San Marco2 Apartment

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the San Marco2 Apartment after a chaotic vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re elbow-to-elbow with tourists hauling suitcases over the Grand Canal. It’s tucked away at 4864 in the Sestiere di San Marco, right on the third floor of this old Venetian building, no elevator, so fair warning if you’re packing heavy: those stairs are a workout, especially after a day of wandering. But honestly, once I pushed open the door, it felt like stepping into a cozy slice of real Venice life. The place has that classic high-ceilinged charm with exposed wooden beams and these big windows that let in the afternoon light bouncing off the nearby canals – I mean, you can actually hear the faint lap of water against the stones if you listen close, mixed with the occasional gondolier’s call. It’s rated a solid 9.2 for good reason; it’s not some sterile hotel room, but a proper apartment with a little kitchenette where I whipped up espresso from beans I grabbed at the market over on Campo San Barnaba (just a short walk across the Accademia Bridge, if you’re into exploring beyond the main drags).

What really sold me was how it balances that prime location without feeling overrun – you’re literally steps from Piazza San Marco, so mornings were magic: I’d grab a pastry from the tiny bakery on Calle Larga XXII Marzo (their sfogliatelle are killer, flaky and still warm if you time it right before the crowds hit) and stroll over to watch the pigeons and the basilica bells chiming at dawn. The apartment itself is decked out nicely for a 4-star spot – think comfy king bed with crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender (they must use some local detergent), a modern bathroom with one of those rain showers that rinse off the day’s humidity, and even a washing machine, which saved me during a rainy spell when my clothes got soaked from an unexpected acqua alta. It’s quiet at night, too, surprisingly – well, aside from the distant hum of vaporettos until around 10 PM, but that’s Venice for you. I appreciated the self-check-in with a code; no fussing with a front desk, though if you need tips, the host responds quick via app. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak tourist season in summer, when everyone’s streaming from their rooms – but hey, that’s your cue to unplug and people-watch from the window instead.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venetian immersion without breaking the bank or dealing with the impersonal vibe of bigger hotels, San Marco2 is a gem. I stayed there last fall, right as the leaves were turning and the fog rolled in off the lagoon, making everything feel like a painting – sort of romantic and mysterious, you know? It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to live like a local, popping out to Rialto for fresh seafood or ducking into hidden osterias along Rio San Luca. Just pack light for those stairs, and maybe avoid high season if crowds aren’t your thing. I’d go back in a heartbeat; it made me fall for Venice all over again, flaws and all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $278. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Daniel from Australia – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very spacious in a great location. Camilla was incredibly helpful before and during our stay. She was very attentive in ensuring our stay was as great as possible. Her recommendations of local eateries were outstanding.
  
  What could be improved: Whilst I have given our stay a 10 we would say that the sheets on the bed could be a little softer but this is very minor.

• Very lovely apartment, furnishings and hostess! – Denise from Canada – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  Camilla was super friendly and openly shared her knowledge of Venice and recommended restaurants and sites
  
  What could be improved: No shower. Tub is small and my husband is large. Location is tricky at first but Camilla came to meet us and so all was fine. Need to google map Foot Locker.

• Location & apartment spot on! – Christine from Australia – 4 January 2025 (10/10)

  10/10 apartment. Everything you need. Hosts so knowledgeable & willing to help. Couldn’t ask for a better stay. Highly recommend!

• Great experience; we would return without hesitation. Glenn McAllister; Canada – Christine from Canada – 24 October 2024 (9/10)

  Everything!
  Betty and her daughter Camila were the perfect hostesses: Friendly and responsive in advance of our trip, Camila made a point of being present when we arrived, and greatly helped with the check in. The building in which the apartment is located is one of very few in Venice which provides an elevator, and is a 5 minute walk away from St Mark’s Square.
  
  What could be improved: There is no shower, but a bathtub and shower hose. This is the reason I didn’t rate Betty and Camila’s apartment a perfect 10.

• It felt like a home away from home , with the hosts making us feel welcome – Ruairi from Ireland – 23 September 2024 (10/10)

  I thought the apartment was perfectly located , close to all the sight seeing activities. For the apartment itself , it was spacious, especially for the price . The hosts were more than helpful , going the extra mile with every little ask or request that we had.
  
  What could be improved: I can’t say anything negative about the apartment

• Loved it! – Deb from Canada – 11 September 2024 (10/10)

  Room was amazing! Huge and more than we expected

• Spacious Venetian comfortable apartment so close to Rialto and San Marco – Kathryn from Australia – 3 September 2024 (10/10)

  This apartment is a dream…huge in size and so close to Rialto and San Marco…it is traditional Venetian in style which is lovely, the bed was so comfortable and had the best sleep…air con is fab for those hot summer nights…spacious kitchen, marble bathroom, everything was great thankyou
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was perfect and so quiet in bustling Venice…except for the charm of beautiful bells occasionally

• Fabulous accommodation for a couple's stay – Ian from Australia – 17 July 2024 (9/10)

  The hosts (Camille and Betty) are outstanding, highly attentive to our requests and nothing was too much trouble. The location is fabulous – only 2 mins walk to Rialto Bridge What we particularly liked is the huge size and layout of the apartment – enough room to swing the proverbial gondola (LoL!). The alleyway entrance is very unassuming and gives no indication to the apartments within. Despite being in the middle of the hustle and bustle, the apartment was very quiet. The air conditioning is very effective. The bed is comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: The lift. It's the smallest I have ever been in. Just big enough for me and a large suitcase. But it does the job.

• Perfect stay in beautiful city – Linda from United States – 12 June 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, host was also wonderful and so helpful with getting our luggage to our room since it arrived a day later and we were on a tour and couldn’t be there to get.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Venice was beautiful and your apartment was a great place to recharge, relax and enjoy. Thank you – Jose from United States – 12 June 2024 (10/10)

  The location was great! Very easy to get to from the Rialto water stop with the owners’ instructions. Surrounded by beautiful shops, delicious restaurants and quaint bars it was a short walk to the Basilica and everything we wanted to see.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities