Venice Apartment with Private Courtyard

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling off the vaporetto at San Stae – you know, that stop right on the Grand Canal in Santa Croce, not too far from the hustle of Rialto but worlds away from the San Marco crowds – and thinking, wow, this is Venice without the overwhelm. The Venice Apartment with Private Courtyard is tucked down Salizada San Stae, this narrow little calle that’s got that classic Venetian charm: uneven cobblestones underfoot, the faint salty tang of canal water in the air, and maybe a whiff of fresh bread from that tiny bakery around the corner if you time it right in the morning. It’s not one of those flashy hotels; it’s more like borrowing a local’s hideaway, a 3-star spot that punches way above with its 9.5 rating. Honestly, arriving felt easy – no car worries since, well, Venice doesn’t do parking (pro tip: leave your wheels in Mestre and train in), and the host met me with keys and a quick rundown, sort of low-key but efficient. I mean, if you’re hauling luggage, it’s a short walk from the stop, but watch those bridges – they can sneak up on you after a long flight.

What really sold me was that private courtyard – oh man, it’s a game-changer in a city where personal space is basically a myth. Picture this: high walls draped in ivy, a weathered stone fountain trickling away (the sound drowns out any distant boat horns), and enough room for a table where you can sip espresso or that cheap prosecco from the corner market without anyone peering in. The apartment itself is cozy, not massive, with these old wooden beams overhead and a kitchenette that’s actually functional – I whipped up pasta one night using stuff from the nearby Coop on Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, which is like a five-minute stroll through quiet squares. Bedrooms are simple but spotless, with comfy beds that don’t creak like some historic spots do, and the bathroom’s got that Italian efficiency (hot water’s reliable, but yeah, the shower’s a bit snug if you’re tall). It’s in Santa Croce, so you’re close to gems like Ca’ Pesaro for modern art fixes or that hidden osteria on Rio Terà San Leonardo for cicchetti without the tourist markup. Noise-wise, it’s peaceful – evenings bring the soft lap of water from nearby canals, not the party vibes of Dorsoduro. Just a heads-up, though: no elevator, so if stairs aren’t your thing, pack light or ask for ground-floor options.

Look, if you’re after authentic Venice – the kind where you feel like you’re living it, not just snapping selfies – this place is gold. It’s perfect for couples or small families dodging peak summer crowds (go in shoulder season like April or October for fewer people and that golden light on the courtyard). Sure, it’s not luxury with a capital L – no spa or concierge fussing over you – but that’s the appeal, right? You get privacy, location smarts, and value that leaves room in the budget for extra gelato runs. I’d go back in a heartbeat; it’s the sort of spot that makes you linger over breakfast, watching pigeons flit by, instead of rushing out to tick off sights. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $290. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Clean, modern apt. W/ good air conditioning – David from United States – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great apartment for a group (perhaps two couples and a single person, or a family of 4 or 5). The location is great, but let me qualify that: it is on the side of the canal that is a little quieter and more mellow., So you won’t be a three minute walk from the major attractions, more like 15-20. But it’s just steps away from a vaporetto stop, which makes it quite convenient. My friends and I loved the location, and the accommodations. Top marks for the host, Nicola. He was always available by WhatsApp text, and his wife came to meet us right at the S. Stae vaporetto stop and walked us to the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Just beware when you’re navigating back to the apartment with your GPS. The main entrance is more on what I would call an alley parallel to the street where the address is. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, no problem. But the first time it is a bit confusing

• Responsive host with roomy 3 bedroom apartment. – Harmon from United States – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and very nice apartment.

• Wonderful Apt in Venice ! – Maryellen from United States – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  The host was very helpful with suggestions on transportation, groceries and restaurants. Very clean and location near ferry stop . Wonderful stay .

• Exceptional – Alexandr from Russia – 9 April 2025 (10/10)

  Nicola is the best Host. Hi made our holiday wonderful. Nice courtyard, cozy apartment, great location! Highly recommend!

• Perfect apartment for our family trip – Hannah from United Kingdom – 25 December 2024 (10/10)

  Clean, smart, amazing location, wonderful host, court yard was perfect for relaxing in the evening- just an amazing stay!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was perfect

• Enjoyable. – John from United States – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great but a little hard to find. Straight down San Stae to 1985, then right down an alleyway and take the first left to the end. Convenient and quiet location to explore the city.
  
  What could be improved: Good in every way.

• Exceptional – Cynthia from United States – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, clean, convenient, great host

• Special place to stay – Éva from Hungary – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  Nice, large apartment. The private courtyard is fantastic. Great location, quiet but very close to everything. The rooms are a bit dark as the flat is on the groundfloor. There were 2 bathrooms which was very pleasant. Friendly host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – William from Australia – 15 September 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location a little away from all the crowds.
  Kind & very helpful host Nicola, who met us at the apartment on arrival.
  Very handy for airport via boat.
  Great local restaurants & cafes.
  Well appointed apartment with nice courtyard.
  
  What could be improved: That our stay here was too short!

• Perfect Venice Apartment – Christine from Australia – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  Fabulous apartment Fabulous location Fabulous host. This is the perfect place to see Venice. Highly recommend staying here. Away from the crowds but so close to everything.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities