San Giobbe Francesca Apartment

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling off the vaporetto at the Guglie stop – you know, that one right after the train station – and weaving through those narrow calli in Cannaregio with my backpack digging into my shoulders. Venice in early fall, when the crowds thin out a bit but the air still has that briny tang from the canals, and honestly, it was a relief to escape the chaos around San Marco. The San Giobbe Francesca Apartment is tucked away at 549 Cannaregio, just off the Fondamenta San Giobbe, near that old church and the university buildings where you hear students chattering in Italian over espresso. It’s not smack in the tourist crush, which is a godsend if you’re like me and prefer wandering without elbowing through selfie sticks. I mean, well, the place feels more like a local’s hideout – think quiet mornings with the distant hum of delivery boats and the occasional church bell echoing off the water. Check-in was straightforward; the host met me at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English, no fuss, though I did have to haul my bag up a flight of stairs (Venice classic, right? No elevators in these old buildings, but it’s not too bad if you’re traveling light).

What really won me over was how the apartment itself sort of wraps you in that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. It’s got this cozy, lived-in feel – exposed beams on the ceiling, terracotta floors that are cool underfoot even on warmer days, and a kitchenette stocked with basics like a stovetop and fridge, which saved me a fortune on eating out every meal. I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the little market on Strada Nova, just a five-minute stroll away, and ate it on the balcony overlooking a side canal (yeah, the view’s not Grand Canal epic, but it’s intimate, with laundry flapping across the way and the soft lap of water against stone). The bed was plush, sheets crisp and fresh-smelling, and there’s AC that actually works – a lifesaver in humid summers, though I visited in September when it’s milder. Noise-wise, it’s peaceful at night; Cannaregio quiets down early, except maybe for the odd cat yowling or a late vaporetto horn. Oh, and the bathroom’s modern, with a rainfall shower that rinses off the day’s sweat from exploring – but fair warning, the hot water can be finicky if you’re the first up in the morning. Small gripe, but nothing that ruined the stay; it’s rated 9.6 for a reason, after all.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want something beyond the cookie-cutter hotels, this spot in Cannaregio is where it’s at – close enough to hop a boat to the Rialto (ten minutes, tops) or walk to the Jewish Ghetto for some history and killer cicchetti at those hole-in-the-wall spots like Al Timon. It’s got that four-star polish without the pretension, perfect for couples or solo travelers who appreciate space to unwind. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venice, not just passed through – and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially off-season when rates dip and the whole area feels like your own secret corner of the city. Just pack light for those stairs, and maybe grab a gelato from the place around the corner on your way in.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $215. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Ely nothin – Sharon from Australia – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. It felt like home. Owner was wonderful.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing

• Very spacious and great for cooking – Jyyp from Brazil – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very spacious, with many kitchen equipment.
  
  What could be improved: Could have a drying rack.

• Enjoyed it very much – Rakesh from United States – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Nice large apartment. 1st floor, no stairs. Francesca was very helpful, very accommodating. She really has everything you may need in the apartment. Even a washing machine for our clothes.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great – Gary from Australia – 23 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location, space, everything needed
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect apartment for a getaway trip – Sujitra from Thailand – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  The location is perfect! Very close to public transportation (water taxi), supermarket and able to walk to main attractions. Although located in the heart of venice, the appartment itself felt very safe. The apartment has everything — kitchen, laundry, living room — very much feel like home!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Ramkumar from Italy – 22 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was a wonderful stay, loved our time there a lot!.

• Perfect – Ana from Moldova – 24 February 2025 (10/10)

  We had a wonderful stay in a superb accommodation, located in a quiet and secluded area, perfect for relaxation. The host was very kind, explained everything in detail, provided us with rain gear in case of bad weather, recommended great places to eat, and gave us many other useful tips. The apartment was very clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything needed. We were truly impressed by the hospitality.

• Exceptional – Gerda from South Africa – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  We loved our stay and were made to feel very welcome by Francesca. The apartment had everything we needed and Francesca even left some treats etc for us which was really appreciated. We have recommended to friends who are visiting Venice this year and want to book it. Will definitely book again if available.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect for us . Have to mention that the bath with shower is difficult to access and not suitable for people with mobility problems as have to climb into a very high bath through a narrow opening. A small adjustment to make more accessible for all guests would help.

• The warmest of Venetian welcomes 🤗 – Kate from Australia – 13 October 2024 (10/10)

  Francesca's apartment was an absolute gem!
  
  We were delighted by her warm welcome and grateful for her excellent local recommendations. The space was inviting,, with everything you could want for a short stay in Venice.
  
  The location was also ideal – close enough to the train station to make getting luggage there easy (we pitied those staying closer into the sights who had to navigate 20mins + of cobblestones!) but far enough away from it to feel peaceful. We loved this little pocket of Cannaregio!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect 😊

• A nice quiet peaceful retreat away from main tourist areas – Andrew from United Kingdom – 25 September 2024 (10/10)

  Clean, comfortable and secure. Easily accessible from the railway station or Ple Roma. Convenient vaporetto stop a few steps away (Crea). Owner Francesca was very helpful and Easily contactable. Home away from home.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities