Venetian Palace R&R

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Ferrovia stop – you know, right by Santa Lucia train station – and thinking, okay, Venice without the overwhelming crush of tourists. The Venetian Palace R&R is tucked away in Santa Croce, on this little side street, Santa Croce 567/c, which honestly feels more like a local neighborhood than the postcard spots. It’s just a short walk from Piazzale Roma if you’re coming by bus from the airport, and let me tell you, that saved me from lugging bags over too many bridges. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe – think faded pink stucco walls and wrought-iron balconies overlooking a narrow canal. I arrived in the late afternoon, during that golden hour when the light bounces off the water, and the check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of chatty locals and one guy who spoke perfect English – handed over my key with a quick tip about the best nearby gelato spot on Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio. No long lines or fuss, which is a godsend after a day of travel. Oh, and parking? Well, Venice being Venice, forget about cars – but if you’re driving to the mainland, there’s secure spots at Tronchetto, and it’s an easy connection from there.

What really sold me on the place was how it balanced that old-world charm with actual comfort – it’s a solid 4-star, rated around 8.3 last I checked, and yeah, it earns it. My room was on the second floor (no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing), with these high ceilings and heavy velvet curtains that blocked out the early morning light perfectly. The bed was comfy, like sinking into a cloud after wandering the calles all day, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger – though the water pressure dipped a bit during peak hours, I mean, it’s an old palace conversion, so what do you expect? Breakfast downstairs was a highlight: fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos served in this sunny courtyard where you can hear the distant hum of vaporettos on the Grand Canal. It’s not right on the main drag, so noise levels are low – mostly just church bells from nearby San Polo or the occasional gondolier singing off-key. I ventured out to the Rialto Market, which is maybe a 15-minute stroll across the bridge, and grabbed some cicchetti at a tiny bacaro that the front desk recommended. Honestly, staying here let me dip into the chaos of San Marco for the day but retreat to this quieter pocket at night, especially in summer when the crowds get insane.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Venetian without the gimmicks – sort of like living in a palazzo for a few days – this is it. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and during high season, you might hear more foot traffic from folks heading to the station. But for couples or solo travelers wanting some R&R (hey, the name fits), it’s a winner. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in the off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole area feels even more magical. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate Venice beyond the selfies.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $258. Standard Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $267. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $295. Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Humaid from United Arab Emirates – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location and great access to Venice
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Artimon from Thailand – 18 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location is near Venice Santa Lucia station, just across the bridge but it’s hard to carry luggage up and down the bridge
  
  What could be improved: No dishwasher’s detergent

• Silvana from Australia – 6 January 2025 (9/10)

  Our host Linda was super helpful and got in touch with us prior to arriving. Very helpful in guiding us from airport to our apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Hard to take suitcases up to third floor apartment.

• Kristine from United States – 30 November 2024 (9/10)

  The host contacted me a few day prior to arrival and discussed how to meet each other. Right after our arrival to the train station she was able to meet with us right away. She even allowed us to check in a few hours early since the room was ready.
  
  What could be improved: It was nice having two bathrooms, but one shower was leaking all over the floor. Not a big deal though since one bathroom was more than enough.

• Vicki from Australia – 23 October 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious and comfortable in an excellent location

• Susan from New Zealand – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location right on the grand canal and 350 metre walk from the train station. Two bathrooms and a large lounge and kitchen with great views. Close to cafes.
  
  What could be improved: A bit noisy in the daytime, when the boats travel fast or police sirens are on, but only if the windows are open. But very quiet at night. I liked the excitement and atmosphere, it was fun!

• Albina from United States – 28 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location was very good. Very close to the train and airport bus stations. At the same time, going to main tourist spots, you need to walk for 20 minutes.
  
  What could be improved: One of the showers had very dirty plastic curtain. Floors in the apartment need to be moped. They are dirty, your white socks become dark brown in just after few minutes walking around unpacking.

• Ali from Saudi Arabia – 27 July 2024 (8/10)

  The location was great.

• Lane from United States – 24 July 2024 (8/10)

  Overall the room was nice, and had a very large terrace. The pull out couch and bed in the main bedroom were very comfortable and the AC was very cold allowing for a comfortable sleep.
  
  The fridge and washer worked very well and there were plenty of glasses and plates to have a meal. We did not cook during our stay however we did use the coffee maker and it worked well.
  
  The bathrooms are very spacious and offer two shower head which is nice if you do not want to wash your hair (one was hand held).
  
  Great place to stay close to the train station, with quick access to all of the transportation in and around Venice. Nice accommodation for a family of 4 or two couples.
  
  What could be improved: The doors to the Terrace were not that secure.

• Antonia from United Kingdom – 14 July 2024 (8/10)

  The apartment was spacious and comfortable. Air conditioning was good throughout apartment. The location was great very near the bus station, train station and stops for the ferry taxis.
  
  What could be improved: Shower water pressure was quite low and it would have been nice to have a couple of tea bags supplied and perhaps some coffee (not just pods)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities