Venezia Luxury Biennale Design

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Venezia Luxury Biennale Design almost by accident last spring, right when the Biennale was kicking off and Venice was buzzing with that artsy energy. I hopped off the vaporetto at Arsenale – it’s just a quick five-minute stroll from there, weaving through those narrow calli in Castello that feel a world away from the San Marco chaos. Honestly, Castello’s my favorite neighborhood; it’s got that authentic Venetian vibe with locals hanging laundry and kids playing in the campi, without all the selfie sticks. The hotel’s tucked away on Campo Ruga, this quiet little square off Via Garibaldi – you know, that wide street with the morning market where you can grab fresh peaches and chat with the vendors. Pulling up to the entrance, I was struck by how the building blends old-school Venetian architecture with these sleek, modern touches – think exposed brick walls mixed with abstract art installations that nod to the Biennale exhibits just down the road. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals, from what I could tell – were super welcoming, offering a glass of prosecco and tips on avoiding the tourist traps. Well, except for the fact that there’s no elevator, so if you’re lugging heavy bags up those stairs, pack light or ask for help.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I mean this after staying in a bunch of spots around Venice – is how they’ve nailed that luxury design without feeling stuffy or over-the-top. My room was on the second floor, overlooking the campo, with these plush velvet headboards and marble bathrooms that smelled faintly of citrus from the complimentary toiletries (a nice touch after a sweaty day exploring). The bed? Oh man, it was like sinking into a cloud – perfect for crashing after wandering the Giardini della Biennale, which is literally a 10-minute walk away. You can hear the distant hum of boats on the lagoon in the mornings, and there’s this subtle quietness at night that you don’t get in busier areas; no late-night gondola serenades disrupting your sleep. Breakfast was solid too – fresh croissants, local cheeses, and espresso strong enough to wake the dead – served in a courtyard that’s shaded by these ancient olive trees. I did notice the Wi-Fi could be spotty during peak hours, probably from all the art crowd uploading their Instagram stories, but hey, that’s Venice for you; forces you to unplug a bit. And if you’re into food, pop over to Nevodi on Via Garibaldi for some cicchetti – it’s where the neighbors go, not the tour groups.

All in all, if you’re looking for a four-star spot that feels genuinely tied to Venice’s creative soul, this is it. I’d say go during the off-season, like early fall, when the crowds thin out and you can actually enjoy the nearby Arsenale without elbowing through hordes. It’s not the cheapest – rooms can run you a pretty penny during events – but for the rating it pulls (a solid 9.1, which tracks with my experience), it’s worth it for that mix of comfort and location. You know what? It made me fall in love with Venice all over again, away from the postcard spots. If art, quiet charm, and a dash of luxury are your thing, book it – just remember to wear comfy shoes for those cobbled streets.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $261. Holiday Home with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Enjoy Venezia, a bit out of tourist places! – Loic from France – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  Calm
  Well located in Venezia.(not in the croudy area)- close to Arsenale, easy access to S. marco.
  Well equipped and clean flat

• Amazing apartment in the heart of a local neighborhood. – Adrian from Switzerland – 20 October 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment, incredibly clean, very responsive and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing- it was a fantastic property- will be back

• peaceful flat in a quiet part of Venice – Colva from United Kingdom – 3 June 2023 (10/10)

  Very comfortable, quiet and nice to look at small apartment, with a supermarket just around the corner

• Exceptional – Vasileios from Greece – 9 May 2023 (10/10)

  The location is the greatest in Venice! Close to everything and really quiet and peaceful in the evenings. The host is very nice and the apartment was very comfortable having all the necessary amenities. First choice in Venice!

• This was a lovely apartment with a gracious, responsive host, and well worth the stay! – Patricia from United States – 15 April 2023 (9/10)

  the property was renovated and modern
  
  What could be improved: The twin beds provided were not so comfortable.

• Exceptional – Andreea from Romania – 2 April 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was great. The property is located in a very quiet area and has all the facilities you need. Good value for money.

• Location and self contained comfort – Suzi from Australia – 27 August 2022 (10/10)

  Great location great host and lots of information to find the place
  Kitchen for cooking
  Sitting space to entertain too
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was amazing

• Clean, spacious, great location, but also quiet. I have already recommended this place for friends. – Siri from Norway – 30 August 2022 (9/10)

  This was not including food. But the hosts left a bottle of water for me in the fridge. This was very much appreciated 🙂
  
  What could be improved: I cannot think of anything that could have been better.

• Exceptional – Pavla from Czech Republic – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  All worked great, communication with the host was easy and effective, the apartment is neat and well equiped, the location is calm and not touristy, but still walking distance from 2 vaporetto stops and main sites (~30 mnts walk to San Marco) with lovely restaurants and several supermarkets nearby. Just beware there is no lift, which was no issue for us.

• Perfekte Wohnung für einen kurzen oder auch längeren Venedigbesuch – Klaus_vom_see from Austria – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Ein kleines aber sehr feines und außerordentlich sauberes und liebevoll eingerichtetes Apartement in sehr ruhiger Lage, ausgestattet, mit allem, was man braucht.
  Die Wohnung ist einfach zu finden, die Beschreibung des Vermieters war perfekt.
  Es gibt viele kleine Restaurants und Bars in der Umgebung und das Preisniveau ist hier im Vergleich zum Zentrum deutlich niedriger. Besonders empfehlenswert sind La Nuova Perla und Nevodi.
  Den Markusplatz erreicht man zu Fuß nach ca. 20 Minuten, zur nächsten Vaprorettostation sind es ca. 10 Minuten.
  
  What could be improved: Nichts

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities