Sarai Apartments

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso – you know, that stop right by Harry’s Bar where Hemingway used to hang out – and weaving through the crowds with my suitcase bumping over the uneven pavestones. Venice in high season is a madhouse, honestly, but Sarai Apartments felt like a clever escape hatch from all that. They’re not your typical hotel setup; it’s more like a collection of apartments scattered around the San Marco district, with addresses tucked into those narrow calli off places like Calle dei Fabbri or near the Rialto Bridge. I stayed in one on a quiet side canal – well, quiet by Venice standards, anyway – and the check-in was a breeze. No stuffy front desk; a local guy met me at a pre-arranged spot, handed over the keys with a quick rundown in broken English, and even pointed out the nearest traghetto crossing to skip the long walk over bridges. It’s all self-catering, so there’s a little kitchenette stocked with basics – think fresh espresso pods and those cheap Prosecco bottles from the corner market. Parking? Forget it, this is Venice; leave your car in Mestre and embrace the boat life.

What really won me over was how these places blend right into the neighborhood fabric – like, you’re living in an actual Venetian building, with creaky wooden beams overhead and those thick stone walls that keep things cool even in July’s sticky heat. My apartment had this tiny balcony overlooking a rio where gondoliers would glide by, their songs echoing off the water in the evenings (romantic, sure, but earplugs help if you’re a light sleeper). The decor’s modern but not overdone – clean lines, comfy king bed with linens that smelled faintly of lavender detergent – and the bathroom was a highlight, with a rain shower that felt luxurious after a day dodging tourists on the Strada Nuova. I mean, it’s rated 9.1 for a reason; everything’s spotless, Wi-Fi’s reliable (crucial for mapping out your next gelato stop), and there’s even a washer-dryer combo, which saved me from lugging dirty clothes home. A minor gripe? The stairs – no elevators in these old palazzos, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor. But honestly, that just adds to the authentic vibe; you’re not in some sterile chain hotel, you’re sort of embedded in the city’s rhythm, hearing the bells from St. Mark’s Square chime at dawn or smelling fresh bread from the bakery downstairs.

If you’re the type who wants to feel like a temporary local rather than a tourist herded through lobbies, Sarai’s a gem – especially for couples or small groups who appreciate the 4-star comforts without the fuss. It’s pricier in peak summer, but book off-season (like November, when the fog rolls in and everything’s magical and empty) and it’s a steal. I left feeling like I’d unlocked a secret side of Venice – you know, the one where you sip coffee on your own terms, not dictated by hotel breakfast hours. Totally worth it, even with the occasional canal whiff wafting up.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $170. One-Bedroom Apartment – San Marco 603 with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $236. Two-Bedroom Apartment – San Marco 3221 with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $236. Two-Bedroom Apartment – San Marco 603 with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Excellent location and lots of space. – Rocco from United States – 2 July 2025 (9/10)

  The location is fabulous, 1 block from San Marco Square. Quiet and comfortable. 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a kitchen area were a great find. A representative met us at the San Marco dock and walked us to the room.
  
  What could be improved: It has a small doorway entrance and never would have found it if it hadn't been shown to us. But once you know where it is, it's a great location. No elevator. Main building door squeaks extremely loudly.

• Fantastic stay – Eric from United States – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic host and apartment. Very clean & comfortable and perfect location. 100% recommend

• Very comfortable apartment so close to everything yet quiet. – Christina from United States – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  It was comfortable, quiet, with nice amenities like 2 sets of keys and an adapter for electronics.
  
  What could be improved: I wish the bedding wasn’t down.

• Superb – Marina from Greece – 16 May 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious apartment very centrally located. Although kitchen is small it has all the utensils and appliances one may need including basic necessities such as coffee, sugar, olive oil etc and a bottle of wine! Very good communication with the host. Although very central it was quiet at night (with the windows closed).
  
  What could be improved: Venice tends to get very busy with lots of tourists. If you want more peace and quiet I would suggest chosing someplace further away from St Marks square.

• Great location. Great facilities. – Corina from United Kingdom – 13 April 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Noise late at night/ early hours of morning

• Great location and host, which made the stay very comfortable – Christopher from Australia – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  The host was very helpful in getting us setup and comfortable. The apartment was located in an ideal location to explore Venice, we had a great stay.

• Peachy! – Vilma from Lithuania – 23 October 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful, comfortable and clean apartment, very good location. The hostess was very friendly and helpful. The kitchen was modern with beautiful dishes and glasses, with coffee machine, coffee tablets and tea, and we even find a bottle of wine left for us. The beds were very comfortable and bed-clothes were a good quality. It was a pleasure to come back to the apartment to relax afterwards.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Great location, wonderful host, we could not have needed anything more. – Svickers from United States – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  Serena was there to greet us and show us the apartment, how to enter it and how amenities worked. She was always willing to help and give a recommendation. She went over and above our expectations!
  
  What could be improved: It was a little noisy at night but it was fine. It would have only kept us awake if we were going to bed at 9:00pm. By normal bedtime it was much quieter!

• Perfwct – Isa from Switzerland – 14 October 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location for Venice, great apartment and a great and very helpful host!
  
  What could be improved: Lighting in the bathroom is a bit dark 🙂

• Superb – Theresa from United States – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  Nice quiet location

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities