San Barnaba Palace R&R

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon San Barnaba Palace R&R almost by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico – that stop’s a lifesaver if you’re lugging bags from the train station, honestly, because it’s just a short wander through those twisty Dorsoduro alleys to Calle del Scaleter. The place is tucked away in this old palazzo, and my first thought was, wow, this feels like stepping into one of those hidden Venice gems that locals whisper about – not the flashy San Marco spots overrun with tour groups, but something quieter, more lived-in. Check-in was a breeze; the front desk guy – Marco, I think? – chatted me up about the best nearby osteria for cicchetti while handing over the key, no fuss, no long lines like you’d get at the bigger hotels. And the building itself? It’s got that classic Venetian vibe with high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you walk – sort of charming, though I will say, if you’re not great with stairs, pack light because there’s no elevator, and those steps can feel endless after a day of exploring.

What really sold me on the place, though, was how it balances that old-world feel with just enough modern comforts to make you relax – I mean, the rooms aren’t massive, but mine had this huge window overlooking a tiny canal (not the Grand one, but a sleepy side one where you hear the occasional gondolier humming in the morning), and the bed was plush enough to sink into after pounding the pavements. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard – think fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and that faint salty scent from the lagoon drifting in – nothing over-the-top, but solid and way better than the tourist traps around Rialto. Dorsoduro’s my favorite sestiere anyway; it’s artsy without trying too hard, and from the hotel, you’re like five minutes from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or that quirky squero on Rio di San Trovaso where they fix gondolas – I spent an afternoon just watching the craftsmen, you know? Evenings here are peaceful too; the neighborhood quiets down after dark, no blaring music or crowds, though in peak summer it can get a tad humid inside if you forget to crack a window. Oh, and practical note: no parking obviously (it’s Venice!), but they can arrange a water taxi drop-off if you ask – saved me from schlepping over the Accademia Bridge with my suitcase.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venice without the chaos – well, this is it. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and the decor leans more historic than sleek (think ornate mirrors and faded frescoes that could use a touch-up), but that’s part of the charm, right? Rated an 8.1 for good reason – solid four-star value in a spot that feels real. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole area turns magical. If you’re planning a trip, book a room with a view and thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $231. Studio Apartment with 2 × 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $231. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $283. Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $334. One-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• David from United Kingdom – 12 October 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was newly done and therefore very clean and tidy. All new appliances and freshly painted. Apartment is large and spacious. The area is very quiet at night which is great but still close to squares or plazzas for restaurants etc. All in all can recommend staying in these apartments.
  
  What could be improved: It just needed some picture on the walls more cushions on sofas and perhaps a couple of rugs, as it did feel quite sparse and echoey. Perhaps a small sign outside the door to indicate the apartments as we found it difficult to find.

• Federico from Italy – 8 December 2024 (9/10)

  Struttura moderna, pulito e confortevole
  
  What could be improved: Prezzo piuttosto caro, anche se comparabile con offerte analoghe

• Karine from France – 18 November 2024 (9/10)

  très bel appartement moderne de grande taille – 5 fenêtres = grande clarté – appartement neuf et très bien équipé – Beaux objets , bien meublé – Parfaitement situé dans Dorsoduro , près de plein de petits bars et restos – Communication avec les hôtes très réactive
  
  What could be improved: Rien à dire de négatif !
  une suggestion : 1 ou 2 tableaux ( photos ? ) aux murs seraient super !

• Michel from France – 17 November 2024 (8/10)

  Emplacement et quartier super
  Appartement état impeccable refait neuf avec toutes les commodités
  Très calme
  
  What could be improved: Appartement rez de chaussée très sombre. Étant absents dans la journée cela ne nous a pas trop gênés, mais peu de lumière du jour

• Peter from Germany – 21 September 2024 (8/10)

  Gute Lage, toller Stadtteil, nahe am Campo und dem Vaporetto, chic und modern, offene Küche mit Frühstückstheke, gute Aufteilung, Einbauschränke, gute Beleuchtung
  
  What could be improved: Zu wenig Tageslicht, Bad sehr klein ohne Fenster, man muss vorsichtig duschen, damit das Wasser nicht in den Flur fließt

• Karin from Germany – 28 August 2024 (9/10)

  Großzügige, moderne und helle Wohnung, mit sehr gutem Komfort und geschmackvoller Einrichtung. Das Haus war komplett modernisiert. Perfekte Lage zum Zentrum und Bahnhof in ruhiger Umgebung, zwei Vaporetto-Stationen am Canal Grande innerhalb weniger Minuten zu Fuß erreichbar.

• Matteo from Italy – 27 August 2024 (9/10)

  Appartamento spazioso, pulito e comodo
  
  What could be improved: È stato tutto perfetto durante il soggiorno

• Francesco from Italy – 19 August 2024 (9/10)

  Struttura moderna, ben arredata. Pulizie estremamente curate. Ottimi i kit cortesia forniti.
  Posizione comoda e vicina ai mezzi.
  Comunicazioni con l’host rapide e semplici.
  Ci tornerò di sicuro

• Nicola from Italy – 16 August 2024 (9/10)

  Abbiamo prenotato questa casa con amici e devo dire che è stata un ottima scelta! Appartamento nuovissimo, bagni spaziosi, letti comodissimi e ampi spazi! La terrazza è meravigliosa, molto curata e con un bel tavolo per pranzi all’aperto! La casa è 5 minuti dal ponte dell’accademia quindi posizione centralissima! Cucina grande e super attrezzata! Ci torneremo!

• Caterina from Italy – 16 August 2024 (9/10)

  Appartamento ben arredato, in un ottima posizione e pulizia eccezionale. Lo staff é stato molto disponibile.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities