Riva De Biasio Charming Apartment

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Riva De Biasio Charming Apartment kind of by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a madhouse. It’s tucked away on Lista Vecchia dei Bari in the Santa Croce neighborhood – that’s the sestiere just across from the train station, but far enough from the Piazzale Roma chaos that you don’t feel like you’re in a parking lot. I mean, if you’re arriving by vaporetto, you hop off at the Riva de Biasio stop on the Grand Canal, and it’s literally a two-minute stroll along the water’s edge, dodging the occasional delivery cart piled with crates of fresh artichokes from the Rialto market. Honestly, that first whiff of salty canal air mixed with espresso from the corner bar – it’s the kind of thing that hits you and makes you think, “Okay, this is real Venice, not the postcard version.”

What really won me over, though, was how the place feels like a proper local hideout rather than some sterile hotel room. It’s got that charming apartment vibe – think exposed wooden beams overhead, terracotta floors that are cool underfoot even on warmer days, and a little kitchenette where I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the nearby Coop supermarket on Rio Terà San Leonardo (pro tip: stock up there if you want to avoid tourist-trap prices). The views from the windows overlook the canal, so you’d hear the gentle lap of water against the boats in the morning, and maybe a gondolier humming off-key – but it’s surprisingly quiet at night, especially compared to the nonstop buzz over in San Marco. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me with keys and a quick rundown of the neighborhood, no fuss, though fair warning, there are a couple of steep stairs to climb if you’ve got heavy luggage (I learned that the hard way after lugging my suitcase from the station). And while it’s not massive, the space is cozy for a couple or small family – well-equipped with Wi-Fi that actually works reliably, unlike some spots I’ve stayed in Venice where it’s spotty at best. I wandered out to Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio nearby for a spritz at sunset; it’s one of those underrated squares where locals gather, kids playing soccer against ancient church walls, and you can grab cicchetti from a tiny bacaro without the lines.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venetian life without breaking the bank – it’s rated 8.8 for a reason, and I’d say it earns every bit – this place is a gem. Sure, Santa Croce isn’t as flashy as Dorsoduro or as historic as Cannaregio, but that’s what makes it special; you get the everyday magic, like watching fishermen unload their catch early morning or popping into the hidden gelateria on Fondamenta dei Tolentini for pistachio that’s out of this world. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there a bit, you know? Just book early for high season, or you’ll miss out – and pack light for those stairs.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $300. Deluxe Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Ishai from Israel – 6 August 2023 (9/10)

  Great huge renovated flat in a good location

• Charlotte from United Kingdom – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, easy to get around, lots of lovely bars and restaurants close by. It's a beautiful apartment, lots of room, comfy beds, very clean, nice character, with everything you need, ideal.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great.

• Vince from United States – 20 October 2024 (9/10)

  Convenient to Rialto bridge and railway station
  
  What could be improved: Stair – though every rental property in italy has stairs – lol

• Andrey from Netherlands – 24 August 2024 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Nigel from United Kingdom – 29 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, 3 spacious bedrooms, aircon
  
  What could be improved: nothing, all good

• Chris from United States – 21 July 2024 (9/10)

  A great location and helpful staff.

• Mary from United States – 7 July 2024 (9/10)

  A wonderful place to explore Venice. The apartment was lovely and comfortable, and the location was perfect for us – not in the center of the tourist area, but an easy walk to it.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Katherine from United States – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious apartment that was a convenient location for our short stay. The rooms were spacious and the beds were comfortable. A lovely place to stay!
  
  What could be improved: We did not realize the washing machine was not in the apartment, but it was not an issue.

• Kattyc1984 from United Kingdom – 4 June 2024 (9/10)

  Nice apartment with all the facilities we needed for a long weekend, including a good shower. Good location near the bus and train terminals as well as boat stations. Good communication from Pietro who met us (after our delayed flight) to let us in.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Karin from Germany – 10 April 2024 (9/10)

  Very nice appartment, quiet area. Easy to reach by Vaporetto and walking distance from the main train station.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities