Venezia Affitta un Sogno

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Venezia Affitta un Sogno almost by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it online, but finding it in the labyrinth of San Marco felt like a treasure hunt. You know, Venice’s streets are a maze, especially around Calle San Zorzi, this narrow little alley off the beaten path from the main drag near Campo San Zaccaria. I got off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria stop, dragged my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones (pro tip: pack light, because there are no cars here, just your feet and maybe a water taxi if you’re splurging), and there it was, tucked away like a secret. The building’s got that classic Venetian charm – faded pinkish plaster walls, wrought-iron balconies dripping with geraniums, and honestly, the faint salty whiff from the nearby canal hit me right away, mixing with the espresso from a café down the block. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this chatty local guy named Marco (I think? Or was it Matteo?), handed over the keys with a grin and a quick rundown of the best times to hit Piazza San Marco – early morning, he said, before the cruise ship crowds swarm in like locusts.

What really sold me on the place, though, was how it felt like crashing at a friend’s apartment rather than some sterile hotel. It’s only 3 stars, but with a 9.2 rating, you can tell it’s punching above its weight. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard – no grand canal views, mind you, but that meant zero noise from gondoliers belting out “O Sole Mio” at all hours. The bed was comfy, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just Venice’s humidity playing tricks), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works, not the dribble you get in some budget spots. Breakfast was simple – croissants, fresh fruit, and killer coffee served in a cozy communal area – but it set me up for wandering. You’re steps from the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace, but here’s a local nugget: slip down to Campo Santa Maria Formosa for a real Venetian vibe, away from the tourist traps. I mean, it’s busy in high season (think July-August, when the alleys buzz with voices and the air gets thick with that canal funk), but come evening, it quiets down, and you can hear the bells from St. Mark’s tolling softly. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re in a back room – sort of par for the course in these old buildings, but hey, who needs Instagram when you’ve got actual Venice outside?

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of La Serenissima without breaking the bank, this is it. I stayed three nights last spring, and it left me dreaming of going back – you know what, it actually lives up to its name, “Affitta un Sogno,” which means “Rent a Dream” in Italian. It’s not perfect; the stairs are steep (no elevator, classic Venice), and parking? Forget it, unless you count leaving your car in Mestre and ferrying over. But for travelers who want to feel like they’re living the Venetian life – dodging pigeons in the piazza by day, sipping spritz at a hidden bacaro by night – it’s a gem. Book it for that off-season quiet in November, when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more magical. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $556. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6
• Estimated price from: $556. Apartment with Terrace with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Great choice for being in the heart of Venice, but not in the middle throngs of people. – Beverley from United States – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location for walking to all the sites, yet tucked away in a quiet courtyard so had some privacy. Hosts communicated well and clearly. Made sure we were equipped with clear instructions for finding the place, check in and check out.
  
  What could be improved: The beds and pillows were extremely hard, but I know that’s often the case in Europe. A lot of places we’ve gone have hard beds. If you’re used to softer mattresses, just be prepared. Other than that it was an excellent place in every other way.

• Exceptional – Lori from United States – 24 June 2025 (10/10)

  Close to everything, clean, lots of space
  
  What could be improved: None

• Great apartment in a good location! – Tanya from United States – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great apartment! Liked the location! Roberto was easy to communicate with and very responsive.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Terrific location – we enjoyed our stay! – Frank from United States – 28 May 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, large rooms, helpful host with good directions and prompt response
  
  What could be improved: There was a food bit if noise outside. Just know that while the beds were comfortable for me they were rather firm.

• Great location and very roomy place. – Mar from United States – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  Loved our stay! The terrace was amazing!
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing they can do about this but if you are unable to do steps this is not your place.

• Superb accommodation in an incredible location – Christopher from United Kingdom – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Superb place to stay in Venice. Location is second to none. Apartment is very spacious. Traditional Venetian style. Roof terrace was incredible. It made the trip! Thank you, superb place and superb hosts.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• We loved this apartment, perfectly situated !! – Mary from United Kingdom – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Could not be in a better location. Very comfortable and very easy to access compared to other self catering apartments we have used.
  
  What could be improved: The terrace needs refurbishing. There are a lot of stairs up to the apartment we were in. We did not mind this at all but I think it should be made clearer. We only brought hand luggage but if you had brought large suitcases it would have been a nightmare !!

• Great location, roof top drinks 30 seconds from the main square! – Nicolas from South Africa – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  Property is an excellent location and you couldn’t want anything more, if you traveling in a group of 4-6 it’s perfect!
  3 queen / double beds, 2 bathrooms.
  Everyone you interact with for the property making the whole experience better for you!
  
  Thank you!

• Wonderful accommodation and so close to Piazza San Marco – Huw from United Kingdom – 18 April 2025 (9/10)

  Clear video to explain where it was and what you had to do
  
  What could be improved: Nothing
  This is my second visit to the place abd hopefully I will be back again

• Incredible location – Jack from United States – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Cannot beat the location. Short walk to St Marks square. Excellent communication. Well stocked. Comfortable. Would definitely stay here again

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities