Splendid “True Venice Apartment” overlooking water

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Splendid “True Venice Apartment” during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring, right when the cherry blossoms were starting to peek out along the canals – not that Venice has many trees, but you get the idea. It’s tucked away in Santa Croce, at Santa Croce Laguna, 1, this unassuming spot that honestly feels more like crashing at a local’s pad than some polished hotel. I mean, it’s rated a whopping 9.9 for a 3-star place, which says something – probably because it skips the fancy lobby nonsense and dives straight into that authentic Venetian vibe. I arrived via vaporetto from Piazzale Roma (easiest way in, since cars are a myth here), and after a quick five-minute stroll past those little neighborhood bacari where folks grab cicchetti and spritz at dusk, there it was: this cozy apartment overlooking the water. Not the Grand Canal’s chaos, mind you, but a quieter stretch of the lagoon that laps gently against the building’s foundation – you can hear it from your window at night, like a soft whisper that drowns out the distant hum of motorboats.

What really hooked me was how it captures that “true Venice” essence without feeling touristy. The place is set up like a proper apartment – think exposed wooden beams that creak a bit underfoot (a charming reminder you’re in a centuries-old building), a kitchenette stocked with just enough basics to whip up espresso from the nearby Coop market on Rio Terà San Leonardo, and that balcony view where you can sip your morning coffee watching fishermen head out at dawn. Honestly, it’s perfect for travelers who want to live like locals; I spent an afternoon wandering to the Rialto Bridge – it’s maybe a 15-minute walk across the Ponte degli Scalzi, dodging the occasional delivery cart – and came back to zero crowds, just the salty scent of the lagoon mixing with whatever’s baking from the panificio downstairs. Check-in was a breeze, too – the host met me with keys and a quick rundown in broken English (well, mine’s not great either), and there’s no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing. Oh, and parking? Forget it – Venice rules – but the vaporetto stop is literally steps away, super handy for day trips to Murano.

All in all, if you’re after that immersive escape, this spot’s a gem, especially off-season when Santa Croce feels like your own secret corner of the city. Sure, summer might bring more boat traffic noise during the day, but evenings are blissfully quiet – no San Marco bells clanging at all hours. I’d go back in a heartbeat; it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked the real Venice, you know? (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $352. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Exceptional – Len from Australia – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, close enough to train station and all facilities, walking distance to sights.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• This is a true Venice Stay we will miss you and thanks Francesco – Bree from Australia – 1 October 2024 (10/10)

  The Apartment was well located beautiful, clean, new with all the love to enjoy Venice. The special feature was the balcony that looked over the Canal! Francesco was a beautiful host who explained everything needed to know about the apartment and the stay! He welcomed us into his apartment with a bottle of wine that was absolute delicious and a great start to our short stay in Venice.

• Fabulous. Loved every minute. – Elise from Australia – 2 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great location. Staff were amazing. Greeted us and showed us around the apartment and then so helpful during our stay with directions etc. The little extras everyone appreciates on holiday. Would definitely recommend this apartment.

• Exceptional apartment – Steven from Canada – 30 August 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was exceptional. It was in excellent condition with modern appliances and design. It was very spacious with plenty of room. We would definitely recommend it and would stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: The only possible negative is the distance to the main attractions. That being said, we prefer not to be in the middle of the chaos of venice we didn't mind walking an extra 5 minutes for some.peace and serenity.

• 10 out of 10. Highly recommend and will stay again. – Dave from United Kingdom – 9 April 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful view of canal from balcony. High class fixture and fittings. Very good position to walk to train station. Close to good restaurants and grocery store. Can walk to all the sights in Venice. Everything 10 out of 10. Will definitely stay again.

• Excedió mis expectativas – Clara from Colombia – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  Es muy amplio, cómodo, todo está en excelente estado y muy limpio. Esta muy bien ubicado a solo 7 minutos tanto si llegas en bus como en tren. Y puedes ir a la gran mayoría de sitios caminando. Tiene una pastelería buenísima a solo a unos pasos y también está cerca de todo!!! Es la mejor elección que hemos podido hacer.sus anfitriones son muy amables, estuvieron atentos y respondían muy rápido unas pocas preguntas. El aire acondicionado funciona perfecto y tiene lavadora / secadora lo cual es muy conveniente. Ademas nos dejaron una botella de proseco en bienvenida. Se preocupan porque sus huéspedes estemos muy bien. Súper recomendado!!!!
  
  What could be improved: Nada. Todo perfecto!

• Exceptional – Jennifer from United States – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

• Great helpful hosts. – Tony from Australia – 23 January 2025 (9/10)

• Exceptional – Cheryl from United Kingdom – 24 October 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities