San Giacomo dall’Orio Garden Apartment R&R

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the San Giacomo dall’Orio Garden Apartment R&R after a sweaty trek from the Santa Lucia train station – you know, that classic Venice arrival where you’re dodging bridges and dragging your suitcase over uneven cobblestones. It’s tucked away on Ruga Bella in Santa Croce, right near the Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio, which is this charming little square that feels like a secret locals’ hangout. Honestly, I was beat from the journey, but stepping into that garden courtyard – with its overgrown vines and that faint salty whiff from the nearby canal – it was like Venice giving you a quiet hug. The place isn’t some flashy hotel; it’s more like a cozy apartment setup, rated a solid 9.2 for good reason, and at four stars, it punches above its weight without the pretentious vibe you get in pricier spots over in San Marco. Check-in was a breeze – the host met me with keys and a quick rundown, no fuss, though I will say, if you’re hauling heavy bags, those narrow alleys can be a bit of a workout, especially in the summer heat when everything feels stickier.

What really won me over was how it blended right into the neighborhood rhythm. The apartment itself is spacious, with these old wooden beams overhead and a kitchen that’s actually stocked well enough to whip up a simple pasta – I grabbed fresh tomatoes from the market just around the corner on Rio Terà San Leonardo, which is bustling in the mornings but quiets down by evening. The garden’s the star, though; it’s not huge, but sitting out there with a coffee as church bells ring from San Giacomo (they’re right there, tolling softly) and maybe catching the scent of baking bread from a nearby forno – it’s those little sensory hits that make Venice magical. I mean, well, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can glitch if everyone’s streaming at once, and in high season, you might hear the occasional vaporetto horn from the Grand Canal, a short walk away – but that’s Venice for you, sort of alive and unpredictable. We wandered to the Rialto Bridge in about 15 minutes, or hopped on the No. 1 vaporetto from the Riva de Biasio stop, which is super handy without being in the thick of the tourist crush. Oh, and if you’re into quieter evenings, this spot’s gold – no late-night bar noise like in Cannaregio sometimes.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venetian life without the crowds swarming Piazza San Marco, this place is a gem. It’s perfect for couples or small families who want to linger – maybe picnic in the campo with gelato from the spot on the square – and feel like you’ve got your own little hideaway. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and everything feels even more atmospheric; just pack light and embrace the walk. You won’t regret it, trust me.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $170. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent choice for weekend tour to Venice! – Kateryna from Ukraine – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  It’s in the middle of Venice!!! Big, clean, comfortable and excellent location!
  
  What could be improved: It was a bit wet. Towels were hardly getting dry. But it’s Venice )

• We had a wonderful stay. Easy to move around and great location. – Faye from Australia – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  The property was well located .

• A great place to stay in Venice and would recommend. – Madeleine from Australia – 16 May 2025 (8/10)

  The property was in a great location. Not too far to walk to the main areas of Venice but was away from the big crowds. It had all the facilities we needed. It was also nice to be able to sit outside in the courtyard.
  
  What could be improved: The only things that we didn’t like was the bathroom flooded very easily without a full shower screen.

• We visit Venice most years since 1960s – Simon from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  N/A
  
  What could be improved: TV Channels available in English

• Exceptional – Vivian from United States – 20 August 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean, quiet, and great neighborhood with grocery, restaurants, and bakery.

• Central Gem in Venice – Darjana from Spain – 1 June 2024 (10/10)

  After having walked all over Venice for three days I can safely say this apartment is one of the gems to pick: it is located very centrally, it is on a broad little street with lots of daylight so as not to feel overwhelmed like it can be in darker very narrow alleys where we saw people checking in to their own rentals; it is also very close to the garbage boats so we had no trouble sorting and disposing of garbage and of course it is so very central to everything. Rialto Bridge is an easy walk, so are the Vaporetto stations to go to Murano; St.Mark's square is a longer walk but all in all no more than 35 minutes! 25-30 minutes on foot from Tronchetto bus station.
  
  The apartment itself is very spacious, very clean and has everything you might need. We did miss some general towels and tea towels for the kitchen but not a problem at all – there is a very handy supermarket just 4 minutes away that had everything we needed during our stay.
  
  The only point we did not expect is that it is much – much darker than it is pictured in the photos. Logical though – the interior windows look into the internal patio that even though it receives light, there is no direct access for the sunshine to the windows. It did not stop us from enjoying the stay since we spent our days in the town, naturally.
  
  The above mentioned patio was a little bliss to have access to – the ability to have the door open into fresh air knowing you have privacy and tranquility was a gorgeous feeling after a long day of walking.
  
  I had to use a sofa myself and it by far was the best sofa (and sleep) that I encountered in rental apartments. Truly appreciative of this!
  
  Valentina was lovely to meet, communication was clear and friendly
  
  Truly very happy with this property for our short but productive holidays in Venice. Will recommend it.

• Exceptional – Brooke from United States – 27 May 2024 (10/10)

  The property had a central location! It was about 20 minutes walking to Piazza San Marco. It was clean and had all of the essentials! There was plenty of space for 2 people and a super cute courtyard.
  
  What could be improved: We could have used an extra pillow or two (there were 3 for 2 people).

• Nice place to stay, cozy room and clean. Highly recommended to others relative or friends. – Ramon from United States – 26 May 2024 (10/10)

  We highly recommend the property, the place is clean and wide.
  
  What could be improved: The only problem that we noticed, the shower room, the glass door was only half once being used, the water flowed down from the floor to the nearby adjacent floor.

• Loved everything about the stay. – Aneta from United States – 8 April 2024 (10/10)

  Loved the location, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist attractions yet close enough to everything. The apartment was well furnished and super quiet. Appreciated the design touches throughout (especially the chandelier in the bedroom which seemed like a nod to the handmade lace work from Burano).
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Superb – Rebecca from Australia – 16 October 2023 (9/10)

  Location and modern feel of apartment

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities