Tiepolo Apartment in the Biennale District R&R

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Tiepolo Apartment in the Biennale District R&R kind of by accident last summer – I was hunting for something off the beaten path in Venice, away from the San Marco circus, and this place popped up. It’s tucked away at 527 Calle Gian Battista Tiepolo in Castello, right in that artsy corner near the Giardini della Biennale. Honestly, arriving felt like stepping into a quieter side of the city; no throngs of day-trippers snapping selfies, just the gentle lap of canal water against stone and that faint, briny scent that hits you as soon as you cross the bridge from the vaporetto stop at Arsenale. I mean, it’s a solid 15-minute stroll to St. Mark’s Square if you’re feeling energetic – or hop on the No. 1 vaporetto for a lazy ride – but the real charm is how it feels local. We wandered down Via Garibaldi in the evenings, grabbing cicchetti at those unpretentious bars where Venetians actually hang out, not the overpriced spots by the Rialto. Parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the boat life. Check-in was a breeze; the host met us with keys and a quick rundown, no fuss, though fair warning, it’s up a flight of those narrow, creaky stairs that scream old-world Italy (pack light if stairs aren’t your thing).

What really sold me on this four-star gem – rated a respectable 8.3, which tracks with my stay – was how it blended that historic Venetian vibe with just enough modern comfort to make you forget you’re in a centuries-old building. The apartment itself is cozy, with exposed beams overhead that give it this warm, lived-in texture, and big windows letting in that golden afternoon light off the calle. We had a full kitchen – nothing fancy, but stocked enough to whip up pasta from the market on Fondamenta Sant’Anna – and the bathroom was spotless, with one of those rainfall showers that feels like a treat after a day dodging gondolas. It’s not huge, mind you; our group of three fit fine, but if you’re rolling deep, it might feel snug. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night – well, aside from the occasional church bell or distant boat horn – especially outside peak Biennale season when the area buzzes with art crowds (go in spring if you want solitude). I loved the little touches, like fresh linens that smelled faintly of lavender and a welcome basket with local prosecco – made unpacking feel like settling into a friend’s place rather than some sterile hotel room. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly zippy for Venice standards, which saved me during a rainy afternoon binge-watching.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelm, this spot’s a winner – it’s got that authentic R&R (rest and relaxation, I assume) baked in, letting you recharge amid the city’s magic. Sure, it’s not perfect; the air con can be a tad finicky in July’s humidity, and there’s no elevator, but those quirks just add to the charm. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for the price – it feels like stealing a slice of real Venetian life. If you’re plotting a trip, book early for autumn; that’s when the light’s perfect and the crowds thin out. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $222. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Anna from Austria – 24 July 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is very cozy with authentic furniture, perfect for family.

• Chika from United Kingdom – 10 October 2024 (8/10)

  The location and the beds.
  
  What could be improved: There was an offensive portrait in the living room above the table by the bedrooms.

• Fiona from Spain – 6 May 2024 (9/10)

  The property was spacious with a nice layout. It was quiet and the aesthetics were pleasing. Location perfect for seeing the z Biennale.
  
  What could be improved: No lift, we had heavy bags, however the lovely man who met us with the keys carried the bags up.

• Valts from Latvia – 29 October 2023 (9/10)

  Great location, fully equipped, comfortable

• Iryna from Germany – 30 October 2024 (9/10)

  Good location for the reasonable price. The furniture and decor create the atmosphere of old Venice. Pietro was very friendly and polite.
  
  What could be improved: The beds especially the pillows are hard. I woke up several times per night and felt pain in my neck all day long

• Ruth from United States – 19 July 2024 (7/10)

  Linda, who works for the agency, waited for me to arrive after much delay and confusion with my supposed airport "pick up." She helped me with my bags (which was very much appreciated given the several flights of stairs to the apartment) and provided tips on good restaurants.
  The apartment itself is clean and spacious and in a lovely, quiet neighborhood. There is wifi, a tv, and various accessories to make for a comfortable stay.
  
  What could be improved: There were mixed communications about someone who would be at the airport to steer me in the right direction for my water taxi, and this resulted in me waiting to see someone with a sign with my name on it when there never were any arrangements for that type of assistance. It delayed my arrival trying to figure out where the water taxi was located and I had a guided tour I needed to get to, so that was a little frustrating. It also would be nice to have instructions for how things work written out and left in the apartment instead of assuming everyone can access a QR code for such information.

• Hana from Israel – 1 June 2024 (8/10)

  We loved the location. The rooms were cozy.
  
  What could be improved: The sofa in the living room should be replaced. It is very old and in very bad shape.
  Secondly, we didn't know thT the apparent is on 3th floor. Very hard to climb after long day.

• Marie from Denmark – 29 May 2024 (8/10)

  great location for the Biennale
  
  What could be improved: the beds could be more comfortable. and the sofa in the lounge was on its last days.

• Avraham from Israel – 11 June 2024 (7/10)

  Arrangements for key collection and check out
  Location is great for visiting the Biennale. It is just off Via Garibaldi.
  
  What could be improved: There are few very important things that we didn't like and are important for you to know:
  1. There are 60 stairs up the 4th floor' Nobody mentioned that and this can be a major problem for many people
  2. impossible to seat on the sofa at the leaving room its a rack.
  3. When we told them about the sofa they ignores it and never returned to us with a solution
  4. Cleaning is on the low average side

• Christy from United States – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  Loved how “local” the property was and away from the tourist area. The air conditioning was a wonderful reprieve at the end of the day. The property contact was helpful and waited for our late arrival. The kitchen was well-appointed, even though we did not cook. We loved the old-world feel and convenient eateries.
  
  What could be improved: The sofa was very worn and uncomfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities