UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia-Adults 16

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Santa Maria del Giglio stop – you know, that little landing right by the campo with the same name – and weaving through those narrow Venetian alleys to find UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia. It’s tucked away on San Marco 2494, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal but far enough from the tourist crush around St. Mark’s Square that you don’t feel like you’re in a postcard stampede. Honestly, arriving in the late afternoon during shoulder season (think early October) was perfect – the air had that crisp, salty tang from the lagoon, mixed with the faint whiff of espresso from the cafes nearby, and the hotel’s facade, with its classic arched windows and wrought-iron details, looked like it had been there forever, blending right into the neighborhood. No cars to worry about, obviously – this is Venice – but if you’re lugging bags, it’s a quick five-minute walk from the stop, though I did get turned around once in those twisty calli (alleys, I mean). Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these warm Italians who chatted about the best time to hit the Rialto Market for fresh produce, and they even pointed out a hidden gelateria on Rio Tera dei Assassini that’s way better than the overpriced spots by the basilica.

What really sold me on this place – it’s adults-only, 16 and up, so no kids running around, which makes it feel like a proper escape, especially if you’re here for a romantic trip or just some peace after pounding the pavements all day. The rooms are cozy, in that old-Venetian-building way – mine had these high ceilings with exposed beams that creaked a bit at night (charming, not annoying), and a view over the campo where you could hear distant church bells tolling in the morning. Breakfast was solid, nothing fancy but fresh croissants, cappuccinos that actually taste like they’re from Italy, and those little jars of Nutella that always make me smile – served in a sunny room overlooking the street. Well, sort of sunny; Venice weather can be fickle, but even on a drizzly day, it was a nice spot to linger. The hotel’s got that 3-star vibe without skimping – clean, comfy beds with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender detergent, and the Wi-Fi worked fine for uploading photos, though it dipped a tad in the evenings when everyone was online. One minor gripe: the bathrooms are on the compact side, typical for these historic spots, so if you’re tall like me, watch your elbows in the shower. But hey, for the price in Venice, it’s a steal, and the quiet nights – no street noise bleeding in, just the occasional gondola serenade from afar – made up for it.

All in all, if you’re plotting a Venice getaway and want something authentic without breaking the bank, this is it. It’s smack in San Marco, so you’re steps from gems like Teatro La Fenice for an opera night (book ahead, trust me) or a quick stroll to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection over in Dorsoduro – cross the Accademia Bridge, and you’re there in 10 minutes. During high season, like July, the area buzzes more, but the hotel stays a calm oasis. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just toured it – sipping spritzes at a nearby bacaro on Campo Santa Maria del Giglio in the evenings, watching locals gossip. Yeah, with its 8.5 rating, it’s earned; go for it if you’re over 16 and craving that mix of history, comfort, and a dash of everyday magic.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $206. Classic Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $216. Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $231. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $255. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $264. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Vatzlav from Mexico – 6 June 2023 (9/10)

  the place, the location, the bed, the breakfast, the service
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Philippe from Belgium – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean, spacious renovated room, delicious breakfast, friendly staff. We have stayed here before. This time our room was even better. We are very pleased with our stay and we’ll certainly book again.

• Helen from Ireland – 29 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location to St Marks square,location to Giglio Vaporetta,great breakfast,really clean rooms with comfortable beds,powerful shower .Very nice friendly staff.Added bonus was the attached bar -great place to sit and relax after a day sightseeing.Great hotel .
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing I didn’t like and I am picky.

• Vivian from United Kingdom – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  This is the second time I’ve stayed in this hotel. Location is excellent, 50 yrds from the water bus, 10 minutes walk to St Marc’s Square. Very clean, exceptional breakfast, friendly and helpful staff and a great bar, perfect!

• Kathleen from United States – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff is amazing
  
  What could be improved: Everything was wonderful. Perfect location. I can only answer this question positively.

• Goncalo from Portugal – 6 March 2025 (8/10)

  I recently stayed at this hotel in Venice and had a fantastic experience. The location is absolutely perfect—right in the heart of the city, making it easy to explore all the major sights on foot. The rooms were clean, well-maintained, and had a modern touch, especially the bathroom, which was sleek and well-equipped.
  
  The staff was incredibly attentive and always ready to assist with any requests, making the stay even more enjoyable.
  
  If you’re looking for a well-located, clean, and comfortable place to stay in Venice with excellent service, I would definitely recommend this hotel!
  
  What could be improved: The only downside was some noise in the morning due to the proximity of the cleaning services, but it wasn’t a major issue and didn’t take away from the overall experience.

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

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Terry from United Kingdom – 2 February 2025 (8/10)

  Looked like it has had a refurb since my last stay. It was alway great value, bug now even more so.. great location too
  
  What could be improved: 1 min from the Vaporetto, and its central location

• Sharon from United Kingdom – 28 December 2024 (9/10)

  Location , really good breakfast , the bar was great with amazing staff

• Peter from Austria – 16 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  Staff
  Comfortable beds
  
  What could be improved: Rooms on the small side
  Generic breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities