San Marco Venice Apartment

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the San Marco Venice Apartment after a long day weaving through the crowds around St. Mark’s Square – you know, that spot where the pigeons outnumber the people, especially in summer. It’s tucked away on Calle Scoacamini, just off Calle dei Fabbri, which is this narrow little alley lined with those artisan shops selling masks and glass trinkets that locals mostly avoid but tourists can’t resist. Honestly, finding the door at number 1033 felt like a mini treasure hunt; it’s on the first floor (that’s the second floor for us Americans, by the way), and there’s no big sign or doorman – just a discreet buzzer and a quick climb up some worn stone stairs that echo with that classic Venetian creak. I arrived around dusk, and the check-in was super low-key; the host, this friendly guy named Marco (fitting, right?), handed over the keys with a few tips on avoiding the vaporetto rush hours. No parking worries here, obviously – Venice being car-free means you’re walking or boating everywhere, which is half the charm, though my feet were killing me by the end of day one.

What really won me over was how the place feels like a genuine slice of old Venice, not some polished hotel chain. It’s rated 8.4 for good reason – four stars, but it leans more apartment-style with a cozy kitchenette where I whipped up espresso from beans I grabbed at the Rialto Market, just a 10-minute stroll away across the bridge. The rooms have these high ceilings with exposed beams that smell faintly of aged wood and sea salt, and the bed was firm but comfy, the kind that lulls you to sleep despite the occasional gondola serenade drifting up from the canal below. Well, sort of – noise can creep in during high season, like July when the streets buzz until midnight with festival-goers heading to La Fenice theater nearby. But in the quieter months, say October, it’s blissfully peaceful, and you can hear the bells from St. Mark’s Basilica chiming right on cue. I loved the little balcony overlooking the calle; nothing fancy, but sipping wine there at sunset, watching locals hurry home with their shopping bags, made me feel like I was living the real deal. Oh, and practical note: the Wi-Fi’s solid for streaming, but the bathroom’s on the small side – fine for solo travelers or couples, but a family might feel squeezed.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venice vibe without breaking the bank, this spot’s a gem. It’s smack in San Marco, so you’re steps from the Doge’s Palace and all that history, but hidden enough to escape the worst of the tour groups. I mean, I stayed a week and wished for more – sure, the stairs might not suit everyone with heavy luggage (pack light!), but the location and that homey feel make up for it. Go in shoulder season to dodge the crowds, and you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $178. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Good location and friendly host – Santhosh from India – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  The host, Mr. Nicola, is super friendly and helpful. Very good clarity on welcome messages and key information; the place at the heart of the city
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Location location location – Jorge from United States – 27 September 2024 (9/10)

  Close to everything.Location at the heart of Venice

• Was a great and enjoyable experience – Marc from Australia – 21 February 2024 (9/10)

  The location and staff were everything we could’ve asked for. Very friendly staff and the facilities were great
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great, however it could be better lit with brighter lights – however this is only cause one of the guests has vision impairment

• Superb – Cornelia from New Zealand – 30 September 2023 (9/10)

  We loved the location, the apartment is super close to both Rialto and St Mark's Square. It's clean and equipped with everything you need even though things are a bit dated. Overall we really loved our stay there.

• Good – Samira from Germany – 17 August 2023 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The weather was so hot and air conditioner was corrupted.

• Great location needs a little maintenance – Steve from Germany – 10 August 2023 (8/10)

  Great location just 5 minutes from the water taxis and from the city center.
  
  What could be improved: The air conditioning didn’t work, but the host had informed us about this and offered a free cancellation

• Very good – Wolff from South Africa – 13 May 2025 (8/10)

  mostly everything
  
  What could be improved: the apartment needs new matresses

• Superb – Georgios from Cyprus – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  The host was very helpful. His instructions were precise and timely.
  The location of the apartment is excellent. Right in the heart of Venice.
  The apartment is spacious.
  
  What could be improved: All good.

• Very good – Milica from Serbia – 27 May 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The stale smell of some things that is a problem for allergy sufferers like me.

• Nice stay! – Michelle from United States – 28 November 2023 (8/10)

  Easy to get in and big enough for a group.
  
  What could be improved: The shower has no pressure. The neighbors above were very loud.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities