San Marco Prestige with Terrace by Wonderful Italy

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the San Marco Prestige with Terrace by Wonderful Italy after weaving through those narrow calli off the Rialto Bridge – you know, the ones packed with mask shops and gelato stands that smell like fresh waffle cones even in the off-season. It’s tucked right on San Marco 5204, basically a stone’s throw from the bustling Campo San Bartolomeo, where locals grab their morning espresso before the tourist hordes descend. Honestly, arriving in Venice is always a bit of a hassle – no cars, just lugging your suitcase over bridges and dodging pigeons – but this spot made it worthwhile. I got there mid-afternoon in late spring, when the canals are still that dreamy turquoise without the summer stink, and check-in was a breeze; the staff from Wonderful Italy were chatty but efficient, handing over keys with a quick rundown of the Wi-Fi password and where to catch the vaporetto to Murano (it’s just a five-minute walk to the Rialto stop, which is gold if you’re not into overpriced gondolas).

What really sold me was that terrace – oh man, it’s not some tiny balcony squeezed between buildings; it’s a proper rooftop setup with views over the terracotta roofs toward the Campanile di San Marco, and you can hear those bells chiming every hour, like a gentle reminder you’re in the heart of it all. The rooms themselves are cozy in that classic Venetian way – think exposed beams, creaky wooden floors that add character (though they might wake light sleepers if someone’s pacing above), and a kitchenette that’s handy for whipping up pasta from the nearby market on Campo Santa Maria Formosa. It’s rated 7.7 for a reason; nothing fancy like a spa or pool – it’s a solid 3-star, so expect basic towels and a shower that takes a second to heat up – but the air conditioning actually works, which is a lifesaver in July when the humidity hits. I spent evenings up there with a bottle of Prosecco, watching the sunset paint the sky pink while the sounds of accordion players drifted up from the streets below. Well, sort of peaceful, I mean, until the dinner crowds kick in around 8 PM, but that’s Venice for you – embrace the energy or book elsewhere.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting, this place nails it. It’s perfect for couples or small families who don’t mind stairs (no elevator, classic old building vibe) and value that central spot without the insane prices of the big hotels on the Grand Canal. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little gem – not perfect, but authentic, you know? Skip it if you need ultra-luxury, but for a real taste of San Marco life, with that terrace as your private perch, it’s worth every euro. Just pack light and time your trips for shoulder season to avoid the peak chaos.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $207. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Adequate Accommodation in Venice – Dante from United States – 25 September 2024 (8/10)

  The location was good, within short walking distance of Rialto & San Marco attractions. Easy, short walk with baggage from the Rialto vaporetto stop.
  
  What could be improved: We weren't aware of how many flights of stairs to the apartment; we were traveling with a couple of older family members who found the climb difficult. The timed (not motion-sensing) lights in the stairwells would go off before reaching the apartment. There is an unpublished trick to hit the light switch again at each landing to re-start the timer. Entrance to the apartment is in a very narrow street/alleyway which gave us a bit of a safety concern, but we grew more comfortable with it once we got settled in. The two AC units are not in the bedrooms, but it was comfortable as the outside temps were lower than usual during our stay. The terrace, which is what drew our attention to this property, was never used by us; it just didn't seem comfortable.

• Very good – Ron from United States – 16 August 2024 (8/10)

  Gorgeous huge apartment, very clean, centrally located
  
  What could be improved: We had a big problem with the registration. It had to be done through the Wonderful Italy site, and the emails weren't coming and going through. It literally took hours to get things finalized and wasted valuable vacation time. Would've been much better without the third party booking

• 2 level, 2Bed 2Bath apartment in Venice. – Jennifer from Australia – 26 July 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was very large and spacious for Venice. Great space for a family to stay in. Entire apartment was very clean including the floors. The terrace was a great inclusion which you don’t often see.
  
  What could be improved: THE STAIRS! They are not for the faint hearted. There are many stairs and they are very steep so beware when taking luggage up and down, it’s a great work out though.
  The air conditioning did not reach one of the bedrooms so it was very hot in one room.
  The wifi was slow and also did not reach the other end of the apartment where the bedrooms are so devices and tv couldn’t connect to streaming services, the tv in the living room (which was next to the wifi modem) didn’t have the capabilities to connect to the internet as it was an older unit, would have been great if these were switched.

• Beautiful apartment in central Venice – Katie from United Kingdom – 12 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location was very central and the apartment was beautiful
  
  What could be improved: Washing machine listed was not in property

• Lovely location and clean, spacious apartment for your stay – Arimante from United Kingdom – 28 February 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely spacious property, en-suite bathroom in one room. 2 bathrooms in total, perfect for 4 people. Very good location, easy to access train or bus station, find the taxi (~20mins to walk). Loads of restaurants around, shops nearby.
  
  What could be improved: No kettle or coffee, sugar in the kitchen where you can usually find. A little difference from the photos like beds, terrace etc.

• Beautiful apartment in a great location. – Paul from Australia – 12 July 2023 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment in a great location. Close to Rialto Bridge and a stroll to St Marco. Lots of bars and restaurants close by.
  
  What could be improved: No kettle to boil water for tea and coffee. No staples, such as salt, pepper, tea, coffee etc.

• Superb – Nevena from Serbia – 13 January 2023 (9/10)

  location
  
  What could be improved: we had to heat the water for coffee in a pot. It wouldn't be bad if I had at least some sugar in the kitchen. Also, the Wi-Fi signal is not available in all rooms or is very weak

• Very good – Soldati from Switzerland – 14 November 2024 (8/10)

  Not really easy to find the place

• Great central apartment easy access good communication – Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 5 August 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely clean flat with perfect location as it wasn’t too hard to find. The communication from staff was good. The flat is worth booking as it is definitely got everything you need .
  
  What could be improved: WiFi needs to be better maybe another router as it kept cutting out and didn’t always work in bedroom.
  
  Main room bed not great on back, maybe new mattress.
  
  Other then that can’t fault the property

• Good location, lots of room for a family. – Nicola from United Kingdom – 22 July 2023 (7/10)

  Great location and good clear directions to get there. The apartment is spacious, especially the living room.
  
  What could be improved: It looks a little worn and could do with a lick of paint. On the first night the air conditioner wasn’t working; this wasn’t resolved until the next day, so our first night was very uncomfortable. Even with the air con working, it only has two “outlets”, in the kitchen and hall, so you have to have the bedroom doors open to get any benefit.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities