True Venice 2 Bedrooms in the Heart of Castello

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon True Venice 2 Bedrooms in the Heart of Castello kind of by accident last spring – I was tired of the San Marco crush and wanted something that felt more like actual Venice, not the postcard version. Tucked away on Sestiere Castello 3466, it’s right in the thick of Castello, this underrated neighborhood that’s got that gritty, lived-in charm without the hordes of day-trippers. I mean, you’re just a short wander from the Arsenale vaporetto stop – super handy if you’re coming from Marco Polo Airport via the Alilaguna boat, which honestly saves you from lugging bags over too many bridges. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with weathered stone steps leading up to the door, and when I checked in (around midday, which was blissfully quiet), the host was this warm local guy who handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the best nearby bacari for cicchetti – you know, those little wine bars where Venetians actually hang out. No formal lobby fuss; it felt like borrowing a friend’s apartment, which is sort of the vibe here.

What really won me over was how the place nails that balance of old-world texture and modern comfort – it’s a two-bedroom setup, perfect if you’re traveling with family or a couple of friends, like I was. The living area opens up with these tall windows overlooking a narrow calle (that’s a side street, for the uninitiated), and in the mornings, you’d hear the faint clatter of market carts heading to Via Garibaldi, which is just a five-minute stroll away and loaded with fresh produce stalls and unpretentious cafes. The bedrooms are cozy, with those high ceilings and exposed beams that scream authentic Venice, but they’ve got crisp linens and a surprisingly powerful shower – a godsend after a day dodging puddles from acqua alta (yeah, check the tides if you’re visiting in fall). Honestly, the kitchenette was a lifesaver; we whipped up simple pasta dinners with stuff from the nearby Coop supermarket, avoiding the tourist-trap prices around Rialto. It’s not flawless, though – the Wi-Fi can get spotty during peak hours, and if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional church bells from San Pietro di Castello might jolt you awake at dawn. But that’s Venice for you – noisy in the best way, especially during the Biennale when Castello buzzes with art crowds but never feels overwhelming.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of true Venetian life without sacrificing comfort, this spot’s a gem. Rated a solid 9.5 for good reason, and at four stars, it punches above its weight. I’d go back in a heartbeat – well, maybe in the quieter shoulder season like early May, when the jasmine scents the air and the neighborhood feels like your own secret. Trust me, skip the overpriced San Marco hotels; Castello’s where the magic hides. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $245. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Exceptional – Alina from Romania – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very well positioned location, with easy access to tourist areas.
  The host, Riccardo, was particularly kind, he personally waited for us to hand over the keys, even before check-in time.

• Perfect location for your stay in Venice! – Ed from Ireland – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location is excellent, and like all the other comments on here, its just around the corner from all the tourist areas, but yet in a quiet little corner that takes you away from the hordes of tourists.
  
  Lovely air-conditioning, delightful appartment.
  
  Riccardo is very helpful, good advice and assistance is provided.
  
  What could be improved: I have nothing negative to say.

• Authentic Venice in the heart of Castello – Morgan from France – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location, at the entrance of the Castello district. Close to emblematic places but also not in the heart of the crowd. Our host was attentive in every way and this information is very useful.

• Excellent option for exploring Venice – Emma from United Kingdom – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent apartment – well located for exploring Venice, very well equipped and spotlessly clean. The beds and bedding were of high quality. The host was extremely helpful and we appreciated the unbiased restaurant recommendations that were written down in the apartment. When staying for a short time it made sure we ate well and saved decision making! The apartment felt secure and we enjoyed staying there. Highly recommended – thank you!

• We had a very pleasant weekend touring the streets right from the apartment. – Edward from Canada – 31 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great Location, spotless and comfortable, well stocked with everything you need for a stay.

• Best location ever – Juliana from Germany – 17 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location is the best! Host is also super nice!

• It is a great apartment to stay, especially if you want to spend most of the time exploring Venice and its surrounding. – Lena from United States – 9 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location, location, location. You simply can’t beat it. It is only 4 min away from the San/Marco-Zachariah vaporetto stop but also away from all crowded places. The host, Ricardo, is extremely helpful and friendly. The apartment has 2 good size bedrooms. 2 a/c are located in a living room and in a hallway. There are a lot of cafe and restaurants near by as well as a supermarket. It is quiet and cozy.
  
  What could be improved: There are is no balcony or terrace or a good view.

• Lovely apartment in central location – Cara from Australia – 5 August 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely clean, spacious and well equipped apartment in a very central but quiet location. Easy walking distance to all the main attractions and very close to the water taxi. Riccardo was an excellent host, met us at the apartment and had lots of suggestions and recommendations for restaurants and supermarkets etc. We also appreciated that he checked in with us during our stay to make sure everything was ok. He was also happy to help with any questions we had and very responsive to messages. Would definitely book this apartment again if we were back in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Masood from Ireland – 4 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location of appartment.CLose to all places,e.g StMark square, Rialto bridge and Arsenale. Shops and food places every where
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very good – Gabriele from United States – 17 May 2024 (8/10)

  The location was perfect for us because the apartment was close to the Biennale.
  It also is close to all other Venice attractions.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities