San Marco Roof Terrace Apartment

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the San Marco Roof Terrace Apartment almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a madhouse. Tucked away on Calle de la Verona – that’s this narrow little alley off the busier Campo San Maurizio, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal – it’s one of those spots that feels like a hidden gem even though you’re smack in the heart of San Marco. I mean, arriving by vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso stop, it’s only about a five-minute walk, dodging the occasional pigeon and those wheeled suitcases that clatter over the bridges. No cars in Venice, obviously, so forget parking woes; just make sure you pack light because those stone steps up to the entrance can be a bit of a workout after a long flight. Check-in was a breeze – the host, this friendly local guy named Marco (fitting, right?), met me with keys and a quick rundown in broken English, complete with tips on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. Honestly, stepping inside, the place hits you with that old Venetian charm: exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors that feel cool underfoot even on warmer days, and this faint salty scent from the canals wafting in through the windows.

What really sold me, though, was that roof terrace – oh man, it’s the star of the show. Picture this: you’re up there at dusk, Aperol spritz in hand, watching the sun dip behind a jumble of red-tiled rooftops and church domes, with the distant hum of gondolas slicing through the water below. It’s not huge, but it’s got enough space for a couple of lounge chairs and a small table, perfect for breakfast (they stock the kitchen with basics like coffee and fresh bread if you ask). The apartment itself is cozy for a couple or small family – two bedrooms with those plush, sink-right-in beds, a living area that doubles as a spot to unwind after traipsing around Piazza San Marco, which is literally a 10-minute stroll away. Well, sort of – avoid midday in high season because the square gets packed with tour groups, but early mornings or evenings, it’s magical and quiet. Noise-wise, the alley is surprisingly peaceful at night; you might hear the occasional boat horn or church bells, but nothing that disrupts sleep. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty up on the terrace – I guess all those ancient walls interfere – so if you’re working remotely, stick to the indoor spots. Still, for a 4-star setup with a 9 rating, it punches above its weight, especially with the full kitchen letting you skip overpriced tourist traps and cook up some pasta from the Rialto Market, just across the bridge.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want that authentic feel without the sterile hotel vibe, this place is it. I’ve stayed in fancier spots along the Grand Canal, but they lack the personal touch – here, it’s like borrowing a friend’s pied-à-terre. Go in shoulder season, say April or October, when the fog rolls in and the city feels yours alone; summers can get steamy, and the terrace turns into a sun trap by noon. Honestly, it’s the kind of spot that makes you linger longer, sipping coffee while overlooking the lagoon, wondering why you’d ever leave. Worth every euro, especially if views and location are your jam.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $179. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location good value spacious – Jacqueline from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (9/10)

  It was a great location. Very spacious apartment. A little place to go sit on the roof. We had an excellent time. We got lost when we arrived and Laura came out to find us. Thank you !

• This truly was an amazing find. As they say – location, location, location. – Marcelle from Saudi Arabia – 2 May 2023 (10/10)

  What a great find! Apartment was very spacious. Only one bedroom but the sofa bed in the living room was very comfortable and two bathrooms. Kitchen had everything we needed. Small roof terrace but with lovely views. Windows in living room opened onto the canal. Lots of stairs but thankfully the lift was working. Amazing location, less than 10 mins walk to the S'Angelo boat station where boats can be taken to other areas and to the airport. Also, we were in short walking distance to everything including the famous square. It's the perfect location – close to everything but not over-run with tourists, at least not in early March. Hosts were so helpful and provided some basic provisions and a book with lots of useful info. Very clean including linens and towels. Good supermarket close by too. Great value for money considering how expensive the hotels are.
  
  What could be improved: The 2nd bathroom only had a hand shower in the tub and with the low ceiling was a bit tricky to use. Fridge wasn't working very well, didn't get cold, but freezer was fine. Trash disposal was a bit of a pain as everything had to be separated for re-cycling and taken out on certain days – it was a bit scary knowing we'd get fined if we didn't do it properly!

• Very comfortable apartment in a great quiet location – Richard from United Kingdom – 24 April 2023 (10/10)

  Great location close to the Opera House, well equipped kitchen and lots of space, the little terrace was great to have a drink/breakfast on looking at the rooftops
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• great spot close to everything. – Andy from United Kingdom – 23 August 2022 (8/10)

  great location
  teenagers loved the small balcony
  
  What could be improved: inadequate air conditioning for summer heat.

• Beautiful terrace with San Marco views – David from United Kingdom – 13 April 2025 (8/10)

  Amazing location literally next to La Fenice opera house and under 10min walk to San Marco. Lovely little terrace overlooking Venice's skyline with many landmarks in view (including San Marco Basilica & Campanile). Al Teatro café next to the opera house is great for breakfast (coffee/pastries etc). Agent met us at flat for check-in, which was smooth and all communication was great. We didn't spend much time in the flat as there is so much to do in Venice. If you were to cook in the flat it looked well-equipped. Flat is large with lots of seating space.
  
  What could be improved: The bed and pillows should be upgraded for greater comfort. Last couple days couldn't get hot water in shower. Lift takes you up several flights, but still several steps remain to climb to flat (didn't bother us, but could be an issue for others). Paid 50 Euro for late arrival, which was anticipated, but be aware of your arrival time. Every morning around 8:30am the doorbell rang (rubbish collection we think), so be prepared! A few more side lamps in the living and bedrooms would be welcome as the overhead lighting is quite stark.

• I have been to Venezia many times, this time for three weeks. The apartment is so relaxing and ideal for a longer stay. – John from Australia – 25 September 2022 (8/10)

  The apartment layout was great.
  
  What could be improved: There were some deficiencies which for this price were not acceptable. Silvia resolved them and I would have to say that I was very satisfied with the apartment. I hope that future guests can enjoy the improvements which I suggested.

• Convenient and close to all the great parts of Venice – loved it! – David from United Kingdom – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location so popping in and out as needed was such a luxury. Overall a great apartment and a terrace we enjoyed every day. All the facilities needed to make a stay comfortable.

• Would be the perfect apartment for two people in the winter … the summer stay was tough with bad AC – Mark from United States – 15 August 2022 (7/10)

  I think for two people in the non summer months it would be perfect and I would give it a 10.
  
  What could be improved: Because the summers are so hot, the apartment only had one A/C unit that struggled to keep the temperature down. We had to buy a fan. There is no AC in the bedroom. With a family of four including to kids it was a little small.

• Parfait !!! – Bergamasco from France – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  Appartement spacieux avec climatisation et aucun bruit !!! La terrasse qui domine les toits est un plus considérable <3 Idéalement placé !!
  
  What could be improved: La table sur la terrasse était cassée et donc inutilisable… Nous avions choisi cet appartement pour pouvoir profiter d’un bon repas sur les toits et c’est franchement dommage :/ Le propriétaire devait la changer, j’espère que ça sera fait rapidement pour les autres locations.

• Exceptional – Ghita from Romania – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Totul

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities