40.17 SAN MARCO

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon 40.17 San Marco almost by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso – you know, that stop that’s always buzzing with tourists snapping photos of the Grand Canal. Honestly, navigating those narrow calli in San Marco can feel like a treasure hunt, especially with a suitcase in tow, but this place is tucked away on Calle San Paternian, just a quick five-minute weave from the piazza. It’s not one of those flashy spots screaming for attention; instead, it’s in this unassuming old building that sort of blends into the faded ochre walls around it. I mean, Venice is all about those hidden gems, right? Check-in was a breeze – the owner, this chatty local guy named Marco (fitting, huh?), greeted me with a espresso and a map scribbled with his favorite off-path routes to dodge the crowds. No fancy lobby, just a cozy reception area with creaky wooden floors that smell faintly of aged timber and whatever’s baking in the nearby pasticceria. And parking? Well, forget about it – this is Venice, so you’re walking or boating everything, but they pointed me to a secure spot for my bag at the station if needed.

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel captures that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My room – a standard double on the second floor – overlooked a quiet side canal, and let me tell you, waking up to the soft lap of water against stone and the distant chime of church bells from San Moisè (that’s the little church just around the corner) was pure magic. It’s a 3-star setup, so nothing extravagant, but the beds are comfy with those crisp white linens that feel like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and the bathroom’s got a decent rain shower – a godsend after traipsing around in the humid afternoons. Breakfast is simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, yogurt, and cappuccino served in a tiny courtyard that’s shaded by vines, where you can eavesdrop on neighbors chatting in thick Venetian dialect. Oh, and if you’re into exploring, it’s ridiculously close to spots like the Fenice opera house – I caught a show there one evening, just a two-minute stroll away – or you can slip down to Campo Santo Stefano for a spritz at sunset. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night once the day-trippers clear out, though you might hear the occasional gondola serenade echoing through the alleys. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms – sort of par for the course in these old buildings with thick walls – but it worked fine in the common areas.

All in all, if you’re looking for a place that feels like a local’s secret rather than a tourist trap, 40.17 San Marco is it. With that solid 9 rating, it’s clear others agree – I met a couple from Milan who come back every year for the unpretentious charm. Venice can be overwhelming in peak season (think July crowds turning San Marco into a sardine tin), but staying here lets you slip in and out easily, maybe even catch the quiet mornings before the hordes arrive. It’s not perfect – rooms are on the snug side, like most in the city – but that’s part of what makes it real. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those lazy afternoons wandering to the Rialto Bridge, just a 10-minute amble away, with a gelato in hand. If you’re plotting a trip, book early; spots like this fill up fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $192. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $204. Deluxe Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Bruce from United States – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location of the facility was good; a little bit away from the high volume tourist areas, but close enough to get to boats and airport transportation.
  
  What could be improved: The method of check-in was a little cumbersome, since there is no on sight reception. We understand the reasoning behind this; the second time would probably be easier.

• Melanie from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Tucked away in a back street, this place is a gem of a find. Staff were great and the room was clean, spacious , comfortable and had everything we needed for our stay

• Estrella from United States – 20 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location location location
  
  What could be improved: Have to climb one flight of stairs can be difficult for people traveling with strollers, large luggage.

• Johanna from Malta – 10 December 2024 (9/10)

  Property is very central.

• Kelly from Ireland – 3 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location was amazing – the only thing I would complain about was noise from the street outside. The room was on the side of a busy pedestrian street with lots of noise at night.
  
  What could be improved: When booking, I thought this was a hotel. I only got an email saying it wasn't a hotel after I had made a booking. The front door is down a very small narrow alley. The city tax also came as a surprise after I had booked – this should have been taken upfront as part of the overall booking fee.

• Richard from United Kingdom – 4 November 2024 (8/10)

  Great location and spacious room

• Amanda from United Kingdom – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  Property was in a great location, few minutes walk to Rialto Bridge and not far from Piazza San Marco.
  The room was spacious and clean.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, I was more than satisfied.

• Jonathan from United States – 6 October 2024 (9/10)

  Loved the location! The room was super cute, the shower could use some updating.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really

• Debbie from United Kingdom – 18 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  Decor
  
  What could be improved: Milk and water wasn’t replaced every day

• Chris from United States – 16 September 2024 (9/10)

  So close to virtually everything in Vernazza. Train station very handy.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities