San Simeon Apartments

San Simeon Apartments Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to San Simeon Apartments along the famous Riva degli Schiavoni, you’ll immediately understand why this spot gets such rave reviews from couples. I mean, you’re literally steps from St. Mark’s Basin with those iconic gondolas bobbing right in front of you — it’s the Venice postcard view you’ve been dreaming about. The building itself has that weathered Venetian charm you’d expect, tucked into a quiet calle that feels wonderfully removed from the tourist chaos just around the corner. Honestly, finding a three-star place in this prime location is pretty remarkable.

Location & Neighborhood

You know what’s brilliant about staying in Castello? You get all the benefits of being central without the overwhelming crowds of San Marco proper. From San Simeon Apartments, St. Mark’s Square is literally a three-minute stroll, but when you want to escape the madness, you can duck back into these quieter residential streets where locals actually live. The waterfront promenade right outside is perfect for morning coffee or evening aperitivos — I’d often see couples just sitting on the steps watching the water taxis zip by. Plus, you’re walking distance to some of Venice’s best bacari (those little wine bars locals frequent) that tourists staying further out never discover.

The Apartment Experience

These aren’t hotel rooms in the traditional sense — they’re actual apartments, which changes the whole dynamic of your stay. You’ll have proper space to spread out, and most units come with kitchenettes that are genuinely useful (not those token hotel mini-fridges). The interiors blend Venetian character with modern functionality pretty well, though don’t expect cutting-edge design. What you get is comfortable, clean accommodation that feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in a hotel. The windows — well, some face the water and others look into the maze of surrounding buildings, but even the courtyard views have their own atmospheric charm.

Practical Considerations

Here’s something they don’t always mention upfront — Venice means stairs, and lots of them. The apartments are spread across multiple floors with no elevator, so pack light or be prepared for a workout. The staff is helpful when you can find them, but this isn’t a full-service hotel with 24-hour reception. Check-in can be a bit of an adventure (they’ll usually meet you at a nearby office), but once you’re settled, the independence is actually refreshing. The Wi-Fi works fine, and the air conditioning — crucial during Venice’s sticky summers — does its job without too much drama.

Why Guests Love It

It really comes down to location, location, location — and that 9.7 location score isn’t just marketing fluff. You’re staying in what’s arguably the most photogenic spot in Venice, at a fraction of what the grand hotels charge. Couples especially seem to fall for the romantic factor of having the lagoon practically at your doorstep. Sure, you’re trading some hotel amenities for apartment-style independence, but when you can step outside and immediately be part of Venice’s most iconic scenery, that trade-off makes perfect sense. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re actually living in Venice, not just visiting it.

San Simeon Apartments Accommodations

Reviews of San Simeon Apartments

• Damien from United Kingdom – 4 August 2024 (8/10)

  Every thing was amazing
  
  What could be improved: Every thing was perfect

• Griffin from New Zealand – 14 August 2023 (9/10)

  Fantastic location and good size apartment with great views. Highly recommend

• Nadia from Ireland – 12 June 2023 (7/10)

  The hotel is in front of Arsenale waterbus stop, so if you go with luggage you won't be carrying too long. It's quite far at the end of the island, so it's closer to st.Marco and the small islands.
  
  What could be improved: So the location is a bit tricky. It is located around 30 mins from the check-in point (near the train station). So I needed to go to the check in point first, paid the city tax and took the key, receptionist explained hoe to get to the apartment, and then I took the waterbus to go to the apartment. The actual apartment is not as fancy as the pictures. If you go with many heavy bags, it is better to get water taxi to your apartment.

• Sorin from Romania – 7 May 2023 (8/10)

  The host was very nice.
  
  What could be improved: We had to walk a lot and the keys were very far away from the property location.

• Sylvie from Germany – 21 November 2022 (8/10)

  Great location by water amd sea bus Station, close to the biennale
  
  What could be improved: I didnt like that the check in was at a very different location. Cost us a lot of time and was not mentioned at booking

• Christopher from United States – 31 July 2022 (8/10)

  Our stay at the apartment was fabulous the location was great and the views were beautiful. Also our stay was in a heat wave and the air conditioning was incredible 🙌
  
  What could be improved: Not a thing

• Kimberly from United States – 15 July 2022 (7/10)

  Finding the apartment was difficult. Once we got in we were grateful! It was clean but the shower was really small, if we were heavy set, it wouldn't be possible to shower! The bed was hard and uncomfortable to me. The location was perfect for everything. The water busses were located right out side the apartment. The people were friendly.

• Maria from United Kingdom – 6 July 2022 (8/10)

  location very good most things in walking distance.air conditioning excellent,very helpful check in receptionist.
  
  What could be improved: bed and pillows slightly uncomfortable

• Nina from United States – 25 June 2022 (8/10)

  Fabulous experience! The receptionist's directions were very clear and the apartment was lovely.

• Dominika from Ireland – 14 May 2022 (9/10)

  was really close to st mark square. really nice apartment on the first floor, view from the window is amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Wasn’t clean enough in the bedroom

Surroundings

Facilities