The Lion’s House APT3

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon The Lion’s House APT3 tucked away on Castello 5587 in Venice’s Castello district, I was honestly a bit skeptical – Venice can be such a maze, especially if you’re dragging luggage over those uneven cobblestones after a vaporetto ride from the station. But man, once I found it (it’s just a short wander from the Rialto Bridge, actually, maybe 10 minutes if you don’t get lost in the alleys), the place felt like a hidden gem. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – October, you know, when the crowds thin out but the light on the canals is still golden – and the check-in was super low-key. No fancy lobby; it’s more like ringing a buzzer and being greeted by this friendly local host who handed over the keys with a quick rundown in broken English (and a tip about the best nearby gelato spot on Campo Santa Maria Formosa). The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe – think weathered stone facade with lion motifs everywhere (hence the name, I suppose), and inside, the apartment smelled faintly of old wood and that salty lagoon air that seeps into everything here.

What really sold me on APT3 was how it balanced that authentic Venice feel with just enough modern comforts to make you forget you’re in a city built on water. The place is rated 4 stars, and yeah, it earns it – spacious rooms with high ceilings, a little kitchenette stocked with basics (I whipped up pasta one night using stuff from the market on Via Garibaldi, which is a locals’ favorite for fresh produce and way cheaper than the tourist traps). The bed was comfy, with those crisp linens that crinkle just right, but fair warning, the floors creak a bit – it’s an old building, after all, and you might hear the occasional church bell from San Zaccaria nearby, especially at dawn. I mean, it’s not soundproofed like some chain hotels, but that’s part of the charm, right? Noise levels are pretty tame in Castello compared to the chaos around San Marco; it’s quieter here, with more space to breathe, and you’re steps from cool spots like the Arsenale or that quirky Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore where they stack books in gondolas to beat the floods. Oh, and no parking worries since Venice is car-free – just leave your wheels on the mainland and embrace the walking (or water taxis, if you’re splurging).

Honestly, if you’re the type who wants to live like a Venetian rather than just visit, this is your spot – an 8.6 rating doesn’t lie, but it’s the little things that stick with you, like sipping coffee on the balcony overlooking a narrow rio while pigeons coo below. Sure, it could use a fresher coat of paint in spots, and Wi-Fi dipped during peak hours (tourist season in summer? Forget it, it’s a zoo), but for the price and that unbeatable location in the heart of Castello – well, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. It’s not flashy, but it feels real, you know? Perfect for couples or solo travelers who crave that mix of history and homey vibes without the over-the-top luxury hype.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $283. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Jessica from United Kingdom – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  A beautiful clean apartment, very well located and quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all was perfect.

• Ramon from United States – 26 May 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: shower had no shower head or location to place the wand. There was only a wand that required holding during the entire shower.

• Alasdair from Spain – 10 July 2022 (8/10)

  The flat was newly decorated, clean, well equipped and, in particular, in a fantastic position for all the sites
  
  What could be improved: We had a problem with the water heater on the penultimate day which couldn’t get fixed. if not for this, it was a 10/10

• Darren from Australia – 29 September 2022 (8/10)

  Apartment was nice and staff helpful. Location was good and close to main thoroughfares and also pretty close to main tourist locations
  
  What could be improved: Sorting of rubbish

• Meredith from United States – 28 July 2023 (9/10)

  Great location near water taxis and tons of restaurants and shops. Our plane was delayed and the hosts were very accommodating to get us into the property later than expected. A grocery store is very close for supplies. The A/C was great during a hot summer for American travelers.

• Sylvie from Canada – 8 August 2024 (9/10)

  Logement très propre.
  Très bien situé.
  Merveilleux petit resto pour déjeuner et diner à 2 minutes FARINI
  Hôte très gentille et à organisée nos transferts en taxi bateau.
  Je recommande cet établissement!
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• María from Argentina – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  Es un departamento perteneciente a una empresa. La ubicación es fantástica; cerca de varios puntos de interés, panaderías, restaurantes y de paradas de trasporte (vaporetto). El dpto está muy bien equipado (cocina, baño y habitaciones). Tiene tmb un ascensor (individual) que viene muy bien después de largas caminatas.
  
  What could be improved: Los agentes de la empresa sólo hablan el inglés lo que implica que algunas personas pueden tener problemas para comunicarse. No nos resultó cómodo el proceso para depositar los residuos (los puntos de depósito quedaban a unas cuantas cuadras del departamento y dependiendo del día es el tipo de residuo a llevar (papel, plástico y orgánico)).

• Cristina from Spain – 8 March 2024 (9/10)

  Su ubicacion

• Valeria from Argentina – 6 April 2023 (8/10)

  Muy buena ubicación, el departamento muy lindo y buen equipado.

• Helene from Italy – 4 January 2023 (9/10)

  Appartement avec de très bonnes prestations. Localisation parfaite.
  
  What could be improved: Inconvénients le jour du départ :
  -Pas possible de laisser les bagages
  
  -Heure de départ un peu tôt 10h (on a négocié une heure de plus)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities