Venetian Mood: Secret Garden

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Venetian Mood: Secret Garden almost by accident last spring, when I was dodging the tourist hordes in San Marco and decided to hop on the vaporetto over to Giudecca – that underrated island across the lagoon where things actually feel a bit more like real Venice, without all the selfie sticks and overpriced gelato stands. It’s tucked away on Fondamenta Zitelle, right near that stretch where you can spot the Redentore church spire poking up against the sky, and honestly, arriving there after a quick boat ride from Zattere felt like slipping into a hidden pocket of calm. The building itself has this old-world charm – think weathered brick walls and those classic Venetian shutters – but it’s the “secret garden” part that hits you first. You walk through the gate, and suddenly there’s this lush little courtyard bursting with climbing vines, potted herbs that smell like fresh basil and rosemary (I mean, who doesn’t love that earthy whiff in the morning?), and a few wrought-iron tables where you can sip an espresso without anyone rushing you. It’s not huge, but it’s intimate, like the hotel’s whispering, “Hey, take a breath here.” Check-in was a breeze – the staff, a mix of locals who know their way around the island’s quirks, handed over the key with a casual tip about the best time to catch the sunset over the water (around 7 pm in May, if you’re wondering).

What really makes this place special, though – and I say this as someone who’s stayed in a dozen spots around Venice – is how it nails that elusive “Venetian mood” without trying too hard. The rooms are cozy, not flashy; mine had these exposed wooden beams overhead and a window overlooking the canal, where you’d hear the gentle lap of water against the fondamenta at night, sort of lulling you to sleep instead of the usual city buzz. It’s a solid 4-star setup, with clean linens that feel crisp and a bathroom that doesn’t skimp on the hot water (a godsend after a day of wandering). Breakfast is served in the garden when the weather’s nice – fresh pastries, yogurt with local honey, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake you up for an early stroll to the nearby vaporetto stop at Palanca, which gets you back to the action in like 10 minutes. Well, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms during peak season (hello, summer crowds even on Giudecca), and if you’re lugging heavy bags, those narrow stairs might make you huff a bit – no elevator, you know? But that’s Venice for you; it keeps things authentic. I spent an afternoon just lounging in the garden, watching birds flit around and chatting with a couple from Milan who were escaping the mainland heat – it’s got that low-key social vibe without feeling forced.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to experience Venice beyond the postcard spots, this is your spot. The 8.8 rating doesn’t lie; it’s earned from folks like me who appreciate the quiet magic of Giudecca – think fewer pigeons, more space to think, and easy access to hidden gems like the artisanal shops along Fondamenta San Giacomo or a quick boat to the Guggenheim. I left feeling recharged, honestly, and I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season when the garden feels even more like your own private oasis. If romance or reflection is what you’re after, book it – just remember to pack light and let the place work its subtle charm on you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $94. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely place with a good host who made access easy and gave good recommendations – Marcia from United Kingdom – 5 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very good layout and size. Good kitchen although induction hob could only really cook on two rings at full power.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing very nice, very quiet and private

• The best host – Srilekha from France – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  It was an amazing experience. The host was very kind and helpful.

• Amazing location; lovely apartment; welcoming host. Shame about the grumpy neighbours. – Claire from United Kingdom – 7 January 2025 (8/10)

  AMAZING location
  Friendly and helpful host
  Nice apartment
  
  What could be improved: It was very cold!
  The grumpy and aggressive man downstairs shouted at us twice due to our children moving around in the apartment. This really spoilt things for us as we were constantly trying to keep the children quiet and still.

• Beautiful apartment! – Diana from Netherlands – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  The host was very kind and helpful. She gave us good touristic information.

• Superb – Marie from Sweden – 23 August 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, quiet, peaceful, away from the tourist crowds, but just one vaporetto stop from San Marco.
  Good facilities, everything worked.
  Very comfortable double beds. Single bed slightly convex.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Daiva from Lithuania – 24 February 2024 (10/10)

  Good, calm location, waterbus station is very close. Stay was perfect.

• A beautiful apartment in a quiet place. – Αναστασία from Greece – 10 February 2024 (10/10)

  A very nice and cosy apartment. We liked everything. The rooms were very big, the kitchen and bathroom were in a modern style. The temperature inside was very hot and the heating was all day and all night turned up, so the water was very hot all the time.
  A very quiet place with a beautiful view and garden. The apartment is very big and better than the photos inside the booking.
  You have to take the vaporetto to go to Venice but it is only one station to piazza San Marco, meaning 5 minutes, and you can buy a cheapest ticket for 72 hours and go everywhere you want.
  Special thanks to Kateryna who was waiting for us to gave the keys and send us many many informations about how to move in Venice. If we go again we'll surely choose this apartment.

• Superb – Andrew from United Kingdom – 18 September 2023 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment, how clean it was , kitchen and apartment was well equipped.wifi excellent throughout
  
  What could be improved: Due to a problem with the plumbing downstairs we where unable to use kitchen sink .which we we're informed of on arrival.A washing up bowl would have been useful, as the bathroom sink did not hold water and washing up was very difficult

• Exceptional – Gabor from Hungary – 16 September 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was great. The owner is nice, and flexible.
  The apartment is beautiful, and really secret.

• Fantastic apartment in a great location. – Laura from United Kingdom – 16 August 2023 (10/10)

  Great apartment, fantastic location and a very helpful and responsive host.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities