Rio Venice

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Ferrovia stop – you know, right by the Santa Lucia train station – and thinking, well, Venice can be a bit of a maze, but finding Rio Venice was actually a breeze. It’s tucked away on Fondamenta de Ca Rizzi in Santa Croce, this quieter neighborhood that’s not swarming with tourists like San Marco, but still just a 10-minute walk from Piazzale Roma if you’ve got a car to park (good luck with that in Venice, though – spots fill up fast, especially in summer). Honestly, arriving in the late afternoon, with the sun dipping low over the canal, the place felt like a hidden gem. The building’s this charming old palazzo with ivy creeping up the walls, and the entrance is right on the water – I could hear the gentle lap of the canal against the fondamenta as I checked in. The staff were super welcoming, no fuss, just a quick chat about the best nearby spots for cicchetti (those little Venetian tapas, you have to try them at a place like Cantina Do Mori, which is a short stroll away). Oh, and if you’re lugging bags, they helped without batting an eye – a lifesaver after a long train ride.

What really sold me on Rio Venice, though, was how it balances that classic Venetian vibe with modern comforts without feeling stuffy. My room overlooked the canal – sort of narrow but cozy, with these heavy wooden beams on the ceiling that made it feel authentically old-world, and the bed was plush enough to sink into after a day of wandering. The bathroom had those sleek marble finishes, and the shower pressure was surprisingly strong for an Italian hotel (I mean, sometimes you get a trickle, right?). Mornings were the best – they’d set out a breakfast spread in this sunny courtyard with fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee that actually tasted like it came from a local barista, not some machine. It’s in Santa Croce, so it’s peaceful at night; no rowdy crowds or blaring boat horns keeping you up, though you might hear the occasional church bell from nearby San Simeone Profeta. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms farthest from the lobby – nothing a quick reset didn’t fix, but worth noting if you’re working remotely. Still, it’s a solid 4-star spot with a 9.3 rating for a reason; they even have a little library nook with books on Venice history, which I flipped through while sipping an Aperol spritz from their bar (pro tip: order one at sunset, the light on the water is magical).

Look, if you’re planning a trip to Venice and want to avoid the overpriced traps around the Rialto, Rio Venice is where it’s at. It’s got that real neighborhood feel – you’re steps from everyday spots like the Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, where locals hang out with their dogs and kids, making you feel less like a tourist and more like you’re living the dream. Sure, it’s not the flashiest place, but for the price and that 9.3 vibe, it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who appreciate the quiet side of the city. I left feeling refreshed, and honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – especially in shoulder season like April, when the crowds thin out and you can really soak it in without the summer heatwave. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $180. Double Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $180. Comfort Double Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Petra from United States – 7 November 2024 (10/10)

  This was a lovely, clean, and quiet property close within walking distance to St Marks Square and many other sights.
  
  What could be improved: There wasn’t anything I didn’t like. I highly recommend staying here and I would come back when in Venice again.

• Gabriella from Hungary – 2 April 2025 (10/10)

  Jenny was very nice, we received a map and a quick tour gide upon our arrival.

• Cristina from Portugal – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  Jenny is greating, she let me makes the check in early, so was very nice, she gives you a lot of tips about Venice. Very easy to get there from the train station, like 12/15m walking (or more, because you gonna stop to take photos, ahaha). The kitchen have coffee and tea facilities, have fridge to put your things if you want (was nice for me because i eat fruit and yogurt for breakfast), you could not cooking, but have a microwave…
  The entrance to the building (the first one to the courtyard, then there is another one to the apartment, there is an elevator) doesn't look good, but Venice is full of buildings like that, it's part of its charm…don't be intimidated. Is a safe street and quiet but you can easily walk to everything.
  My room was number one, the one with a red painted wall (the bathroom is more far away from the room, side the kitchen, but already know this, no problem at all, you have a bathrobe, and this bathroom is newer, big, very nice)…
  The only thing i didn't like, there was a smell of damp, in fact there was damp behind the heater next to the window, if you have respiratory problems, choose another room (the others don't have, Jenny say they try to fix, because there is a problem in the terrace, and Venice i know is very humid, but the smell bothered me a lot, and only in my last day i discovered where it comes from, and i stay there 4 nigths),that's because of this i don´t give 10…but everything is cleaning, the room is big, have air conditioning and two wall heaters, a very comfortable mattress and pillows.
  I recommend the neighborhood, is quiet, safe, more local people, few tourists, nice places to eat in Campo Santa Margherita, dinner, breakfast, have a drink…In Dorsudoro at the end of the day people go take some aperol spritz and eat some cicchetti (go to Osteria Ai Pugni and Cantine del Vino già Schiavi-enoteca, outside is writen Vini al Bottegon, this ones have nice prices and they are very good).
  
  What could be improved: My room was number one, the one with a red painted wall (the bathroom is more far away from the room, side the kitchen, but already know this, no problem at all, you have a bathrobe, and this bathroom is newer, big, very nice)…
  The only thing i didn't like, there was a smell of damp, in fact there was damp behind the heater next to the window, if you have respiratory problems, choose another room (the others don't have, Jenny say they try to fix, because there is a problem in the terrace, and Venice i know is very humid, but the smell bothered me a lot, and only in my last day i discovered where it comes from, and i stay there 4 nigths),that's because of this i don´t give 10…but everything is cleaning, the room is big, have air conditioning and two wall heaters, a very comfortable mattress and pillows.
  I don't like to pay extra 15 euros for the cleaning, never have to do that on booking reservations, i don't remember to see this writing nowhere.

• Mackenzie from New Zealand – 5 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great value for money. The street is quiet but you can easily walk to everything. The bedroom and bathroom were nice and clean. Would stay here again if ever in Venice

• Sakib from Canada – 1 July 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing host! Great room.

• Ginger from United States – 16 June 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful accommodations, and walkable to all parts of the city. Jenny and her crew were fabulous hosts- we didn’t meet in person but she was immediately responsive when I needed anything. 11/10 place to stay in Venice

• Sham from Canada – 17 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and host recommended perfevt spots to visit for breakfast and dinner.

• Toby from United Kingdom – 19 April 2024 (10/10)

  I come to Venice every two years or so and this hotel will be my new first choice place to stay. Large airy rooms, plenty of light, super clean, the MOST helpful staff, what more do you need.

• Rajveer from India – 16 March 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean, walking distance from railway station. Highly recommended. Host was very friendly.

• Soyoung from South Korea – 7 February 2024 (10/10)

  Jenny, the host, is very professional! She not only explained the guidelines for the apartment very well but also she carefully cared the guests. Thanks to her, I easily found the house and I could stay comfortably.
  
  The room and bathroom were clean and the interior was beautiful.
  
  Her tips for travel were really helpful. I tried every restaurants and sightseeings that she recommended and I really loved them all! Thanks to her, I could enjoy Venice more.
  
  Great location. It’s close to the station and famous places.
  
  Nothing but great memories!
  I highly recommend this house.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities