Venice Appartament Salini II – Canal view

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon the Venice Appartament Salini II – tucked away at 302 Sestiere Castello, right in the heart of Castello district – I was honestly a bit skeptical. Venice can be such a whirlwind of tourists and overpriced everything, but this spot? It’s like finding a quiet corner in the chaos. I arrived via vaporetto from the Arsenale stop – super easy, just a five-minute walk along those narrow calli that wind past old shipyard walls, you know, the ones with that faint salty tang in the air from the lagoon. No cars here, obviously – Venice being Venice – so you’re hauling your luggage over bridges, but it’s part of the charm, I suppose. The building itself is this classic Venetian pile, all weathered brick and wrought-iron balconies, and checking in was a breeze; the host met me with keys and a quick rundown in broken English, no fuss, no front desk drama. Oh, and fair warning: it’s on the second floor with stairs – not ideal if you’ve got heavy bags or mobility issues, but hey, that’s authentic living for you.

What really sold me, though, was waking up to that canal view every morning – it’s the Rio di San Lorenzo right outside your window, with gondolas gliding by and the occasional shout from a boatman echoing off the water. The apartment’s got this cozy, lived-in vibe, like you’re borrowing a local’s pad rather than staying in some sterile hotel room. Four stars? Yeah, it earns ’em – spacious living area with a full kitchen (stock up on fresh produce from the Via Garibaldi market, just a stone’s throw away; their artichokes are killer in spring), comfy beds that don’t creak like some old Venetian joints do, and a bathroom that’s modern without feeling out of place. I mean, there’s even a washing machine, which saved my trip after a rainy day splashing through puddles near the Biennale gardens – those are nearby too, great for a quiet stroll if you time it for early morning before the crowds hit. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak tourist season in summer, and you might hear church bells from San Francesco della Vigna at dawn – sort of magical, actually, unless you’re a light sleeper. But the textures, man – the cool marble floors underfoot, the scent of espresso brewing in the kitchen while watching the canal shimmer – it pulls you right into Venice’s rhythm, away from the San Marco madness but close enough for a 15-minute wander to the Doge’s Palace.

Honestly, if you’re after that real-deal Venice experience without the selfie-stick hordes, this is your spot. Rated 9.3 for good reason – it’s got soul, you know? I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season like October when the fog rolls in and everything feels a tad mysterious. Pack light, grab some cicchetti from a nearby bacaro on Fondamenta San Lorenzo, and settle in. You’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $317. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Meagan from United States – 9 August 2023 (10/10)

  It was in a beautiful area of Venice outside the main crowds but close enough to not be too far away. The ferry transport was close. There was a small little town section and great coffee place near by. The property was very clean and comfortable and you could see a canal out your window.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything about it. So no comment in this section.

• Trish from Australia – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely canal views, supermarket close, quiet, comfortable beds.
  
  What could be improved: Would have preferred an address before arrival.

• Kunal from United States – 29 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great – a very quite neighborhood but still very close to all key locations in Venice. Loved the convenience of a great grocery store (Prix) close to the apartment and it was very good quality at reasonable prices. A lot of eating places close by too. Apartment is very spacious for a family of 4 – we loved the fact we could come back to the apartment mid-day (Venice was very hot) to rest before heading back out.
  
  What could be improved: While this is not a negative – I am just puzzled at the additional cost for check in after 6 PM. This is the reason hotels are way more convenient at times. I understand this cost is mentioned in the description and the hosts clarified this before but I just don't think it is right on principle. The apartment is fairly expensive and to tag on extra costs just didn't feel right

• Heather from United States – 10 June 2024 (10/10)

  This was a great location. Two vaporetto stops or 10 min walk from St Marks but quiet with a lovely park nearby. All the access without all the bustle.

• Sona from Slovakia – 3 April 2024 (8/10)

  Communication with the host was great, she provided us with all necessary information, shared tips on what to visit and recommended some nice restaurants and bars. The apartment was nice, clean and we had all we needed during our stay.

• David from United Kingdom – 31 March 2024 (9/10)

  Hosts were great via WhatsApp and then in person. Met us at the Vaporetto stop to take us to the apartment. Quiet safe location just a few mins walk from via Garibaldi with lots of restaurants and a supermarket.
  Great view from the kitchen and main bedroom. Perfect for a family of 4.
  30 seconds walk from a cheap local mini supermarket.
  
  What could be improved: Quite far from the main sights, but that did mean lots of walking around lovely Venice.

• Simon from Ireland – 16 January 2024 (9/10)

  Well appointed apartment with everything you would need. Ideal for a small group. A little out of the central tourist area but still very accessible and for us the location was a positive. The place was nice and warm for our stay during the winter. Lovely view from the kitchen and master bedroom
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. The only minor thing to consider would be that if you are 4 and planning to use the lounge area a lot it might not be the most comfortable as its a narrow room with seating more suitable for 3.

• Anthony from United Kingdom – 5 January 2024 (10/10)

  The communication between hosts and us was fantastic. We were met off the boat, shown to the accommodation and given a tour of it. We were given recommendations of places to eat.
  The accommodation is great, very comfortable. The view out to the canal is beautiful.
  We really enjoyed the area, perfect for eating out, bars, transportation and walking. Highly recommend
  
  What could be improved: There is absolutely nothing to not like.

• Rebecca from United States – 2 November 2023 (10/10)

  The owners were in constant contact and explained exactly where to meet. They met us at the water taxi and walked us to the home. The home was beautifully updated and in a great location not too far of a walk. They offered recommendations on where to eat and where available for any questions.

• Danlei from Australia – 14 September 2023 (10/10)

  Excellent location, excellent host, clean , well facilitated.Strongly recommend it.

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Facilities