Small Villa with private Garden

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon the Small Villa with Private Garden in Venice’s Castello neighborhood, I was honestly a bit skeptical—Venice is all about those grand palazzos and canal views, right? But stepping off the vaporetto at Arsenale and weaving through the narrow calles to Castello 863, it hit me how refreshingly real this spot feels. It’s tucked away in that quieter eastern slice of the city, away from the San Marco circus, where locals actually live and you can hear the distant hum of boats on the lagoon without the constant tourist chatter. I mean, Castello’s got that authentic vibe—think laundry flapping from lines overhead and the faint salty scent of the sea mixing with espresso from nearby cafés. The villa itself? It’s this charming, compact 4-star hideaway that looks more like a cozy townhouse than a hotel, with its own little private garden bursting with jasmine and herbs—seriously, in a city built on water, having your own patch of green to sip prosecco in at sunset is like finding gold. I arrived in late spring, when the crowds are building but not overwhelming, and the check-in was a breeze; the host (a friendly Venetian who knows everyone in the sestiere) handed over the keys with tips on the best cicchetti spots along Via Garibaldi, just a five-minute stroll away.

What really sets this place apart, though—and I say this as someone who’s bounced around a few Venetian stays—is how it nails that balance of intimacy and comfort without feeling stuffy. The rooms are smallish, sure, but thoughtfully done up with soft linens, wooden beams that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a historic building (from the 1700s, I think?), and big windows overlooking the garden where birds chirp in the mornings. Honestly, after a day dodging selfie sticks at the Rialto, coming back here felt like a exhale—lounging on the patio with the rustle of leaves and maybe a neighbor’s cat wandering by. It’s not perfect; the bathroom’s on the snug side, and if you’re hauling heavy luggage, those couple of steps up from the street might test you (no elevators in these old villas, you know?). But the location? Spot on for explorers. You’re a quick walk to the Biennale gardens for some art immersion, or hop on a boat to Murano—plus, it’s peaceful at night, with only the occasional church bell from San Pietro di Castello breaking the silence. I even caught a whiff of baking bread from a forno around the corner one morning; little things like that make you feel like you’re living the local life, not just visiting.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of Venice that’s more soulful than showy, this villa’s a gem—rated 9.2 for good reason, I’d say. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers wanting to unwind in that private garden after pounding the pavements, especially in shoulder seasons like April or October when the weather’s mild and the neighborhood’s at its most laid-back. Sure, it’s not the flashiest spot, but that’s the point—it’s authentic, welcoming, and leaves you with stories that feel personal, not postcard-perfect. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe even time it for the Festa della Sensa when the lagoon lights up with boats.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $233. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• John from Canada – 31 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great location in a local neighbourhood near the La Biennal. Close to shops, restaurants, and about a 15-20 minute walk to the San Marco area. Main floor had a kitchen, a tiny living room and one bathroom, and upstairs was the bedroom and another bathroom. The bed was very comfortable, and the whole place was very clean. A person came to the vaparetto stop – only a 2-3 minute walk away – to show us to the apartment. Lovely garden to use as well when the weather cooperated! Mosquitos still around in late September/early October!

• Michael from Australia – 4 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location and state of the property were exceptional.

• Petter from Sweden – 27 June 2024 (9/10)

  It was ner Giardini and in a nice area.
  
  What could be improved: The garden could be a bit cleaner and a bit more cosy.

• Gerhard from Austria – 19 November 2024 (9/10)

  Wunderbare und sehr ruhige Lage in einem zentralen und doch nicht touristisch überfüllten Bezirk.
  Gut mit den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln (Vaporetto) erreichbar. In der Umgebung viele typisch venezianische Bars, Restaurants, Cafés, 2 Supermärkte, Fisch- und Gemüsehändler.
  Das Appartement verteilt sich auf 2 Ebenen mit etwas steilerer Treppe, also nichts für Gehbehinderte. Es ist schlicht und modern eingerichtet und hat sogar 2 Bäder/Toilletten (in jeder Etage eines). Das Sofa im Erdgeschoß ist ausziehbar (Zusatzbett) aber für Erwachsene oder längere Aufenthalte eher nicht zu empfehlen, es befindet sich im Eingangs/Ess/Koch-Bereich vor dem Fernsehgerät. Für Paare eine feine Unterbringung mit einer netten Sitzgarnitur zum Chillen im begrünten Innenhof.
  Ausgezeichnete Kommunikation mit den Betreibern, flexibel und entgegenkommend
  
  What could be improved: Ein neuer Wasserkocher wäre eine Idee 😉

• Ilaria from Italy – 19 November 2024 (9/10)

  La posizione tranquilla, vicinissima alla Biennale. Appartamento molto ben organizzato, con tutto il necessario, spazioso e recentemente ristrutturato.
  
  What could be improved: Vicini di casa un pò rumorosi.

• Katrin from Germany – 13 November 2024 (9/10)

  Dicht bei der Biennale, ruhige Gegend mit netten kleinen Läden, Restaurant Osteria San Iseppo wunderbar. Obwohl wir den kleinen Garten kaum genutzt hat, war es doch wunderbar so ganz für sich zu sein
  
  What could be improved: Küchenausstattung knapp, bitte ein paar Haken ins Bad. Ist aber Nörgeln auf ganz hohem Niveau

• Justyna from Poland – 11 November 2024 (9/10)

  Ogród, dwie łazienki, lokalizacja, wygodne łóżko, duża szafa

• Ronald from Netherlands – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

  Sanitair en slaapkamer maar eigenlijk alles was goed.
  
  What could be improved: Elke ochtend geschuif van meubels op de bovenverdieping. Miste keukenhandoek

• Luca from Italy – 8 September 2024 (9/10)

  Si tratta di un bilivelli ristrutturato di recente e dotato di arredi funzionali che si trova in ottima posizione rispetto a mezzi di trasporto e servizi, perfetto per 2/3/4 adulti
  
  What could be improved: Solo un suggerimento: mettere tendine oscuranti alle finestre del piano terra ed un gazebo in giardino per ripararsi dal sole

• Patrick from Belgium – 27 August 2024 (9/10)

  De mogelijkheid om in open lucht te ontbijten, te aperitieven, een boek te lezen, met vlakbij de ruisende bomen van de Giardini! Heel nette afwerking van het gerenoveerde huis. Mooi schoon gemaakt zeer recent sanitair.
  
  What could be improved: Het was een beetje moeilijk om de host te vinden (en bleek dan niet de host te zijn maar een afgevaardigde van de host). Maar niettemin vriendelijk onthaal!

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