Ruga Bella Apartments R&R

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon Ruga Bella Apartments R&R after weaving through the narrow alleys of Santa Croce, I honestly felt like I’d hit the jackpot in Venice – that rare spot where you can actually breathe without elbowing through tour groups. It’s tucked right on Campo San Giacomo da l’Orio, this lively little square that’s more local hangout than postcard frenzy. I mean, picture this: I arrived mid-afternoon in spring, dodging the occasional pigeon and the faint whiff of canal water mixed with fresh espresso from the corner café, and there it was – a restored old building with those classic Venetian shutters, not some glossy chain hotel. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with a key and a quick rundown in broken English (and my even worse Italian), no fuss about luggage since it’s all walkable from the Ferrovia station – though, fair warning, if you’re hauling big suitcases, those bridges can be a workout. The apartment I got was on the second floor – stairs only, no elevator, which might irk some folks after a day of sightseeing – but once inside, it opened up into this cozy, high-ceilinged space with exposed beams and terracotta floors that creak just enough to feel authentic, not annoying.

What really sold me, though, was how it lets you live like a Venetian for a bit, you know? The kitchenette was stocked with basics – a little fridge, stovetop, even a coffee maker that I used every morning while listening to the church bells from San Giacomo chime softly across the campo. It’s not super fancy, but that’s the charm; the bedding was crisp and comfy, the bathroom spotless with those thick towels that actually dry you off, and the Wi-Fi held up even during peak hours when everyone’s streaming. Honestly, the location’s a gem – you’re steps from the vaporetto stop at Riva de Biasio, so hopping to San Marco or the Rialto Market is easy, but come evening, the square quiets down with just the murmur of neighbors chatting over aperitivi at that tiny bar nearby, maybe Osteria da Codroma if you’re peckish for cicchetti. I wandered out one night and grabbed fresh arancini from a spot on Rio Terà San Leonardo, feeling like I belonged rather than just visiting. Sure, it can get a tad noisy in high season with kids playing in the campo till dusk, but that’s Venice – alive and unfiltered. And parking? Forget it; this is car-free territory, which is a blessing in disguise for ditching the mainland hassles.

All in all, if you’re after a four-star stay that feels more like a friend’s pied-à-terre than a hotel – rated a solid 9 for good reason – Ruga Bella’s where it’s at. It’s perfect for couples or small families wanting to stretch out (mine had a separate living area), and at that address in Santa Croce, you’re immersed in the real rhythm of the city without the San Polo crowds overwhelming you. Well, sort of – Venice is always a bit chaotic, but this place makes it manageable, even magical. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole campo feels like your private courtyard.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $213. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $225. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Laurel from United States – 14 September 2023 (10/10)

  I loved this apartment in the little campo with a few restaurants and a coop grocery store. The campo was quiet except in the later afternoon with children kicking a ball around. One night there was Italian music and a singer (crooner) coming from La Patatina restaurant and it was beautiful and not loud and disturbing. The apartment itself was pristine, new and clean and spacious. It has a lovely washing machine and a rack for drying clothes, a coffee make and even a dishwasher. The bed was very comfy. The shower is spacious. The school worked well and so did both tvs. I wish I could afford to live there.
  
  What could be improved: Couldn’t find a bottle opener

• Andrew from Australia – 7 January 2025 (10/10)

  Had all the latest appliances and close to the attractions

• David from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  Great location. Close to St Stae vaporetto bus stop and three local trattoria with an excellent supermarket in a lively square. The apartment was comfortable, clean and well equipped
  
  What could be improved: We spent a week here in early October and the weather was cold and wet. There was no heating so we had no way to dry wet clothes. Even an electric towel rail would have helped.

• Darjana from Spain – 19 September 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing! A very spacious refurbished apartment right in the center of Venice on the cosiest square that immediately felt like home. Very comfortable, beds, sofa, a spacious bathroom, kitchen equipped with everything one might need for cooking, luminous and well styled. Most surprising were the totally soundproof windows – one of the nights we stayed there was a volleyball tournament right under the windows on the square, you can expect the loud noise, music and people cheering. No sounds whatsoever upon closing the windows – good night's sleep is guaranteed even for the most sensitive sleepers (like me).
  
  Price-value: definitely worth it. Location and comfort make up the total value and we were happy with this choice.
  
  Bring a mosquito repellent because you will always find one or two lurking, but it is Venice and right by the small canal.
  
  The apartment is located on the first floor, no elevator so be prepared to climb a good flight of stairs. Every morning rubbish could be given to the friendly government workers who call the buzzer (but have to react quick), and if you miss them, there is a rubbish boat in 5 minutes walking to the canal.
  
  The staff were wonderful, communication quick and swift and friendly. Checkin easy and very kind and helpful
  
  We did not find any faults at all, and will love to come back to this same apartment the next time we are in Venice, it truly is wonderful.

• Melanie from Singapore – 8 August 2024 (9/10)

  The Ruga Bella apartment was perfect – really a lovely flat in one of the best neighborhoods in Venice. The area is less touristic and full of actual Venetians, with a small supermarket, bakery, restaurants, and wonderful gelato all there at the door. The flat itself is spacious and nicely laid out and comfortable. It really was a great stay and I would happily stay again!

• Jodie from Australia – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Stay here!! Wonderful accommodation in a terrific location. Only three bridges (one large, the other two small), to cross to get to the accommodation. 950m from train station. One flight of stairs to get to room which over looks a lovely piazza. Its so quiet. Everything is close. Great restaurants and a supermarket in the piazza. You could stay her and not walk any more than 150m to get everything you needed for your visit.

• Paul from Ireland – 28 April 2024 (8/10)

  Interior decor is lovely, bed was really comfy.
  Great location just off a lovely square and right on the canal. Highly recommend
  
  What could be improved: The bins in the kitchen weren't emptied from the last guests.

• Lewis from France – 15 April 2024 (8/10)

  Superbly decorated appartment, big for Venezia
  with many windows in a beautiful typical venitian building. I loved the situation inside a quarter where venitians really live. Away from too much tourist crowd. Then a bit far away from a direct path to piazza San Marco.
  
  What could be improved: North exposition of the facade, so a bit wet in mid-season. But it's Venezia so lots of water 🙂

• Irina from Netherlands – 13 February 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, very nice place, very new, very clean. Venice is small, so everything is walking distance, also from this apartment. Halfway between San Marco and Santa Lucia train station. Calm enough, good insulating windows. The heating worked well. Kitchen well equipped, there was even coffee, olive oil, salt, sugar, kitchen towel … things you don't necessarily want to buy in a supermarket just for a couple of days. Supermarket around the corner, at the same square. Very convenient.
  
  What could be improved: The only tiny "but" was that the room wasn't ready for check-in at 3pm – which is not a terribly big deal – BUT we were not granted any flexibility when checking out. Check-out at 10am is rather on the early side. No possibility to leave the luggage.

• Thibaut from France – 26 November 2023 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment is perfect and the amenities extremely comfy.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities