Venice Biennale Garibaldi

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Venice Biennale Garibaldi kind of by accident last summer – I was wandering through Castello after getting off the vaporetto at Giardini, and honestly, it felt like I’d escaped the tourist crush around San Marco. Tucked away at 2082 Castello, right off Via Garibaldi, this 4-star spot has that understated charm you only really appreciate if you’ve spent time in Venice’s quieter corners. Via Garibaldi’s this wide, lively street lined with little markets selling fresh produce and those hole-in-the-wall osterias where locals grab cicchetti and spritz – not the overpriced ones near the Rialto, I mean the real deal. The hotel itself is in one of those classic Venetian buildings, with faded pinkish walls that smell faintly of salt from the nearby lagoon, and when I checked in, the staff were super welcoming, chatting about the best times to hit the Biennale pavilions (avoid weekends if you can, it’s a zoo during the art fair season). No parking hassles here, obviously – Venice being Venice – but it’s a quick walk from the Arsenale stop, which saved me from lugging bags over too many bridges.

What really sold me on the place was how it balances that old-world feel with just enough modern comforts – the rooms aren’t huge, sort of cozy in that European way, but mine had these tall windows overlooking a narrow canal, and you’d hear the gentle lap of water against the stones in the mornings, mixed with distant church bells. The bed was plush, honestly one of the better ones I’ve slept on in Italy, and the bathroom had those heated towel racks that make all the difference after a damp day exploring. Breakfast is solid – fresh pastries, decent coffee (not the watered-down tourist stuff), and you can sit in this little courtyard that’s surprisingly quiet, even though the neighborhood buzzes with life. It’s rated 8.5 for a reason; well, there was that one night when some late-night revelers on the street got a bit rowdy – nothing major, but earplugs might be smart if you’re a light sleeper. Still, compared to the constant noise in busier spots like Dorsoduro, it’s a breath of fresh air. And location-wise, you’re steps from the Giardini della Biennale, where the art installations spill out into the gardens – I spent a whole afternoon there, dodging sculptures and grabbing gelato from that tiny stand on the corner of Viale Trento.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venice without the selfie-stick hordes, this is your spot. It’s not flashy or anything – no rooftop pool or whatever – but that’s what makes it special, you know? Perfect for art lovers during the Biennale (book early, it fills up fast in odd-numbered years), or just folks wanting to wander Castello’s hidden alleys. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in the off-season when the fog rolls in and everything feels even more magical. Just pack comfortable shoes – those cobblestones will get you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $207. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Would definitely stay again – Leanne from Australia – 24 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great location clean comfortable
  Host was very responsive.

• Perfect spot for your vacation – Natalia from United Kingdom – 9 August 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location. Quiet area. Close to everything,walking distance to city centre, restaurants,boat stations.
  Perfect for family stay , comfortable beds.
  Will recommend it.

• I recommend these apartments for accommodation. Convenient location, comfort, cleanliness, and cozin – Nataliia from Ukraine – 16 May 2024 (10/10)

  The accommodation exceeded our expectations! This place has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. When it started to get chilly outside and we asked to turn on the heating, it was done within a few minutes, and the apartment was warm and cozy. Communication on all matters was at the highest level
  
  What could be improved: I enjoyed absolutely everything.The premises are ideal for relaxation and comfort. It takes only 3 minutes to walk to the embankment

• Lovely roomy appt in quiet area away from tourist crowds – Celine from Switzerland – 3 April 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely quiet location 5min from Arsenale boat stop, 5min from co-op supermarket. Variety of restaurants in main street.
  Good shower and kitchen was well equipped.
  Comfy beds and roomy ground floor appt.
  Excellent whatsapp contact with host, very responsive. Park with turtles nearby and playground a bit further (away from city centre)
  
  What could be improved: Be aware there is a 4eur city tax per person per night to be left in cash safe deposit box! This does not seem to be written in the ad (it should be, hope the owner corrects this unless I missed it). We were made aware of this extra cash fee by whatsapp before arrival.
  Flat smells a bit damp but we knew this from other reviews and being Venice it is obv a bit humid. Radiators turn off automatically at night and it gets chilly (esp. With humidity) but extra blankets are provided and ensured good sleep. Radiator in bathroom (towel rails) heats well!

• Great Place to Stay to Explore Venice – Adam from China – 17 February 2024 (10/10)

  Apartment was spacious and comfortable for five people. Very convenient too. There is a very good bakery like 30 secs away, just opposite the alley where the apartment is located, where you can buy breakfast, pizza and lots of cakes. Lots of restaurants nearby too. Coop supermarket only few mins away. Only 15-20 min walk to St Mark’s Square and some of the main attractions. We were there in time for the Venice Carnival, which was sublime. Host was very responsive when he needed to be.

• Exceptional – Adrian from New Zealand – 31 July 2023 (10/10)

  Nice and quiet location. Clean. Close to vaperetto.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent location – Georgios from Greece – 26 July 2023 (9/10)

  The accommodation was spacious enough for five people.
  The location is excellent, very close to the city's attractions but also in a lively neighborhood with cafes and bars that get close late at night.
  Sebastiano answered every question we had immediately.

• Great choice! – Şeyma from Turkey – 8 July 2023 (10/10)

  Great location, we had self check in chance, it was amazing. Home was extremely clean and Sebastiano is so helpful. Great choice!!!

• Would return – Cristina from United States – 26 June 2023 (10/10)

  The location was perfect. Safe and away from most of the crowd. 10-15mins walk to piazza San Marco. There are restaurants and a supermarket 2 mins away. The actual apartment has a well setup kitchen. It was clean. We were 4 and had enough room to move. The pull out couch is in the living area.
  
  What could be improved: The water has a mind of its own. It gets scorching hot and then very cold. The apt. has a moist smell but we turned on the AC and the smell went away.

• Exceptional – Heike from Germany – 21 May 2023 (10/10)

  very central, silent and very clean.
  Contact via WhatsApp quick, friendly and efficient

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities