San Domenico Apartment with Garden View R&R

Hotel Description

I’ve gotta say, stumbling upon the San Domenico Apartment with Garden View R&R in Venice’s Castello neighborhood felt like uncovering a hidden gem after a long day of dodging crowds in San Marco. I mean, I arrived via the vaporetto to the Arsenale stop – you know, that one where the old shipyard looms like something out of a history book – and it was just a short wander down those narrow, winding calles, past the little bridge over Rio di San Daniele. The address is Castello 1275, tucked away in this quieter part of town where locals actually live, not just pose for selfies. Honestly, after the bustle of Piazza San Marco (which is about a 15-minute stroll away if you don’t get lost in the alleys), pulling up to this place was a relief. The check-in was super low-key – no fancy lobby, just a friendly host who met me at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English-Italian mix, pointing out the garden view from the window like it was his own backyard secret. And parking? Well, forget about that in Venice; you’re on foot or water here, but that’s part of the charm, right?

What really sold me was how this 4-star spot – yeah, it earns that 9.1 rating for good reason – blends old Venetian vibes with just enough modern comfort to make you feel at home. The apartment itself is spacious, with these high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you pace around (a minor nitpick if you’re a light sleeper, but earplugs fix that). The garden view? Oh man, it’s not some manicured postcard; it’s this lush, overgrown patch with vines climbing the walls and the faint scent of jasmine mixing with that briny canal air – especially magical in the evenings when the sun dips and you hear distant church bells from San Pietro di Castello nearby. I spent mornings sipping coffee on the little balcony, watching neighbors hang laundry – feels authentic, you know? Inside, there’s a full kitchenette that’s a lifesaver for whipping up pasta from the market on Via Garibaldi (just a five-minute walk, where locals grab their fresh produce and that killer gelato spot, Gelateria Chiusso). The bed was comfy, linens fresh, and the Wi-Fi held up for streaming, though it dipped during peak tourist hours in summer – fair warning if you’re here in July. It’s sort of off the beaten path, so noise levels are low; no vaporettos honking right outside, just the occasional seagull or chatter from the campo below.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelm, this place is a no-brainer. It’s not perfect – the stairs up to the apartment can be a haul with luggage (ask for help if needed), and in high season, you might feel the trek to the Rialto a tad long – but that’s what keeps it real and restful, hence the R&R in the name. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced the city, not just ticked off sights. Book it for a week in shoulder season like April or October, when the gardens are blooming and the crowds thin out, and you’ll thank me. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger, maybe skip the gondola and just wander the sestieri instead.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $426. Two-Bedroom Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 4 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Superb – Elise from Germany – 23 May 2025 (9/10)

  This well-equipped apartment is perfectly situated near Arsenale/Giardini. The location really shines if you enjoy getting off the main tourist path—the quieter side streets offer an experience of Venice with local markets, the amazing neighborhood butcher, and cafes to take your espresso quietly.
  
  The apartment has everything you need and offers lovely views of both the gardens and the canal, which made our mornings particularly enjoyable. The peaceful setting is a real highlight. The main drawback was inconsistent WiFi coverage throughout the apartment – it worked well in common areas but was spotty in the main bedroom, which was challenging since we needed reliable internet for work.
  
  Overall, it's a solid choice with an unbeatable location and beautiful views. The authentic neighborhood feel and well-appointed space made for a very pleasant stay, despite the connectivity issues. I would definitely stay here again!

• Probably the most cozy apartment in Venice – Ioana from Romania – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  This was one of the best apartments we found on Booking. Very modern design, very clean, all facilities included. We did not miss anything during our stay. The host was very nice and contacted us before reaching the accommodation to arrange the key handover and to make sure that we will have a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out process was also very easy! Also transfer from both airports (Marco polo and Treviso) is possible against an extra fee. Definitely a place where we would come back.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs to access the apartment are super narrow and steep and you have to climb one double floor using them. For us it was not a problem but I think other travellers should know, especially if they are travelling with large baggage, children trollers, older people or people with disabilities.

• Exceptional – Dirk from Belgium – 28 December 2024 (10/10)

  – Brand new. Nice design. Well equiped. Nice terrazzo floor.
  – Outside tourist area, quiet
  – Next to Giardini vaporetto stop
  – Next to restaurants and supermarkets
  
  What could be improved: – All WIFI codes we found were not valid.
  (PS : maybe installing some day a TV bench for the wires, boxes, etc ? It somehow ruins actually the design)

• Flat to be recommended. Perfect location and great flat – Christel from Belgium – 17 November 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location close to the vaporetto and the amenities. Apartment well equipped, calm, clean with a nice view. Information clear and staff on time for the keys.
  
  What could be improved: na

• Love this place. – Raytheon from United Kingdom – 21 September 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location for me. Super close to the Bienalle. Super efficient transfers via speedboat or ferry to airport or train station in a nice quiet location. Well furnished and super comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Just a note for less mobile guests. The stairs to the apartment are quite worn and should be negotiated with care while using the handrail.

• Comfortable, amazing view, great location – Emma from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (8/10)

  View from lounge was amazing. Apartment was beautifully clean and beds were very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs no lift. Not sure about the street it was on but in a good area.

• Ultrakurztrip in bester Lage – Frederike from Germany – 8 March 2025 (10/10)

  Superschönes Apartment mit sehr hochwertiger Ausstattung !
  Perfekte Lage mit Ruhe und guter Anbindung
  
  What could be improved: Wir mussten einen Mietvertrag ausfüllen, das war sehr irritierend !

• Perfekt – Michaela from Austria – 27 October 2024 (10/10)

  Ein für Venedig ungewöhnlich schönes und ganz neues Appartement
  Liegt war etwas weiter draußen (direkt bei der bienale ) aber wurde von uns auch als Lage bewusst ausgewählt
  
  What could be improved: Das Stiegenhaus ist sehr steil und typisch venezianisch
  Das Appartement liegt in einem alten Mehrfamilienhaus und das Stiegenhaus ist einfach alt

• Bardzo przyjemny i komfortowy. – Anna from Poland – 17 August 2024 (9/10)

  Przestronne wnętrze, wygodne, ładnie zaprojektowane. Ma wszystkie potrzebne sprzęty na dłuższy i krótszy pobyt.
  Klimatyzacja – która sprawdza się idealnie w letnie upalne dni. W schłodzonym mieszkaniu można się od razu szybko zregenerować.
  Świetnie położone, blisko parku, Art Biennale (Giardini I Arsenale). Blisko sklep, warzywniak, kawiarnie i restauracje z pysznym jedzeniem.
  
  What could be improved: Niektóre sprzęty wymagały serwisu. Po zgłoszeniu do właściciela – podjął działanie. Więc ok 🙂

• Für eine junge Familie und sportliche Gruppe ideale Lage zur Bienalle und Arsenale – Jürgen from Germany – 18 September 2024 (4/10)

  Lage und Austattung
  
  What could be improved: Unzumutbares Treppenhaus bis zum 2.Stock, unsauberer Eingang vom Hof.
  Mit abenteuerlichen Treppen und für ältere Menschen mit Gepäck ( Koffer ) nicht zu empfehlen.

SURROUNDINGS

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