San Gervasio Apartment

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the San Gervasio Apartment almost by accident last fall, when I was weaving through the back alleys of Dorsoduro – you know, that artsy neighborhood in Venice that’s way less chaotic than San Marco but still has that magical, canal-laced vibe. It’s tucked away at Dorsoduro 939, right off a quiet little campo where locals sip spritzes in the evenings, and honestly, finding it felt like discovering a hidden gem. I mean, Venice can be a maze, especially if you’re hauling luggage from the Accademia vaporetto stop – it’s about a 10-minute walk, dodging the occasional delivery cart and those narrow bridges that always seem steeper than they look. But once I got there, the check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with a warm smile and a quick rundown in broken English – no stuffy front desk, just a key handoff and some tips on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. The place itself is more like a cozy, lived-in apartment than a hotel, with these high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that sort of whisper stories from the 18th century. Oh, and the smell – that faint, briny tang from the nearby Rio San Trovaso, mixed with fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Calle Lunga San Barnaba. It was October, so things were mellow, not the summer crush where every alley buzzes with tourists.

What really won me over, though, was how it felt like a slice of real Venetian life – you’re not isolated in some glossy tower; you’re right in the thick of Dorsoduro’s charm. The apartment’s got these big windows overlooking a tiny courtyard (well, more like a glimpse of ivy-covered walls and the occasional pigeon cooing), and inside, it’s decked out with modern touches like a full kitchen – perfect for whipping up pasta from the market at Campo Santa Margherita, which is just a five-minute stroll away. I spent mornings wandering to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, literally steps from here, dodging school kids on their way to class and that earthy scent of damp stone after a light rain. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night – no blaring vaporettos or tour groups yelling under your window, though you might hear faint church bells from Santa Maria della Salute across the way, which honestly added to the romance. That said, if you’re not great with stairs, fair warning: it’s on the second floor with no elevator, like most old buildings in Venice, and parking? Forget it – this is car-free territory, so plan on walking or water taxis. But those little quirks make it authentic, you know? I even caught a glimpse of a gondolier practicing his oar skills in the canal below one afternoon – pure serendipity.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star spot with a stellar 9.3 rating that doesn’t feel overly touristy, San Gervasio is a winner, especially in the shoulder seasons when Venice breathes a bit easier. It’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, and you’ll want to stock up on groceries early since shops close by 8 p.m. – but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat for that homey feel and the way it lets you slip into the city’s rhythm, maybe grab a gelato at Nico’s on the Zattere promenade nearby and watch the sunset over the Giudecca Canal. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you linger longer than planned.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $201. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Maria from United Kingdom – 11 March 2024 (10/10)

  Location is great, owner is friendly, check-in is smooth, price is reasonable, what else to wish for?
  
  What could be improved: All was fine

• Jen from United States – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

  So easy to get to from the train, just a quick public boat ride. Fun area with lots of students around
  
  What could be improved: Not centrally located

• Erdem from Turkey – 14 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location is good and very clean…

• Edmund from United States – 12 October 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location away from the tourist crowds; available washing machine and dryer, host gave us a map and many recommendations, quiet location, comfortable beds, and very easy access to the boat taxis to and from the train station. When we left, we left behind a bag, and the host went out of his way to retrieve and deliver it to the train station for us! We are very thankful for his response to our crisis.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing we did not care for was the starircase to the bedrooms, but this is unavoidable; its just part of the layout of the apartment.

• Tamara from United States – 25 September 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment felt like home. It was clean and well cared for. A charming personality! The hosts were kind and very helpful in orienting us to Venice. I really appreciated the supplies left for coffee and starters. The bed was very comfy and the neighborhood quiet. We loved the location close to taxi and access to the greater Venice, yet out of the fray of tourists.

• Melinda from Australia – 20 September 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful location away from mass crowds of tourists and easy to get to. Lovely Venetian style home with all the amenities needed.
  
  Hosts were excellent at communicating and helping with directions and suggestions for places to eat.

• Annette from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (10/10)

  What a fantasic place to spend our 4 nights 5 days in Venice. The location was perfect. Easy walk to all places, just 8 mins from the Accademia bridge from which you can easily walk to Piazza San Marco and all other central areas. We were there to see the Biennale and walked to both Arsenale and Giardini. However if you prefer the boat the Apartment is right next to the Zattere boat stops which get you to absolutely everywhere you would want to go, including the airport! Would recommend taking the boat at some point, it is a fabulous way to see venice. There is a supermarket 5 mins walk away, a range of great eating places nearby and right on the corner of the alley to the apartment an excellent Gelateria. To the apartment itself, wow so lovely. It has everything you would need. The beds are very very comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped, and the sitting room has comfy chairs to relax on. There was also air conditioning which is a great help in the lovely but humid heat. We have stayed in a few places in Venice and this is definitely the best so far. It is, and feels very venetian , with beautiful furniture and decoration throughout. Gianfranco and his daughter Sonia are the most excellent hosts. They could not have been more helpful, with instructions and information before arrival. There was a transport strike while we were there and they were very quick to offer help and advice as to alternatives. It was lovely to arrive to a bowl of pastries/snacks and for there to be some coffee provided and some milk, butter and water in the fridge. All round wonderful.
  
  What could be improved: While we were there the downstairs shower didn't work so we had to shower over the bath in the upstairs bathroom-there was no curtain- so we had to be careful not to flood the bathroom! However plumbing issues happen to everyone and Gianfranco was apologetic and tried to get a plumber while we were there, unfortunately it wasn't fixed in time for us but I am sure it will be for future guests. It really didn't take away from all the huge positives of the apartment.

• Rebecca from United Kingdom – 3 August 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, spacious and very clean. Welcome basket was appreciated and the host met us from the waterbus.

• Geoffrey from Malta – 17 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location is amazing! So easy to get to and close to bars, restaurants, and the vaporetto. Communication with the host was easy, efficient, and friendly. The property is well equipped for a short stay in Venice, with a well-stocked supermarket close by. Good laundry facilities, easy to use dishwasher, good size fridge. Extremely quiet at night. Easy to follow system for rubbish collection. Really lovely old building with secure outer gate and front doors.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing we didn't like and would stay here again.
  
  Although of no concern to us, travellers with impaired mobility, impaired eyesight, or those with small children, should be aware of the winding, open tread staircase, as well as steps to kitchen and laundry.

• Julie from Australia – 15 July 2024 (8/10)

  the location is great within 100 metres of transport at Zattere water taxi station with easy access from venezia santa lucia station
  
  What could be improved: house was quite dark and although two bathrooms were provided one was downstairs and other one upstairs so if sharing with others no connectivity to bedroom

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities