Soderini Splendor: First Floor Palazzo Charm at Castello Square

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Soderini Splendor kind of by accident last spring, right when the cherry blossoms were starting to peek out in the Biennale gardens nearby – which, honestly, is one of those underrated spots in Venice where you can actually breathe without elbowing through tour groups. It’s tucked away in the Castello district, on Sestiere Castello 3610, just off Campo San Pietro di Castello, and let me tell you, getting there from the vaporetto stop at Celestia (line 4.1 or 5.2, if you’re coming from the train station) is a breeze – maybe a 10-minute wander along those narrow calli that smell faintly of salt water and fresh bread from the little fornaio on Via Garibaldi. No cars in Venice, obviously, so you’re hauling your luggage over bridges, but it’s not bad; I managed with a backpack and a rolling suitcase without too much huffing. Check-in was this low-key affair – the host met me at the door of this old palazzo, all creaky wooden beams and faded frescoes on the first floor, and handed over a massive iron key that felt like something out of a fairy tale. Well, sort of – it’s charming, but remember, first floor means ground level in Europe, so you’re right in the mix of things, with the occasional hum of passing boats on the canal outside.

What really got me about this place is how it nails that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. The rooms – I had one overlooking the square – are spacious for Venice standards, with these high ceilings that make you feel like you’re in a mini palace, complete with antique furniture that actually looks lived-in, not some sterile museum piece. Mornings, you’d wake up to the sound of church bells from San Pietro and maybe a whiff of espresso from the cafe downstairs, which is perfect for grabbing a quick cornetto before heading out. It’s got all the modern bits you need, like strong Wi-Fi (crucial for mapping out your day) and a little kitchenette where I whipped up pasta from ingredients picked up at the Rialto market – though, fair warning, the water pressure in the shower can be a bit finicky after 8 a.m. when everyone’s up. Being in Castello means you’re steps from hidden gems like the Arsenale’s naval history museum or that quiet stretch along Riva degli Schiavoni for sunset walks, away from the San Marco madness. I mean, it’s lively during the Biennale art festival in odd-numbered years, with crowds spilling over, but otherwise, it’s blissfully low-key, especially in the evenings when locals chat on benches and the air cools off with that misty lagoon breeze. Noise-wise, it’s not silent – Venice never is – but the thick stone walls muffle most of it, and I slept like a log after long days of exploring.

Look, if you’re after that glossy five-star polish, this might not be it; there’s no fancy spa or room service at midnight, and the stairs to the upper floors (if you’re not on the first) can be a workout with bags. But honestly, that’s what makes Soderini Splendor special – it’s like staying in a friend’s historic apartment, with all the character of old Venice intact. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like April or October when the city’s not swamped and you can snag a table at nearby spots like Osteria alle Testiere for some killer cicchetti without reservations. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner and want to feel like you’ve unlocked a secret side of the city, this is your spot – trust me, it’ll make your trip memorable in ways those big chain hotels just can’t touch. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $479. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Sharon from United States – 31 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything about Soderini Splendor is exceptional!! Riccardo is a wonderful host, helpful with recommendations and immediately accessible by text. The apartment is just beautiful! It's extremely comfortable and well situated on a lovely quiet campo, yet close to all attractions.If I had to describe it in one term, QUALITY comes to mind. The finishes are exquisite… beautiful floors, furnishings, and luxury amenities in the baths. The unit was fully stocked, especially the kitchen & laundry rooms This is the only property I've rented where I would just love to come back and stay a month! Bravo Riccardo, & gracie mille!
  
  What could be improved: No complaints!! However….Riccardo, if you had coasters to protect your lovely furniture, I couldn't find them!!

• Julie from United Kingdom – 15 October 2024 (10/10)

  Large spacious and well equipped apartment in a fantastic location. One block back from the Riva and convenient to walk everywhere or to pick up the waterbuses. Relatively quiet location with the front windows (overlooking the Campo) double glazed and all of the windows had shutters. Our hosts were great when our flight was delayed by 3 hours and we arrived late in the evening. Nothing was too much trouble it seemed. Everything we needed was here and more besides – the Nespresso machine had coffee pods, they provided some toiletries and cotton wool pads, olive oil and condiments, dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid, a roller shopping trolley…. Within a two minute walk was a bakery, cafes, several good restaurants and a small grocery store. The luxurious bathrooms had great showers and lots of hot water. One even has a bath which is a rarity in Venice. Only one short flight of stairs up to the front door then everything else is on one level. Check out is at 10am but there are lots of places in Venice to store your luggage and the hosts recommend one of them. We used their recommended water taxi service to get to the apartment (145 Euros with our combination of luggage) and would definitely do that again – easy, you could enjoy the views, and swift. The public water bus which we took back to the airport was 45 Euros for the 3 of us but was a bit of a scrum and you couldn’t enjoy the views squeezed into a cabin with lots of others, all juggling luggage. And it took twice as long to get to the airport. We wouldn’t hesitate to book this apartment again. We loved it here. Thank you!
  
  What could be improved: One of the bedrooms overlooks the side street and doesn’t have double glazing. You expect the street to be really quiet but the palazzo next door is a hotel and their breakfast preparation started at 6.45am – sadly you can hear it. Lots of china being moved around. Light sleepers may prefer the front bedrooms. Ideally the side bedroom needs double glazing.

• Deborah from United Kingdom – 22 September 2024 (10/10)

  This property if amazing it has lots of tradition features but also the best bathrooms ever had in an apartment, 4 star hotel standard with lots of nice touches, bath salts shower gel in fact everything you need…and towels so big and soft!
  The beds are very comfortable and again the linen to the highest standard.
  Location great close to everything and only 20 seconds walk to Grand canal. With this place being in a square it is super quiet and you get to see a bit of local culture right outside your bedroom window.
  We couldn’t have asked for a better host Ricardo met us and explained everything about the place and gave us some great hints about where to eat. His knowledge is amazing.
  A very professional set up with those extra special touches that make it a holiday to remember.
  
  What could be improved: The is nothing to dislike about this property

• Meena from Singapore – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  Riccardo was there to meet us near the apartment, having given us excellent directions.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good!

• Julie from United States – 22 June 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment, spotless, very comfortable beds and great linens. AC in each bedroom. Location is perfect. Lovely host.

• Balazs from Hungary – 19 June 2024 (10/10)

  accommodation location is excellent, perfect comfort, the host helps with everything! I can only recommend it 10/10! we will definitely be back

• Syra from Belgium – 14 February 2024 (10/10)

  Very spacious, very clean. Top location. Even better than the pictures !!! Warm welcome by the owner.

• Paul from France – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  l acceuil et la qualité du logement spacieux calme ,frais
  les consignes étaient claires
  
  What could be improved: rien a signaler

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Facilities