Romantic Venice

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Romantic Venice kind of by accident last spring, when I was wandering through the Castello district after ditching the crowds around San Marco. It’s tucked away at Castello 2193, with the entrance right off Calle della Vida – this narrow little alley that’s got that classic Venetian charm, all uneven cobblestones and laundry flapping overhead. Honestly, if you’re coming from the train station, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a quick vaporetto ride to Arsenale stop, then you weave through those quiet backstreets where locals actually live, not just tourists snapping selfies. I remember arriving a bit sweaty from lugging my bag over the bridges – no cars in Venice, obviously, so pack light – and the check-in was this warm, no-fuss affair in a tiny lobby that smells faintly of old wood and fresh coffee. The staff, this older couple who run the place, chatted with me in broken English about the best time to hit the nearby fish market at Rialto (go early, before the tour groups descend, they said). It’s a 3-star spot, but with an 8.6 rating that feels earned – nothing flashy, just solid and authentic.

What really won me over was how the hotel captures that romantic Venice vibe without trying too hard. My room was on the second floor – stairs only, no elevator, which is par for the course in these old buildings, but hey, it keeps things intimate. It overlooked a skinny canal, and I’d wake up to the soft lap of water against the walls and the distant hum of delivery boats in the morning. The decor’s sort of vintage Italian, with heavy drapes, a comfy bed that didn’t creak (thank goodness), and a bathroom that’s compact but spotless – think marble sinks and those fluffy towels that make you feel pampered. Breakfast was included, served in a cozy courtyard – fresh pastries, cappuccino, and fruit, nothing over-the-top, but way better than the grab-and-go stuff at bigger hotels. I mean, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s online, and during high season like Carnevale, you might hear some street noise filtering in from Via Garibaldi nearby, where folks gather for aperitivi. But that’s Venice for you – alive and a bit chaotic. I spent afternoons exploring the neighborhood, popping into hidden spots like the Biennale gardens just a stone’s throw away, or grabbing cicchetti at that little bar on Fondamenta San Gioachin (try the baccalà, it’s divine).

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venice without the San Marco price tag or tourist crush, Romantic Venice is a gem. It’s perfect for couples – well, the name says it all – or solo travelers who want to feel like they’re staying in someone’s historic home rather than a chain. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season like October when the fog rolls in and everything gets that misty, magical feel. Just remember to book ahead; places like this fill up fast once word gets out. (And pro tip: Ask for a canal-view room – the sunsets are worth the extra few euros.)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $136. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Sure going next time – Anand from India – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very good property for live in , 2 min walking distance to water boat taxi station , next will sure go back to this place , the ower vanni is so humble & co-operative along with his sister, you people are great ….
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to say

• Superb – Leandro from United States – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is very well located, near Piazza San Marco and close to some of the main boat stops. Good value for money.
  
  What could be improved: The entrance of the building was a bit dirty, but once you're within the apartment everything was clean and as expected.

• Excellent – Anonymous from Ireland – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  We enjoyed our stay at Romantic Venice. The location of this apartment is the best part of this apartment. Only a few minute walk from the main docks and main tourist attractions. There was plenty of room in the house with two bedrooms and a pull out. We really enjoyed our stay here and were given plenty of recommendations of things to do and places to eat. I would recommend staying here.
  
  What could be improved: Everything we wanted this place had!

• Ottimo rapporto qualità/prezzo – Antonio from Italy – 6 May 2025 (10/10)

  Appartamento carino, molto pulito e ordinato, pozione ottima. Piano terra è comodo per le valigie pesante.

• Ottima scelta! Centralissima e pulita! – Patrizia from Italy – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Appartamento bello e pulito, posizione ottima, praticamente su Riva degli Schiavoni, due passi dalla fermata Arsenale. La casa è curata, Wi-Fi ottimo, ci è piaciuta molto.
  La cucina è attrezzata, due camere separate.
  Consigliamo.

• Exceptional – Alessandra from Italy – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  La casa si trova al centro di Venezia, di fronte alla fermata del vaporetto
  Soggiorno semplicemente perfetto

• Grei leilighet sentralt i Venezia – Pia from Norway – 25 May 2025 (5/10)

  Beliggenheten var bra. Gode senger. Praktisk leilighet, plass til fire. Fin vaskemaskin og oppvaskmaskin.
  
  What could be improved: Dårlig belysning. Litt dårlig utstyrt med service etc. Manglet kontakt til nattbordlampe på det ene soverommet. Kun belysning med kontakt utenfor rommet.

• Poor – Terbish from Germany – 28 April 2025 (3/10)

  Wir hatten für 2 Tage gebucht und sind nach einer Übernachtung geflüchtet. Einfach schrecklich.

• Superb – Valentina from Denmark – 5 June 2025 (9/10)

• Exceptional – Hugo from Argentina – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities