Terrazza Biennale

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Terrazza Biennale almost by accident last spring, when I was dodging the peak-season crowds in Venice and needed a spot that wasn’t right in the San Marco crush. Tucked away on Calle Paludo San Antonio in the Castello district – that’s the more laid-back, residential eastern side of the city, where locals actually live and you can hear the occasional seagull squawking over the canal lapping instead of tour groups chattering – it’s got this unpretentious charm that hits you as soon as you step off the vaporetto at Arsenale (just a quick 10-minute walk, honestly, even with luggage). I remember dragging my bag down those narrow calli, the ones that twist like they were drawn by a tipsy cartographer, and thinking, “Okay, this feels real – not some glossy postcard version of Venice.” Check-in was a breeze; the staff, a mix of friendly Italians who spoke perfect English (well, mostly), handed over the key with a smile and a tip about the best nearby bacaro for cicchetti – that’s those little Venetian tapas, if you’re not familiar. No massive lobby or anything flashy, just a cozy entrance that smells faintly of espresso and old stone, which sort of sets the tone for the whole place.

What really sold me, though, was the terrace – I mean, the hotel’s named after it, so you’d hope it’s a standout, and boy, it is. Up on the roof, you’ve got these panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops toward the lagoon, especially magical at sunset when the light turns everything golden and you can sip a spritz while the bells from nearby San Pietro di Castello chime softly in the distance. The rooms? They’re solid for a 4-star in Venice – mine was on the smaller side, like most spots here (space is at a premium in this floating city), but spotless, with crisp linens that felt luxurious after a day of wandering, and a bathroom that didn’t skimp on the hot water pressure, which is a godsend after trekking through humid afternoons. Breakfast is served up there on the terrace too, nothing over-the-top – fresh pastries, yogurt, maybe some prosciutto – but paired with that view, it’s way better than grabbing something rushed in a crowded campo. Oh, and practical stuff: it’s quiet at night, no canal traffic noise since it’s off the main waterways, though you might hear the odd neighbor’s conversation drifting up in the mornings (adds to the authenticity, I suppose). If you’re into the Biennale – the art festival that takes over the Giardini just a stone’s throw away every other year – this place is gold; I caught the tail end of one, and walking back after a day of exhibits felt like coming home to a secret hideout. Minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms – fine for emails, but streaming might buffer if you’re binge-watching – but hey, you’re in Venice; put the phone down.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to experience Venice without the constant bustle – say, couples looking for a romantic base or solo travelers who appreciate a bit of local flavor over luxury chains – Terrazza Biennale is a smart pick. It’s got that 8.7 rating for a reason: reliable, charming, and positioned perfectly for exploring underrated spots like the Arsenale or even hopping a boat to the islands. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little gem, and honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – especially in shoulder season when the crowds thin out and you can actually linger on that terrace without sharing it with a dozen others.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $239. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Steven from United States – 3 June 2023 (9/10)

  The location was great. It was a quieter area but was less than 10 minutes walk from lots of restaurants and 20 minutes from Piazza San Marco. The place was very nice and had more than enough space. Our host also provided some good local recommendations.

• Natalija from Germany – 18 May 2024 (9/10)

  Hi)I highly recommend this accomodation! Beautiful place,very quiet apartment, everything is actually close to center…Will come back again!Thanks.

• Leo93 from Israel – 12 May 2023 (9/10)

  Cozy, beautiful and clean apartment with kitchen and washing machine. Quiet and picturesque area, parks, promenade and Garibaldi street with chiqueti, seafood, fruits and vegetables create a unique atmosphere. Terrace in the apartment – super! Sarah, thank you so much for organizing a great holiday!

• Mika from Germany – 29 October 2022 (9/10)

  The location could not be better for a Biennale visitor. The terrace was also amazing. There was enough room for a big family.
  
  What could be improved: No big complaints, the same as in other reviews such as the terrace could use a table and a sun shade, and the kitchen could use some more dishes

• Rina from United States – 25 September 2022 (9/10)

  the kitchen! the terrace! modern bathrooms! large bedrooms!
  
  What could be improved: no table to eat on the terrace

• Stanislav from Ukraine – 25 August 2022 (9/10)

  Very nice hosts and check-in, big and comfortable apartment with lower than around price. Maybe not so much close to the "center", but next to Bienalle Gardens, vaporetto, etc. Really good offer
  
  What could be improved: Just minor – too much wasps on the terrasse during the day. And that's too complex waste "rules" – if you have to move all the garbage out till 8 am and have check-out @10:30, where should you put the trash after breakfast? It's the question really

• Anonymous from United Kingdom – 19 April 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment is so lovely and clean. We thought it was an excellent value for money! The location was great, slightly out of the central area but only a 15 minutes walk along the water to reach the main sites. Would definitely recommend it to anyone considering visiting Venice.

• David from Spain – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  Apartamento cómodo, amplio, limpio y con todos los servicios necesarios. Aunque está fuera del centro, se agradece porque está en una zona tranquila. Además, andando está a 20 minutos, y tiene una estación de vaporeto a cinco minutos. Las fotos se corresponden con la realidad totalmente. Volveremos seguro.

• Thomas from Germany – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  Perfekte Lage, sehr gut ausgestattete Küche.
  
  What could be improved: ein Esszimmerstuhl mehr…

• Bernhard from Switzerland – 4 October 2024 (9/10)

  Sehr schöne und grosse Wohnung mit toller Dachterasse. Einrichtung hat alles, was es braucht,
  Die Lage ist sehr ruhig (es gibt in Venedig keinen Autoverkehr) und ideal für Besuche der Biennale, deren Eingang 200m von der Wohnung entfernt ist.
  Einkaufsstrasse für das Alltägliche ist in ca. 5' zu Fuss erreichbar. Für das Stadtzentrum muss dann aber entweder das Boot nehmen oder einen 30' Fussmarsch auf sich nehmen.
  
  What could be improved: Nichts

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities