The Lion’s House APT2

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon The Lion’s House APT2 during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring, right when the crowds were starting to thicken but before the summer madness hit full swing. It’s tucked away in the Castello district, at Castello 5587 – that’s just a stone’s throw from the bustling Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, but honestly, it feels like you’ve escaped into a quieter corner of the city. I remember arriving via vaporetto at San Zaccaria, dragging my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones (pro tip: pack light, because Venice isn’t kind to wheels), and spotting the place down a narrow calle that opens up unexpectedly. The building itself has that classic Venetian charm – think weathered stone facade with a lion’s head knocker on the door, which, well, sort of nods to the name. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me right on time, handed over the keys with a quick rundown in broken English about the Wi-Fi code and where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. No front desk drama here – it’s more like staying in a friend’s apartment, which I appreciated after a long day dodging tourists around St. Mark’s Square.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world feel with just enough modern touches to make you comfortable. My room – or apartment, really, since it’s set up like a mini flat – had these high ceilings with exposed wooden beams that creak a bit when the wind picks up off the lagoon, and windows overlooking a tiny courtyard where you can hear the distant hum of boat engines in the morning. It’s rated 4 stars, and yeah, it earns it with a spotless kitchenette (I whipped up espresso from the provided machine every day) and a bathroom that, surprisingly, didn’t have that musty canal smell you sometimes get in older spots. I mean, Venice can be humid, right? But they must air it out well. Location-wise, you’re minutes from the Arsenale – that massive old shipyard turned art space during the Biennale, which was happening when I was there – and if you wander a few blocks to Campo San Zaccaria, there’s this little bakery that does the fluffiest cornetti for breakfast. Noise levels are pretty tame for Venice; sure, you might hear church bells from Santa Maria Formosa tolling at dawn, but it’s more atmospheric than annoying. One minor gripe? The stairs up to the second floor are steep – not ideal if you’re lugging heavy bags, but hey, that’s authentic Venetian living for you. And in high season, like July, I’d bet it gets busier with foot traffic outside, though the double-glazed windows kept things peaceful inside.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels genuinely Venetian without the tourist trap vibes, The Lion’s House APT2 is a gem. It’s not some flashy chain hotel; it’s the kind of place where you can settle in, maybe sip wine on the small balcony as the sun sets over the rooftops, and actually unwind. I left feeling like I’d gotten a real slice of local life – walking to Rialto Market for fresh produce in the mornings, or hopping a ferry to the islands without the hassle of being too central. Priced reasonably for what it offers (especially off-peak), I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just remember to time your visit for shoulder season if you want that serene vibe – trust me, Venice rewards the patient traveler.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $224. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Excellent place! Staff was amazing – Tram from United States – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location, Clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent thanks – Greenlees from United Kingdom – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: WiFi was sketchy and had to sit on stairs to get reception. But we had 5G on phones so all was ok.

• Great property in a good location. Ideal size and base for a family of 4 and great hosts. – Victoria from United Kingdom – 17 April 2025 (9/10)

  We were met by the host, who kindly came to find us after our private boat dropped us off at a different point. She talked us through the property and area, offering additional help via whatsapp if needed during our stay. It was a great property for a family of 4 and in a good location.
  
  What could be improved: A shame about the lift not working but it wasnt too much effort to get the cases up to the apartment. Also quite warm at night in the apartment – not wanting to open the windows due to mosquitoes and unable to put the air con on during April in Venice.

• Loved it! – Warren from Canada – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location! It was perfect! The host met us and went over everything there was to know about the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• They took their time to inform us of their favorite places to eat, what to do around Venice, and warned us about what t – Erick from United States – 16 October 2024 (10/10)

  This place feels like a home away from home. It’s very close to places to eat and places to see. Not a far walk from the Vaporetto station

• Superb – Peter from United Kingdom – 3 June 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and excellent handover from the host

• Fantastic apartment – Tracey from United Kingdom – 4 April 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic location. The apartment had everything you need, was comfortable and clean. The company were brilliant to deal with and went the extra mile in helping us be comfortable and happy in Venice.

• It was very good stay – Rolando from Puerto Rico – 21 September 2023 (8/10)

  Excellent location close to all the attractions.. Walking distance to many restaurants,
  
  What could be improved: Did not have a good hair shampoo as part of their amenities. The host person should receive the customers at the dock area it is difficult to find the apartment

• Great place to explore Venice on a City break – Jason from United Kingdom – 28 April 2023 (10/10)

  Clean, comfortable and great location close to Rialto bridge. Great find and recommended

• will stay here again – Linda from United States – 29 September 2022 (10/10)

  the property was close to everything we needed , restaurant’s, grocery store and plenty of shops . It was also super close to water buses . Great location and the staff was really fantastic and accommodating

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities