoulder season like April when the crowds thin out and you can snag a terrace spot all to yourself at sunset. You know what? It’s the kind of hotel that sticks with you, turning a quick stay into stories you’ll bore your friends with for years.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $988. Penthouse Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Well worth it!! – Christopher from United States – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  This place is absolutely amazing!! The apartment is huge and very comfortable. And you cannot beat the view and the location!!

• Lasting memories ♥️ – Eugen from Germany – 3 January 2025 (10/10)

  The location, the interior, the view, the amazing Venice Weather all together made a immemorial stay for our quick trip to Venice. Thank you very much for this wonderful accommodation!
  
  What could be improved: Water pressure isn’t real good. But common it’s not really an issue if you are in Venice. 😉

• Beautiful penthouse in great location, but pack light and be ready for the walk up. – Mary from United States – 24 September 2024 (8/10)

  The location and outdoor balcony were wonderful. Living room area was also very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Of course there will be stairs to a penthouse, but we would not have stay here us we had realized there were 78 steps in very poorly lite stairwells. Also, as in many old building, the water pressure was very low.

• Good – Rosio from United States – 1 July 2025 (7/10)

  The View
  
  What could be improved: The penthouse itself is beautiful, and gets you in the venice vibes right away, it’s beautiful design, the only complaint i have is the stairs up don’t seem maintained and not exactly what you want to be greeted with for the price tag you are paying. If you can get past that you might like the place . i do believe that pictures of the entrance of the building and stairs area needs to be shared aswell.

• Voor Venetië de beste droomlocatie denkbaar. – Markus from Netherlands – 18 August 2024 (10/10)

  Het appartement zelf en de locatie zijn echt perfect voor Venetië. Prijzig maar het is het waard. De host was ook zeer vriendelijk en flexibel.
  
  What could be improved: Houd er rekening mee dat de waterdruk van de douche laag is en dat je naar 5 hoog moet lopen maar het is het meer dan waard.

• Es war faszinierend ❤️❤️ – Stefanie from Germany – 31 July 2024 (10/10)

  Die Lage ein Traum!!!!
  Der absolute Wahnsinn
  
  Die Einrichtung mit Liebe zum Detail
  
  What could be improved: NICHTS! Alles war PERFEKT

• Exceptional – Elisabeth from Spain – 13 September 2023 (10/10)

  El piso es increíble, como la vista desde la terraza.
  La decoración es muy guapa.

• consigliato!!!!! – Marta from Italy – 12 January 2023 (10/10)

  struttura favolosa
  l'appartamento e' strabiliante, arredato con estremo gusto e stile.
  La vista e' impagabile
  ci torneremo sicuramente
  
  What could be improved: nulla

• Bellissima posizione. L’appartamento è curato e pulito, fornito di tutto il necessario per un breve soggiorno. – Stefania from Italy – 4 September 2022 (9/10)

  La posizione e l’incredibile vista dalla terrazza della casa.
  
  What could be improved: Un po’ faticose le scale per raggiungere l’appartamento all’ultimo piano. Però la vista compensa la fatica!

• Schade um eine schöne Wohnung mit schlechtem Costumer Support. – Giro from Austria – 18 February 2025 (4/10)

  Die Lage ist sehr schön. Die Terrasse bietet eine tolle Aussicht. Das Interieur ist sehr stilvoll. Eigentlich ein sehr schönes Appartment.
  
  What could be improved: Die Heizung funktionierte nicht. Ich habe alles versucht um das Problem mit der Vermieterin zu lösen. Es gab aber keine Lösung, da nur die AC funktionierte und die Heizkörper OFF waren. Wir hatten 15-17 Grad Celsius in der Wohnung.

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