The School Venice, boutique Loft

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to The School Venice on Via Fratelli Bandiera – it’s in Marghera, you know, that mainland spot just outside the actual Venice islands, where things feel a bit more real and less like a postcard. Honestly, if you’re driving in from the airport or Padova, this is a godsend because parking isn’t the nightmare it is over on the lagoon side. I mean, we found a spot right out front without circling for ages, and it’s only about a 10-minute train ride from Mestre station to Santa Lucia in Venice proper – super easy, especially if you’re lugging bags. The building itself? It’s this quirky boutique loft setup in what used to be an old schoolhouse, I think – hence the name – with these high ceilings and exposed brick that give it that cool, repurposed vibe. Walking in, the check-in was a breeze; the owner, this friendly local guy named Marco (or was it Matteo? Anyway, super chatty), handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood spots, like that little bakery on Via Cappuccina for fresh cornetti in the morning. No stuffy front desk drama, just a casual chat over espresso. And the smell – oh man, it hits you right away, this mix of polished wood and faint lavender from the linens, like stepping into someone’s well-loved attic apartment.

What really sold me on the place was how it balances that boutique charm without feeling pretentious. Our loft room was spacious, with these massive windows overlooking a quiet courtyard – no canal views, sure, but that’s kind of the point if you’re after a break from the tourist crush. The decor nods to the school theme in subtle ways, like vintage desks turned into nightstands and chalkboard walls where you can jot notes (I left a doodle for the next guests, because why not?). It’s got all the modern bits you need – a killer rain shower that actually has pressure, unlike some spots I’ve crashed in Italy, and a kitchenette stocked with basics so you can whip up a quick pasta if you’re too wiped from a day in the city. Noise-wise, it’s peaceful; Marghera’s not buzzing like San Marco, especially after dark when the streets empty out. We heard a bit of distant train hum in the evenings, but nothing that kept us up – actually, it was sort of soothing, like white noise. And get this: it’s pet-friendly, which was huge for us since we brought our dog along. One minor thing, though – the Wi-Fi dipped a tad during peak hours, but hey, who needs perfect internet when you’re in Venice? We just wandered over to the nearby park on Via Trieste for a picnic instead.

All in all, if you’re plotting a Venice trip but want to dodge the insane prices and crowds on the islands – especially in high season like summer when everything’s packed – The School Venice is a smart pick. That 9.9 rating isn’t hype; it’s earned from folks like me who appreciate the authenticity. You’ll save a bundle (we did, compared to lagoon hotels), and it’s close enough to hop over for day trips – think catching the early vaporetto without the hassle. Well, sort of a hidden gem in a city full of them, but on the mainland side where life moves at a human pace. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in the fall when the fog rolls in and makes everything feel even more magical.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $167. Two-Bedroom Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $140. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $153. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $193. Suite Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• All we could ask for and more ! – Mcintosh from Croatia – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very modern, clean and welcoming! Felt like my second home, our host was amazing and very informative/helpful . Beautiful property with up to date facilities that truly adds to easy living ! Would definitely stay here again .
  
  What could be improved: I have no complaints in all honesty! Had a very good stay !

• Exceptional – Ekaterina from Russia – 6 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything in the apartment is thought out. We especially liked self checkin and private parking, which is spacious, convenient and for the individual use of people staying/living there.
  In the apartment you can find everything you might need.
  The host was always in touch and ready to help.
  We enjoyed our time there!

• Super appart, spacieux et bien situé pour visiter Venise – Michel from France – 24 June 2025 (10/10)

  Appartement entièrement rénové. Tout est neuf et moderne. Très spacieux, nombreux rangements. Domotique de haut vol. Très bonne WiFi. Très bonne literie. De quoi faire un bon apéro à notre arrivée. Bus à 3 mn à pied pour le centre historique de Venise. Hôte très sympathique et attentionnée.
  Je recommande.
  
  What could be improved: L'immeuble voisin, un peu délabré, mais ce n'est pas du ressort de notre hôte.

• Sentirsi a casa – Giulia from Italy – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Ottima posizione, 15 minuti a piedi dalla stazione Venezia-Mestre, complesso tranquillo e semplice da raggiungere con possibilità di comodo parcheggio interno gratuito. Alloggio nuovo e finemente arredato in stile moderno, completo di ogni comfort e di allestimento domotico molto comodo, pulizia impeccabile. Comunicazioni rapide, efficaci, mi sono sentita davvero a casa!
  
  What could be improved: Niente da segnalare

• Personal und Unterkunft absolut atemberaubend! – Arber from Austria – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Die Unterkunft war fabelhaft. Es war sehr sauber. Alles war automatisiert gesteuert. Man bekommt zur Küche alle Utensilien die man sich vorstellen kann. Darüber hinaus wurde uns eine sehr großzügige Menge an Snacks und Getränken kostenlos zur Verfügung gestellt von der überaus netten Dame die uns empfangen hat. Wir wurden sogar eine Stunde vor Check-In reingelassen, da wir früher als geplant ankamen. Außerdem wurden und kostenfrei und ohne Aufforderung von der schon erwähnten Dame, Pässe für die Stadt Venedig zur verfügung gestellt. Es war einfach alles super und unbeschwert. Gerne wieder!

• Perfect place to stay – Vitalija from Lithuania – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Magnus from Iceland – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Manuele from Italy – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Mohammed from Germany – 19 April 2025 (10/10)

• Superb – Anonymous from France – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities