Rooftop San Marco

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Rooftop San Marco kind of by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – it’s just a quick weave through those twisty alleys in the San Marco district, down Calle dei Orbi, which is one of those narrow little streets that feels like a secret even though it’s smack in the middle of everything. Honestly, Venice can be a maze if you’re lugging bags, but this spot’s tucked away enough to dodge the worst of the tourist throngs spilling out from St. Mark’s Square, yet close enough that you’re only a five-minute stroll to the Basilica or the Doge’s Palace. I mean, no cars in Venice anyway, so forget about parking woes – just watch your step on those uneven cobblestones, especially after a rain when everything gets slick and puddly. The building itself is this charming old palazzo-style place, not too flashy, with that faded ochre facade you see all over the city, and when I checked in, the front desk guy – Marco, I think? – was super laid-back, chatting about the best gelato spot nearby (it’s this tiny place on Campo San Zulian, by the way, with pistachio that tastes like it was churned by angels).

What really sold me on it, though, was that rooftop terrace – yeah, the name’s not kidding. It’s up there on the top floor, with views over the terracotta roofs and church spires that stretch toward the Grand Canal, and in the evenings, you can hear the distant hum of gondolas splashing and church bells chiming, mixed with that salty lagoon smell that hits you when the breeze picks up. My room was on the smaller side, sort of cozy in that European way – think creaky wooden floors, a bed that sinks just right after a day of walking, and a bathroom with those classic marble tiles that stay cool underfoot. Nothing over-the-top luxurious for a 3-star, but clean as a whistle, and the AC actually worked without sounding like a jet engine, which is a godsend in July when Venice turns into a humid oven. Breakfast up on the roof was a highlight – fresh cornetti, cappuccino that packs a punch, and you can people-watch the boats on the canal while planning your day. Oh, and a heads-up: the Wi-Fi’s solid for streaming, but it dips a bit in the mornings when everyone’s online – minor gripe, but hey, you’re in Venice, put the phone down and wander.

All in all, with that 8.9 rating floating around, it’s no surprise this place feels like a smart pick for folks who want authentic Venice without the mega-hotel vibe. It’s not perfect – the area gets noisy with street musicians until late in peak season, and there’s no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing – but honestly, that’s part of the charm. If you’re hitting up the Biennale or just soaking in the history, staying here puts you right in the pulse of it, steps from hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore or a quiet spritz at a bacaro on Calle della Mandola. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear yourself think. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve got Venice figured out, even if just for a weekend.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $312. Penthouse Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great location, great space for a family, but showers need fixing – Stephanie from United States – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  Beautifully decorated and clean apartment. Comfortable beds and love having two bathrooms for our family of 4. Location is great, very walkable to st marks square, Rialto. Quiet neighborhood.
  
  What could be improved: The master shower leaked so we had to put lots of towels on the floor. We had trouble sliding the shower door closed in the other bathroom so we didn’t use that shower. The linens didn’t smell fresh – one of the towels had a big crusty yellow stain on it and the bed linens smelled like they were damp and musty for too long before taken out of the washer.
  The San samuele vaporetto stop is not serviced by all the vaporetto so we did have to walk 5 min over the accademia bridge to catch the vaporetto from the accademia stop.
  The key was quite finicky and hard to turn without wiggling and shaking it and pulling on the door. We got the hang of it but I was worried the key would snap in the lock.

• Would 100% stay here in this beautiful apartment again! – Mia from United States – 30 June 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful space, so tastefully decorated. On the quieter side of town to escape the crowds. Nadia was amazing and we totally loved our stay here!

• Exceptional – Susan from United States – 19 June 2024 (10/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: I would have liked another set of keys. I would have liked a clothes line. Needed a book to tell you everything.

• Exceptional – Eric from United States – 12 June 2024 (10/10)

  The proprietor, Nadia, was so friendly! It's a beautiful old house that has been updated, with such a perfect location! A less-than 5 minute walk from the S. Samuele pier takes you to a very quiet street. Lots of charm, nice kitchen with all the amenities you need. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
  
  What could be improved: The AC was a bit weak but other than that, it was perfect!!!

• Perfect location, spacious and clean. – Darin from United States – 6 June 2024 (10/10)

  Wow, this is an amazing apartment, perfect for a family of 4. It’s clean, spacious, with 2 bathrooms. It’s ideally located in San Marco, close to everything, but also is on a quiet small alley/street so not noisy at night. Miss Nadia is super friendly and responsive.

• Nadia, was very helpful with arranging a water taxi to airport. – Staggs from Australia – 24 April 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, close to San Samuele waterbus station. 2 minute walk.
  
  What could be improved: Very steep stairs

• perfect! – Siobhan from United Kingdom – 16 April 2024 (9/10)

  property is furnished to a high standard, has everything you need and was exceptionally clean
  
  What could be improved: the building front door can be awkward to open is the only thing which could be improved upon

• Good property which was very comfortable and good location. It had almost everything that we needed. The owner was very – Marie from United Kingdom – 4 November 2023 (8/10)

  Comfortable, well located. Loved the balcony & the rooftop terrace was great.
  
  What could be improved: A few extra dishwashing tablets so we could run the dishwasher each day. There was only one. There were on tea towels to dry dishes with but we managed.

• Very good – Mathur from Thailand – 4 November 2023 (8/10)

  Spacious, clean and well connected.
  Not far from main attractions.
  
  What could be improved: Climb up the stairs , no elevator, could be difficult with luggage.
  Washing machine was preoccupied with owner clothes so unusable.

• The place to stay in Venice! – Totoro183 from Canada – 3 October 2023 (10/10)

  We're a group of friends who had a short stay at the apartment. Everything from the check-in to check-out was flawless. We loved that the apartment was spacious and equipped with everything that we needed for a short stay in Venice. The apartment was tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, location was central and close to everything. The beds were super comfortable, of course we made use of the rooftop patio. 10/10 would recommend!
  
  What could be improved: Just a minor thing about the apartment, in the master bedroom there's quite a few dead mosquitos on the wall/curtain, but of course it is summer/autumn and mosquitos are everywhere in Venice. That's the only minor thing I noticed.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities