Salmaso Apartments

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Salmaso Apartments almost by accident last spring, when I was weaving through the back alleys of San Marco after getting off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria. You know, that stop where the crowds thin out a bit if you duck left instead of heading straight to the Piazza? It’s tucked away on Calle Del Pestrin, this narrow little passageway that’s more residential than you’d expect in such a touristy district – honestly, it feels like you’ve slipped into a quieter pocket of Venice, away from the souvenir hawkers on the main drags. I arrived a tad early, lugging my suitcase over those uneven stones (pro tip: pack light, because there are no cars here, and the bridges can be a workout), and the check-in was a breeze – just a quick code for the door from the host via app, no fussing with a front desk. The building itself has that classic Venetian charm, with worn marble steps leading up to the apartments – well, no elevator, which might be a drag if you’re on the top floor with heavy bags, but it adds to the authentic vibe, you know?

What really won me over was how these places feel like actual homes rather than cookie-cutter hotel rooms. I stayed in one of the two-bedroom units, and it was spacious enough to spread out – think high ceilings with exposed beams, a kitchenette stocked with basics (I whipped up pasta from that little market on Campo San Barnaba, just a 10-minute stroll away), and windows overlooking a tiny canal where you can hear the occasional gondola oar dipping in the water. The decor’s a mix of modern and old-world – soft linens on the beds, a comfy sofa that begged for afternoon naps after dodging the midday crowds at the Rialto. Oh, and the Wi-Fi was surprisingly solid for streaming shows in the evenings, which is a godsend when you’re jet-lagged. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night since the alley dead-ends; you might catch faint echoes of church bells from Santo Stefano or the hum of early-morning deliveries, but nothing that kept me up. That said, during high season in summer, the whole San Marco area buzzes with day-trippers – so if you’re here in July, book a unit facing inward to avoid the foot traffic smells wafting up from the streets (a mix of canal water and fresh cornetti from the bakery around the corner on Calle Larga XXII Marzo).

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to live like a local in Venice without sacrificing comfort – I mean, it’s rated a solid 9 for a reason – Salmaso is a gem. It’s not the cheapest spot, but for a 4-star setup, you get that rare balance of privacy and proximity: five minutes to St. Mark’s Basilica on foot, or hop a vaporetto to the islands if you need a break from the mainland madness. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-peak in autumn when the fog rolls in and everything feels a bit more magical – just watch out for acqua alta; they provide booties, but pack your own if you’re paranoid about wet feet. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you rethink those big chain hotels.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $228. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $300. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Baumgartel from Canada – 3 April 2024 (10/10)

  Everything very smooth. They were in contact and gave us clear instructions for public transit and how to arrive. They gave us recommendations for places to eat that were excellent. And they arranged a free tour/transportation to Murano and glass factory. Amazing staff and service!

• Lorna from United Kingdom – 31 March 2025 (10/10)

  Had a great stay. Stefana was very helpful prior to arrival. Great location, very clean and had everything you could need.

• Ruthanne from United States – 26 February 2025 (10/10)

  Beautifully furnished and great location. The host was exceptionally helpful. Very close to Alilaguna stop.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Thomas from Australia – 8 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and very easy to get around

• Aoife from Ireland – 7 February 2025 (10/10)

  Clean, great location, quiet, spacious for 5 people
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Leonardo from Australia – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  The host was very helpful and communicative, and accommodated our unexpected late arrival. We were met at the ferry and taken to the apartment, very helpful in the dark. A slight issue with the central heating was fixed immediately, the maintenance people beat us back to the apartment to fix the issue. Very comfortable apartment in a central Venice location, we were delighted.

• Michelle from Canada – 26 January 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Spacious and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Could have used more seating in the living area-not enough room for everyone to sit.

• Hall from Australia – 11 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great clean, culturally comfortable apartment in excellent location. Fantastic communication and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Niamh from Ireland – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, apartment very comfortable for a couple.

• Marina from Greece – 16 December 2024 (10/10)

  Very cosy apartment,clean,warm and in the center of everything!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities