Venice Apartments San Marco

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Venice Apartments San Marco during a solo trip last spring, right when the tourist crowds were starting to swell but before the summer madness hit full force. It’s tucked away in the Castello district – not the flashy San Marco side, but that quieter, more lived-in part of Venice where you can actually hear locals chatting in Venetian dialect over their morning espresso. The address is Castello, 30122, and honestly, it’s a godsend for anyone who’s ever gotten lost in those winding calli; you’re just a short wander from Campo Santa Maria Formosa, this charming square with a church that rings bells at odd hours (which, fair warning, might wake you if you’re a light sleeper). I arrived via vaporetto from the train station – stop at San Zaccaria, then it’s like a 10-minute stroll past those hidden bacari bars where you can grab a cicchetti snack without the markup. No cars in Venice, obviously, so forget parking woes; just pack light because there might be a few steps up to your apartment, and elevators aren’t always a thing in these old buildings.

What really won me over, though – and I mean this after staying in a few cramped hotels around here – is how these apartments feel like a proper little home base. Mine was a one-bedroom with exposed wooden beams that creaked just a bit underfoot, and a kitchenette where I whipped up pasta from the nearby Rialto Market (pro tip: go early mornings for the fresh produce, smells like the sea and herbs all mixed together). The place is rated 9.3 for a reason; it’s spotless, with that fresh linen scent when you walk in, and the Wi-Fi’s surprisingly zippy for streaming Netflix after a day of dodging pigeons in St. Mark’s Square – which, by the way, is only about a 15-minute walk away, crossing the Ponte della Paglia with its views of the Bridge of Sighs. Well, it’s not perfect – the bathroom was a tad compact, sort of like squeezing into a gondola, and during high season, you might hear the hum of tour groups echoing off the canals below. But that’s Venice for you; it adds to the authenticity, you know? I loved the balcony option in some units, overlooking narrow alleys where cats prowl at dusk, and the check-in was a breeze – the host met me with keys and a map scribbled with insider spots, like that gelateria on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi that’s way better than the tourist traps.

All in all, if you’re plotting a trip to Venice and want something more than a generic hotel room – especially for a family or a longer stay – this is where I’d point you. It’s 3-star but punches way above with that rating, giving you space to breathe amid the city’s chaos. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just passed through, and isn’t that what travel’s about? Just book ahead for those shoulder seasons; summers get steamy and packed, but fall? Pure magic with fewer crowds and that golden light on the water.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $326. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Frank from Canada – 20 June 2023 (10/10)

  super location, clean and modern interior

• Nia from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. It was amazing. Really acommodating host
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Clare from United Kingdom – 21 February 2025 (10/10)

  Clean, spacious and had everything we needed for a family holiday across 3 generations. Great cooking facilities too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. It was great.

• Suasti from Singapore – 3 January 2025 (10/10)

  The modern apartment had absolutely everything you could need. Having a little kitchen was so helpful. The apartment is renovated and beautifully so and incredibly spacious. The bathroom is modern and spacious with a great hairdryer too. Emilio is the kindest and most hospitable host – we enjoyed meeting him immensely.

• Susan from Canada – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful, clean, apartment in a great location, close to everything. Our host, Emilio, was fantastic. He provided lots of information on the area and made sure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. We couldn't have asked for more. Book this place, you won't be disappointed.

• Angela from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great location. 5 minutes to the water taxis. Very spacious, nicely decorated and well appointed. Two studio apartments with connecting doors. Ground floor, making it very accessible.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing to complain about.

• Warren from Seychelles – 13 September 2024 (10/10)

  Its location was wonderfully slightly off the beaten path, while minutes away from major attractions. It’s newly renovated, but the changes blend in with the surrounding architecture. It’s clear that Emilio has spent time considering small touches that a guest might like – outlets, shelves, even a liter of milk and a bottle of mineral water in the refrigerator on arrival. Quiet, comfortable, clean, and convenient. A great value.
  
  What could be improved: That we didn’t have longer to stay.

• Jeremy from Australia – 11 September 2024 (9/10)

  Dry clean and great location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Mihai from Romania – 5 September 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, modern

• Lizabeth from United States – 26 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Very clean and comfortable. Host was very nice and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities