Rooftop San Marco – Tower View

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Rooftop San Marco – Tower View kind of by accident last spring, when I was wandering through Venice’s Castello district after getting off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria. It’s tucked away on Calle Casseleria, this narrow little alley that’s just a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza San Marco – you know, maybe a five-minute walk if you’re not stopping to gawk at the pigeons or dodge tour groups. Honestly, arriving there felt like stepping into one of those hidden pockets of Venice that locals actually live in, away from the main drags like Riva degli Schiavoni where everything’s packed with day-trippers. The building itself is this charming old structure, probably from the 1800s or something – no elevator, mind you, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor – and check-in was a breeze; the owner, this friendly guy named Marco (fitting, right?), handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the best nearby spots for cicchetti, like that tiny bacaro on Campo San Filippo e Giacomo just around the corner. I mean, it’s not some glossy chain hotel; it’s got that lived-in vibe, with creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you walk, and the faint salty scent of the lagoon drifting in through the windows, especially in the evenings when the tide’s high.

What really sold me, though, was the rooftop terrace – hence the name, I suppose. My room was simple, you know, clean and cozy with a double bed that didn’t sag too much and a tiny bathroom that had hot water on demand (a win in older Venetian spots). But stepping out onto that terrace in the morning? Wow. You’re basically eye-level with the Campanile di San Marco’s bell tower, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the domes of the basilica, with the rooftops of Castello sprawling out like a red-tiled puzzle. I spent one evening up there with a bottle of prosecco from the corner market on Calle Larga San Marco – it’s got these rickety chairs and a view that beats any overpriced gondola ride. The hotel’s only 3-star, but that 8.7 rating feels spot-on; it’s got free Wi-Fi that actually works (surprising in these thick-walled buildings), and breakfast is this no-frills spread of croissants, coffee, and fresh fruit served in a little ground-floor room that smells like espresso and baking bread. Well, sort of – the coffee’s from a machine, not hand-pulled, but hey, it’s included and beats paying tourist prices elsewhere. Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet after dark since Castello winds down early, though you might hear church bells from Santa Maria Formosa pealing at dawn if you’re a light sleeper.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the full-on frenzy – maybe a couple looking for romantic views or a solo traveler dodging the crowds – this place is a gem. It’s not perfect; the rooms could use a fresh coat of paint, and during peak season like Carnevale, that short walk to San Marco means weaving through masked revelers. But for the price, and that unbeatable tower view, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just remember to wear comfy shoes for all those bridges – there’s no parking in Venice, after all, unless you count the traghetto stops nearby.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $311. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great location close to everything – Heli from Finland – 12 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location is amazing and it was lovely to spend time on the terrace. Without elevator it is a bit challenging to take the suitcases up, but we knew that in advance. Roberta was very friendly and always communicated quickly.

• Great location, close to all the places we wanted to go! – Tiffany from United States – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  Rooftop patio perfect for playing cards and drinking wine

• Fantastic place in great location to stay in Venice – Michele from United States – 20 July 2024 (10/10)

  Very modern apartment! Very clean and in a great location! Also the air conditioning worked great!!!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Charles from United States – 17 July 2024 (9/10)

  The patio was a nice feature along with its’ location to many attractions in Venice.

• Fabulous location! – Kim from United States – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, easy to walk to everything. Supermarket was a minute away for groceries. Terrace was lovely! Beds were comfortable. Host was accommodating when we came in very late.
  
  What could be improved: Well, all the stairs are a hassle with big suitcases but we knew that when we booked a terrace apartment.

• Great place in central Venice. – Jens from Germany – 1 July 2023 (9/10)

  Very convenient central location, very nice modern interior.
  
  What could be improved: You have to climb a lot of narrow stairs to reach the appartment.

• Exceptional – Anna from Armenia – 19 May 2023 (10/10)

  The location was very good.
  We really enjoyed the balcony, especially having Italian coffee in the mornings and Proseco in the eavnings😊 The host was verypleasant and fast replying to any request. She met us with beautiful served table and compliments.
  I staied here with my 3 friends and we all definitly recomemd u to stay in Rooftop San Marco.

• Great apartman – Tonyx1979 from Croatia – 18 May 2023 (10/10)

  Great apartman, especialy location!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great

• We had a lovely stay with wonderful hosts, we definitely plan to come again. One of the cleanest apartments we’ve rented – Kathryn from Italy – 17 January 2023 (10/10)

  perfect location, minutes to Saint Marks Square, adorable patio on the roof, comfortable beds, immaculately clean, very well stocked in the kitchen and bathroom, easy instructions to find the location and to enter the location, fully refurbished apartment, everything worked well in the apartment, no complaints whatsoever!
  
  What could be improved: nothing, it was all great

• Perfect location and well appointed apartment with everything you need. – Julianne from Canada – 8 October 2022 (9/10)

  very helpful team organized everything for an easy transfer from the airport to the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: sofa bed wasn’t very comfortable but that’s a minor thing and quite a few stairs but that was expected.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities