San Giacomo

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon Hotel San Giacomo last spring when I was dodging the usual Venice crowds – you know, that mad rush around San Marco during high season. It’s tucked away in Santa Croce, right off the beaten path but still super easy to reach if you’re coming in from the train station at Santa Lucia. Honestly, I just hopped off the vaporetto at Riva de Biasio and wandered a couple of narrow calli – those twisty little streets that make you feel like you’re in a maze – and there it was, on a quiet corner near Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio. No cars honking or tour groups blocking the way, which is a godsend in a city like this where everything’s on foot or by boat. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe, with faded pinkish walls and shuttered windows that creak a bit in the breeze off the canal – nothing flashy, but it fits right in with the neighborhood’s low-key charm. I mean, Santa Croce isn’t all glitz like Dorsoduro; it’s more where locals grab their morning espresso at a corner bar, and you can actually hear birds chirping instead of just gondola serenades.

Stepping inside, it’s like the place gives you a warm hug – the lobby’s small but cozy, with these old wooden beams overhead and a faint smell of fresh coffee drifting from the breakfast nook. Check-in was a breeze; the staff (mostly family-run, I think) chatted with me about the best time to hit the Rialto market – early morning, before the fishmongers pack up – and even hooked me up with a vaporetto pass tip to avoid the lines at Piazzale Roma. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a tiny courtyard where you could hear faint church bells from San Giacomo church nearby. It wasn’t huge, sort of compact like most spots in Venice, but the bed was comfy with those crisp white sheets that feel luxurious after a day of walking on uneven cobblestones. Oh, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works – no weak dribble here. Breakfast is included, nothing over-the-top, but fresh pastries, yogurt, and strong cappuccino that hits the spot. Well, one minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s online, but hey, you’re in Venice – put the phone down and wander. The place is spotless, though, and quiet at night, except maybe for the occasional boat horn from the Grand Canal a few blocks away.

What really makes San Giacomo stand out, though, is how it feels authentic without trying too hard – it’s a solid 3-star gem with that 9.1 rating for a reason, drawing in folks who want the real Venice without the hefty price tag. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner and hate those massive chain hotels, this is your spot; it’s close enough to the action – a 15-minute stroll to the Frari church or a quick boat to San Polo – but far from the tourist traps. I stayed three nights and left feeling like I’d uncovered a little secret. Come in shoulder season, like April or October, when the canals aren’t sweltering and the place isn’t booked solid. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for skipping the overpriced spots and settling into something this genuine. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $260. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $311. Apartment – Ground Floor with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $342. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Enjoyable four days in Venice. – Roslyn from Australia – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and lovely back garden to enjoy. Lovely welcome from Elisabetta.

• I would definitely stay here again! It is priced fairly and meets all our desires. – William from United States – 6 May 2025 (8/10)

  The place was absolutely spotless and my wife particularly liked the decoration everywhere, and the bathroom setup, lighting, and decoration, which is particularly good for a very old place that's been made convenient to modern standards. We loved the location, which is so convenient to the railroad station, to several excellent dining establishments and to other needs, yet very close to two vaporetto docks. It's about a half hour walk through the Rialto to St. Marks, but charming all the way. The little garden is very charming and quiet….a very pleasant place for two 80s-something folks, but would be great for a young couple too.
  
  What could be improved: We had understood there was a dryer, but there is not. Since Venice was at the end of a nearly three-week trip, we did have laundry. There's a clothesline, and that worked fine, but also we didn't really understand how to use the little washing machine and I'm not sure our underwear ever did actually get rinsed. Not a big matter, but it bears mentioning.

• Lovely apartment with local character. – Ronja from Germany – 3 January 2025 (10/10)

  Lovingly restored apartment with local character, gorgeous garden and a very good location. The furniture is tasteful and of high quality.
  
  What could be improved: Since it is a ground floor apartment with small windows it is a bit dark but that is very common in Venice i think.

• Beautifully decorated, the third floor apartment overlooks a private garden – a rareity in Venice. – William from United States – 27 October 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was well equipped, well located (i.e. quiet) but also elegantly appointed and with its own outside terrace a gem !
  
  What could be improved: not applicable. We were happy with everything physical and service-wide

• An excellent place to stay – Albert from United Kingdom – 12 July 2024 (9/10)

  The flat was beautifully clean, the host friendly and very helpful. The terrace was a lovely place to sit with shelter from the sun if desired. Being close to a Co-op was very useful.
  
  What could be improved: Very little if anything.

• Nice appartment with garden seating, in a quiet yet easy to acces area – Lucia from Czech Republic – 27 June 2024 (10/10)

  We loved the friendly and informative approach of Elisabetta, who took care of us and provided all necessary info.
  The building is well equipped, spacious enough, with bathroom separated from toilet (advantage when 4 guests).
  The inner garden is beautiful and relaxing, ideal for everyday breakfast and late night prosecco time.
  The area is quiet but close to the channel, about 3 min to vaporetto and also close to the bus/train station (10-15min on foot)
  Supermercato nearby.
  Thank you.
  
  What could be improved: If you do not plan on investing in vaporetto tickets, getting to the very center is slightly longer than from the other side of channel (about 20 min).

• Exceptional – James from United Kingdom – 26 May 2024 (10/10)

  Friendly and helpful host, very clean and beautifully appointed.

• Strongly recommend, for short or long stay! – Daryna from Ukraine – 21 November 2023 (10/10)

  Very quite location, inner garden, good hosting.
  
  What could be improved: When you have some food in the garden, wasps are coming immediately (September). Candles doesn't help( But this is nature, so we coexisted somehow)

• It was great and everything we had dreamed of for our visit to Venice. – Dwiggins from United States – 19 July 2023 (10/10)

  Lovely garden and the apartment is very cozy and comfortable. It was a great location and very clean.

• A wonderful memory. Our key holder Elisabeth’s was very welcoming and charming. – Yvonne from Australia – 17 May 2023 (9/10)

  Friendly welcome. Liked the location.
  Very local neighbourhood, loved the ambience of the meandering streets, cafes, restaurants nearby. Local supermarket and shops. Lovely sunny garden courtyard. The washing machine was a nice surprise.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe a rug on the floor, it felt a little cold. But a little cooler weather and rain made it felt damp.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities