Venice Luca’s house

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Venice Luca’s House almost by accident last spring, right when the tourist crowds were starting to swell but hadn’t quite overtaken everything yet. Tucked away in the Castello district on this narrow little alley called Calle de la Malvasia Vechia – honestly, it’s one of those spots where you feel like you’ve slipped into the real Venice, away from the San Marco madness. The address is Castello 2272, fourth floor, and let me tell you, that climb up the stairs (no elevator, classic old building style) is a bit of a huff after lugging your suitcase from the vaporetto stop at Celestia, which is maybe a five-minute walk if you’re not lost in the labyrinth. But once you’re up there, whew – the views over the rooftops and glimpses of the lagoon make it worth every step. I remember arriving in the late afternoon, the air thick with that briny canal smell mixed with someone’s laundry drying in the breeze, and the owner, Luca himself I think, greeting me with a casual wave and a quick espresso. It’s not some glossy lobby; it’s more like stepping into a friend’s apartment building, with worn marble steps and those heavy wooden doors that creak just right.

What really sets this place apart – and I mean this as someone who’s bounced around a few spots in Venice – is how it balances that authentic, lived-in charm with some thoughtful touches that make you feel settled. The rooms are spacious for Venice standards, with these high ceilings and original beams that give it a sort of historic vibe without feeling stuffy. Mine had a little balcony overlooking the calle, where I’d sip coffee in the morning listening to the church bells from nearby San Francesco della Vigna (that’s a gem of a church, by the way, less crowded than the big ones). The bed was comfy, linens fresh, and there’s a small kitchenette – perfect for grabbing some prosciutto from the market on Via Garibaldi, which is just a 10-minute stroll away through these quiet backstreets. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly solid, even for streaming a bit of Netflix after a long day of wandering. It’s rated 9.4 for a reason, you know? But fair warning, the area can get a tad noisy in the evenings if there’s a local festival going on – think distant accordion music floating up from the canals – though it quiets down by 10 or so. Parking’s a non-issue since, well, it’s Venice; just hop off the boat and walk. Check-in was a breeze, no fuss, and they even pointed me to a great osteria around the corner for cicchetti that wasn’t packed with tour groups.

All in all, if you’re after a four-star stay that feels genuine rather than some cookie-cutter hotel chain, Venice Luca’s House is the spot. It’s in that sweet part of Castello where you can dip into the action – like a quick walk to the Arsenale or even over to San Marco in about 15 minutes – but retreat to something peaceful. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just skimmed the surface, and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the rates dip and the whole city breathes easier. Just pack light for those stairs, okay? (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $203. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Judith from United Kingdom – 21 November 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, comfortable property with everything you’d need and warm welcome from host

• Emily from Australia – 23 December 2024 (9/10)

  Comfy bed, great location. Appreciated the thoughtfulness of umbrellas!
  It was great to have the washing machine too.
  
  What could be improved: Fourth floor access might be a problem for some guests – there is a small lift that only takes 1 -2ppl max.
  Guests should note that there is no dishwasher.

• Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 1 November 2024 (9/10)

  It’s very well located, very homey and charming, and has everything you need. The owners are lovely and really helpful and responsive.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Ismo from Finland – 26 October 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location
  
  What could be improved: Noice from upstairs during the night

• Nikki from United Kingdom – 7 October 2024 (8/10)

  We liked the location. Very central and everything accessible and within walking distance.
  
  Tumble dryer a welcome bonus to dry wet clothes from the rain.
  
  Good full sized comfy beds.
  
  Well stocked kitchen
  
  Extra plug adaptors helpful
  
  What could be improved: Lighting in the bathroom a little intermittent as kept flashing / strobing.
  
  Main bedroom a little dark

• David from United Kingdom – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  The flat was perfectly located, 7 min walk from St Mark’s square, really well equipped, clean and lovingly furnished.

• Iryna from Ukraine – 20 February 2024 (10/10)

  Wow! We can really recommend Luca's house. Everything was great: location, hosts, communication, a lot of small useful things and details that make your stay comfy. It's easy to get from Santa Lucia train station. Very close to everything: restaurants, supermarket, sightseeings, transport stations. Very quiet street, very cosy apartments and very warm welcome.

• Thanasis from Greece – 3 February 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, most helpful hosts with clean, spacious and cozy apartment.
  Thank you for everything !!!

• Baskaran from Sweden – 2 February 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent place and very convenient to roam around
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was all good

• Fotis from Greece – 20 January 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect! Luca and his mother were very helpful and kind. The best house to book in Venice! Well done guys!
  Thank you for all!!!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities