Venetian dream apartment

Hotel Description

You know, stepping off the vaporetto at the Ca’ Rezzonico stop in Dorsoduro – that’s the less touristy side of Venice, away from the San Marco crowds – I immediately felt like I’d slipped into a quieter, more authentic corner of the city. The Venetian Dream Apartment is tucked away at 1249 Dorsoduro, int. 3, right in the heart of this artsy neighborhood, and honestly, finding it was a bit of a treasure hunt the first time. You weave through those narrow calli (that’s what locals call the alleyways here), past little workshops where they’re still handcrafting gondola parts, and suddenly you’re at this unassuming door that opens into what feels like your own private palazzo. I mean, it’s rated a solid 9.6 for a reason – four stars, but it punches way above that with its charm. My first impression? The place smells faintly of old wood and canal water, in that romantic Venetian way, not musty or anything off-putting. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me right on time, handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the quirky door lock (it sticks a little if you’re not gentle), and even pointed out the nearest bacaro for a spritz – that’s those tiny wine bars where Venetians grab cicchetti after work.

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it blends that dreamy Venetian vibe with practical comforts that make you forget you’re in a floating city with no cars or easy parking (pro tip: if you’re arriving by water taxi, budget for it, as it’s the smoothest way in). The apartment itself is spacious – think high ceilings with exposed beams, terracotta floors that are cool underfoot even in summer, and windows overlooking a sleepy rio where you can hear the occasional splash of an oar at dawn. I stayed in the main bedroom, which had this massive four-poster bed that swallowed me up after a day of wandering, and the kitchenette was a godsend – stocked with basics like coffee and pasta, so I whipped up a quick carbonara using stuff from the Rialto market (just a short walk over the Accademia Bridge, but go early to beat the crowds). It’s sort of like living like a local; no hotel lobby noise, just the gentle hum of the neighborhood waking up. Oh, and there’s air conditioning that actually works – a rarity in some older Venice spots – though it can get a tad drafty in winter if you’re not careful with the shutters. Minor gripe: the Wi-Fi dipped out once during a rainstorm, but hey, that’s Venice for you, with its finicky signals amid all the stone and water. Still, the views from the terrace – sipping wine as the sun sets over Campo Santa Margherita nearby, where students and artists gather for cheap eats – made every moment magical, especially in shoulder season like late September when it’s not sweltering or packed.

All in all, if you’re dreaming of Venice without the overwhelming bustle, this place is a gem – well worth it for couples or small families wanting that home-away-from-home feel. I’ve been back to Venice a few times now, and honestly, I’d skip the big hotels on the Grand Canal for this any day; it’s quieter at night (no late-night revelers like in Cannaregio), and you wake up to the smell of fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Fondamenta Zattere. Just remember to pack light – those bridges and stairs are no joke – and maybe learn a few Italian phrases for the local shopkeepers. You won’t regret it; it’s the kind of spot that lingers in your memory long after the gondola rides fade.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $235. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Karolina from United Kingdom – 8 July 2023 (10/10)

  The host was most welcoming and helpful. Greeted us on arrival with showing us around the apartment as well as giving great tips how to go around the city.
  
  What could be improved: There's nothing we could fault about our apartment and host.

• Iris from Austria – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  Andrea is a really great host, very caring and professional! there was a problem with the heating system (noisy!) when we arrived but within one day all was fixed and we could enjoy our trip without any limitations 🙂 for this inconvenience we were even offered an additional night which I find more than kind and professional!
  
  I was sorry to read in the review that the guests before had not taken advantage of open communication which would helped Andrea but also us as the next guests. Andrea was super helpful in all respects, the flat is cosy, nice and a great place for a couple 🙂 – very romantic touch! the area is quiet while having a lot of restaurants, cafes etc. in close distance. perfect! we will come again if there is a vacancy!

• Hanna from Austria – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  Andrea is a really nice host. The apartment is amazing with a lot of small details. We enjoyed our stay there a lot.
  
  What could be improved: _

• Hannah from United Kingdom – 13 January 2025 (10/10)

  Brilliant traditional apartment in a great location! The hosts had so many thoughtful touches, and were incredibly responsive. Cozy, quiet and just perfect all around. Highly recommend!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Lysandros from United Kingdom – 26 November 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, wonderful apartment in all respects. Beautiful furniture and artifacts, very tastefully decorated and also very comfortable. Many free quality products included for guest use in the bathroom and kitchen. Everything was thought out with the guests in mind. Also the hosts were very helpful and attentive to every request. Would recommend to anyone and would happily return ourselves.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain about at all!

• Chloe from Spain – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  Good location, close from a bridge to cross the Grand Canal
  Very nice host; Andrea was available and very keen to help
  Well furnished flat, with everything to cook; incl stuff for breakfast
  
  What could be improved: A bit of noise from the heating system

• Danny from United Kingdom – 14 October 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment in a friendly less touristy neighborhood, but still only a few minutes from everything.
  
  The host Andrea was very welcoming and helpful

• Patricia from United States – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  They provided coffee and some breakfast items, juice etc. but breakfast was not an option.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything that the host had control over. He couldn't stop the rain.

• David from New Zealand – 3 October 2024 (10/10)

  A very well set up kitchen with oils, milk juice and snacks available
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jelley from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location, with easy access to Academia, many good restaurants and food shops…but above all an excellent host who was always available.. often with little gifts!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities