Venetian House

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Tomà and weaving through those narrow calli in San Polo – you know, the ones that twist like a maze and suddenly open up to little squares with kids kicking soccer balls against ancient walls. Venetian House is tucked right there at 1624, just a stone’s throw from Campo San Polo, which honestly feels like the beating heart of this neighborhood. It’s not one of those flashy spots on the Grand Canal, but that’s kind of the charm – you’re in the real Venice, where locals grab their morning espresso at tiny bars and the fish market at Rialto is literally a five-minute stroll away. I mean, if you’re into fresh produce or just people-watching, that’s gold. Arriving in the afternoon heat of June, I was sweating from hauling my bag over a couple of bridges, but the check-in was a breeze – the staff, this friendly older guy named Marco, sorted me out in no time with a chilled glass of water and a map marked up with his favorite hidden spots. No parking worries here, obviously, since it’s Venice and cars are a myth, but if you’re coming from the train station, it’s an easy 15-minute walk or a quick water bus ride. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe, with weathered stone facades and these wrought-iron balconies that overlook a quiet canal – not too touristy, but you can hear the occasional gondolier singing in the distance, which is sort of magical at dusk.

Inside, the rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star in this part of town – spacious enough for Venice standards, with these high ceilings and exposed wooden beams that make you feel like you’re in some old palazzo (which, well, it probably was once). Mine had a view over the rooftops toward the Frari church – you know, that massive basilica with Titian’s paintings? Waking up to the bells tolling was a nice touch, though fair warning, they start early if you’re not a morning person. The bed was comfy, sheets crisp and all, but the bathroom was a bit on the snug side, with one of those tiny showers where you have to maneuver carefully – nothing deal-breaking, just a heads-up for taller folks. Breakfast is included and actually pretty decent: fresh croissants, yogurt, and strong coffee served in a cozy courtyard that smells faintly of jasmine in the spring. It’s not over-the-top luxurious, but there’s a small spa area with a sauna that I used after a long day of wandering, and it helped ease the ache from all those uneven cobblestones. Oh, and noise-wise, San Polo gets lively during the day with market bustle, but by evening it quiets down – except maybe in peak summer when tour groups linger. I appreciated the air conditioning humming away, blocking out any stray sounds from the alley below.

All in all, if you’re looking for a place that feels authentic without skimping on comfort, Venetian House is a smart pick – especially at that 7.6 rating, which tracks with my experience: good value, nothing pretentious. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to dive into Venice’s everyday rhythm, maybe hit up the nearby cicchetti bars for aperitivo. Just pack light, watch out for high water in winter (acqua alta can flood the streets around here), and you’ll be set. Honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat for that sense of being tucked away in the city’s soul.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $349. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Very good – Owen from United Kingdom – 21 September 2024 (8/10)

  It was located just off the Grand Canal in a classical Venetian House that appeared to be crumbling from the outside and as you entered the hall, but the interior of the apartment was a real contrast and very modern.
  
  What could be improved: It was located on the 1st floor which could only be accessed by two steep flights of stone stairs, which made carrying 2 large heavy suitcases up to the apartment difficult.

• Superb – Åsa from Finland – 15 May 2024 (9/10)

  Our host met us at the time we had agreed on and was very friendly. The flat is well equipped, clean and fresh and had a small balcony to sit on and watch the street and the part of Canal Grande that was visible. The location was fantastic, two blocks from Rialto Market, 50 meters from Canal Grande and with two vaporetto stops close by.
  
  What could be improved: The living room was big and spacious, but there was only one couch even though there was plenty of room for two couches. Also, important to note that the apartment is on the third level with no elevator, so not for those who have difficulties with stairs.

• Great family apt close to transport but away from crowds – Tushar from Singapore – 4 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and renovated property. Host was friendly, quick to respond to questions and provided good restaurant suggestions.
  
  What could be improved: Additional laundry and bathroom products would be appreciated.

• Poor – Anirudh from United Kingdom – 28 June 2024 (3/10)

  It's a nice apartment and has household amenities.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment address on the app is incorrect. They text you on app a day before to let you know of the address but don't ensure if the message was receieved by the customer or not.
  I was travelling with my parents (seniors) and had reached the property on time for check-in but had to wait on the streets as there was nobody there to let us check-in…. It doesn't say anywhere in the description that the address is incorrect or that one must coordinate a day in advance for check-in timings (even if you plan to check-in on the exact time.mentioned in the app)
  Had the worst experience of lifetime as I had to wait on the streets for 3 hours with my parents at 30 degrees. I had even requested the property to help me out as I have seniors with me but all I got in help was reduction of 3 hours to 2 hr 45 mins. Very unprofessional!

• Appartamento in posizione centrale , pulito ed accogliente. La proprietaria gentilissima. – Francesco from Italy – 28 April 2024 (8/10)

  Posizione centrale e pulizia.
  
  What could be improved: L'ingresso dalle scale sicuramente è da ristrutturare.

• супер удобное расположение, рядом любимый рыбный базар! очень приятная хозяйка и отличные Апартаменты!👌 – Vladislav from Ukraine – 10 January 2023 (10/10)

  все!
  
  What could be improved: нет такого

• Superb – John from Thailand – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

• Superb – Talya from Italy – 1 April 2024 (9/10)

• Good – Renato from Canada – 31 May 2024 (7/10)

• Exceptional – Natalia from France – 4 November 2023 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities