San Stin

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Tomà stop – you know, that one right in the heart of San Polo – and weaving through those narrow calli with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones. Venice in the late afternoon has this golden light that makes everything feel a bit magical, but honestly, after the crowds at Piazzale Roma, it was a relief to turn into Campo San Stin. The square’s not huge, just a quiet little campo with a few locals chatting outside their doors and that old well in the center – the kind you see in postcards but rarely stop to notice. San Stin, the hotel, sits right there at 2498/C, tucked into one corner like it’s been waiting for you all along. It’s a 4-star spot, but it doesn’t scream luxury; more like a cozy Venetian palazzo that’s been thoughtfully updated without losing its soul. Check-in was a breeze – the front desk guy, Marco I think his name was, chatted about the best route to avoid the tourist throngs over to Rialto, which is just a five-minute stroll away. No elevators in these old buildings, mind you, so if you’re hauling heavy bags up the stairs, well, pack light or ask for help.

What really won me over was how the place balances that classic Venice charm with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable. My room overlooked the campo – nothing flashy, but the wooden beams on the ceiling and those heavy damask curtains gave it this authentic feel, like you’re crashing at a friend’s historic apartment. The bed was plush, and after a day pounding the pavements, sinking into it with the faint sound of church bells drifting in (San Stin has its own little church nearby) was pure bliss. Breakfast is served in this sunny courtyard – think fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and those little jars of apricot jam that taste homemade. It’s not a massive spread, but it’s included and way better than grabbing something rushed at a café near the Frari Basilica, which is literally around the corner if you’re into art (Titian’s masterpieces there are a must-see, by the way). Oh, and a small heads-up: Venice summers can get humid, so the air con was a lifesaver, though it hummed a bit at night – not a deal-breaker, but earplugs might help if you’re a light sleeper. The Wi-Fi’s solid for mapping out your day, and they even have a tiny lounge with books on Venetian history, which I flipped through one rainy afternoon instead of braving the high water in Piazza San Marco.

Look, if you’re planning a trip to Venice – especially off-season when the canals aren’t swarming – San Stin is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve got the city figured out. It’s rated a solid 9 for good reason: close enough to the action (Rialto Market for fresh produce mornings, or hop a vaporetto to Dorsoduro for galleries) but far from the San Marco chaos, so evenings are peaceful with maybe just the lap of water from a nearby rio. Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but for what you get – that insider vibe without the pretense – it’s worth it. I’ve stayed in flashier spots that felt soulless; this one lingers, you know? If you’re solo or with a partner, book ahead for those campo-view rooms – trust me, waking up to the smell of baking bread from the panificio down the calle is Venice at its best.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $239. Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Desislava from United States – 17 August 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, modern, and spacious apartment. Suitable for three people or family with a child. Quiet neighborhood with restaurants, caffès, and department stores close by. Very responsive and accommodating hostesses.

• Amitabh from Qatar – 10 November 2024 (9/10)

  1. Great location,
  2. The apartment is on the ground floor,
  3. Large rooms,
  4. Large kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: 1. Check In (3PM) and Check Out time (10AM); you do not need 5 hours to clean an apartment of this size. We were just 14 minutes late while checking out and they were not very happy about it! I have travelled to 45 countries and stayed in numerous apartments in a large number of cities. I stay in a massive double story penthouse in Doha, Qatar. And I know that you do not need 5 hours to clean an apartment of the size of the reviewed one! This is a strange norm in Italy as a whole! I strongly recommend the owners and the short-term rental management agencies to discuss and reconsider it.

• Tanya from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (9/10)

  We loved everything about this property. It was gorgeous and would stay here again. Nice and roomy, very comfortables, lovely and clean, close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that this place didn’t have was an outside seating area. The courtyard is lovely and it would have been nice to be able to sit outside. However, I would still stay again.

• Venugopal from Malta – 22 April 2024 (9/10)

  Giorgia was always helpful with my questions and response quickly.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain or not liking. everything is good

• Christel from United Kingdom – 29 March 2024 (9/10)

  We had a great stay. The apartment was spotless, well equiped and a great size. It was ideally located close to the train station and the Rialto bridge. The hosts were very hospitable and we felt warmly welcomed. We would definitely recommend and hope to come back one day!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Valerie from Ireland – 26 February 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful clean central apt. Host was brilliant.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi was not working. Host came by twice and left second option but this still did not work. Neither of our phones worked in the apartment either which was hugely frustrating.

• Charlotte from United Kingdom – 5 January 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious
  Clean
  Good facilities
  Near vaporetto stops, supermarket, restaurants
  
  What could be improved: No coffee machine
  Couldn't work out how to use the stove

• Lim from Singapore – 7 December 2023 (8/10)

  The place was spacious to accommodate our family of two adults and two teenagers (14 and 16 years old) during our stay. Host was helpful and responsive to address to our needs.
  
  What could be improved: During the winter night when the temperature gets low, it would be great if there are heater-type blower fan to emit hot air to provide warm air circulation in the room, instead of relying on the existing thermostat-controlled 'wall-bars' structure, which not so effectively to balance the cold temperature in the place.

• Niamh from Ireland – 30 May 2023 (9/10)

  Great location, very spaceous apartment and very clean
  
  What could be improved: Noting

• Karli from Australia – 14 April 2023 (9/10)

  Fabulous location with a great bar outside the door and some great local restaurants nearby.
  Spacious apartment for 4 with all the amenities you need.
  Very friendly and caring host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities