Calle dei Maraffoni, 323, Castello, 30122 Venice, Italy
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Image 1 of Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE
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Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE Overview

First Impressions

Walking down Calle dei Maraffoni in Castello, you’d almost miss Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE if you weren’t looking for it — and honestly, that’s part of its charm. This three-star property sits tucked away in one of Venice’s most authentic neighborhoods, where you’ll hear more Italian than English echoing off the narrow walls. The building itself has that weathered Venetian elegance you can’t fake, with shuttered windows and the kind of worn stone steps that have seen centuries of footsteps.

The Castello Advantage

Here’s what I love about staying in Castello — you’re close enough to San Marco to walk there in fifteen minutes, but far enough away that you actually get to sleep at night. The location score of 8.5 makes perfect sense when you realize you’re practically neighbors with the Biennale gardens (hence the name), and the Arsenale is just around the corner. I mean, couples rate this spot 8.4 for good reason — there’s something romantic about wandering these quieter canals without dodging selfie sticks every few steps.

The Apartment Experience

Each apartment here feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in a hotel, which is exactly what you want in Venice. The spaces are compact but thoughtfully laid out — you know what I’m talking about if you’ve ever tried to navigate a typical Venetian building. Most units come with a small kitchenette, which is actually pretty handy when you want morning coffee without the €4 tourist markup. The decor strikes that sweet spot between modern comfort and respecting the building’s character.

Neighborhood Life

What really sold me on this area is how it feels like actual Venice, not the theme park version. There’s a little bakery two streets over where the owner will remember your order by day three, and the local osteria serves cicchetti that locals actually eat. You’ll walk past elderly Venetians hanging laundry and kids kicking soccer balls in tiny campos — scenes that remind you this city isn’t just a museum. The vaporetto stop is close enough when you need it, but honestly, I found myself walking everywhere from here.

Why Guests Love It

The 8.6 rating reflects what you get here — solid accommodations in an unbeatable location without the premium you’d pay closer to the main attractions. It’s not trying to be fancy, and that’s refreshing in a city where everything else seems designed to separate tourists from their money. The staff knows the neighborhood inside and out, so they’ll point you toward the good gelato spot (not the one with the long line) and tell you which bridges to cross for the best canal views. For the price point, you’re getting authentic Venice living with enough comfort to make it feel like a proper vacation.

Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
Double Room with Private Bathroom1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests$115
Large Double Room1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests$118
Family Room with Private Bathroom1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests$118
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Image 4 of Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE

Reviews of Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE

  • Danila from Brazil – 1 April 2025 (8/10)

    Acomodação bonita e nova!

  • Aurora from Italy – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

    Il ragazzo che ci ha accolte è stato carinissimo e molto gentile. La stanza era impeccabile, anche se dalle foto ci aspettavamo la cucina funzionante invece ci è stato spiegato che non puó essere usata. Se si vuole risparmiare sui mezzi di trasporto (vaporetto) che costano davvero molto, consiglio di armarsi di buona volontà e scarpe comode perchè per arrivare in piazza san marco ci vuole all’incirca mezz’ora a piedi. Rapporto qualità/prezzo ottimo, struttura super consigliata se si vuole visitare Venezia senza spendere un occhio della testa.

  • Charan from Spain – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

    All good

    What could be improved: Needs new towels, the ones smell bad

  • Iqra from Sweden – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

    The room was really nice and clean. It included all amenities as well. The host was also very nice and kind. The only suggestion would be to include 2more pillows.

  • Nazire from Turkey – 8 February 2025 (9/10)

    The apartment we stayed in was very clean. The owner was very friendly and helpful.

    What could be improved: We had a small problem with the heating, but the owner helped us immediately, even though it was early in the morning. We solved the problem together and didnt have any other issues during the stay.

  • Bogdan from Romania – 21 November 2024 (9/10)

    Just like in the pics. Great value for money if you want to visit Biennale

  • Andres from United States – 19 October 2024 (8/10)

    Great location in Giardini, only a few minutes walk if going to the Biennale at Giardini and not that far to Arsenale either, and also a few minutes to walk to restaurants on Via Garibaldi.
    Host communicated on Whatsapp and met me at arrival, explained details about the room, keys, etc. I paid the host directly and not through Booking.Com. Room was comfortable and modern. Boat to airport leaves from Arsenale, a walking distance from the room.

    What could be improved: Main lights in the room are fluorescent and really bright. I am getting used to accommodations in Italy looking grim from the outside of the building to then being nice and modern inside. Be aware though that it may take a while to get to the train station to Giardini by boat. And Venice is an expensive tourist trap.

  • Anca from United Kingdom – 12 October 2024 (9/10)

    the place was immaculate, very conveniently situated and the host was so hospitable and helpful. 100% recommend

    What could be improved: a few mosquitos, but thats what you will expect in venice! have a spray prepared

  • Julian from United Kingdom – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

    Recently renovated, the bedroom is very comfortable and the bathroom well-equipped. Very quiet location, but easy to access. The staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. A kettle and kitchen utensils mean you can prepare drinks and simple food, and there is a supermarket immediately opposite. It’s all very convenient.

  • Bruce from Australia – 6 September 2024 (8/10)

    Great out of the way location to be close to most things. Great bed. Super clean. Very quiet. Water taxi very close by. Supermarket across the lane.

    What could be improved: No view from the windows. No balcony. Found it hard to find the correct rainbow apartment. It’s a mix of super new design for the unit in very old Venice building.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Ca’ d’Oro: 850 m
  • Doge’s Palace: 900 m
  • Rialto Bridge: 850 m
  • Biennale Gardens: 250 m
  • Piazza San Marco: 950 m
  • Procuratie Vecchie: 900 m
  • The Bridge of Sighs: 850 m
  • Bell Tower of San Marco: 850 m
  • Museum of Naval History: 350 m
  • T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace: 850 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Da Valentino: 0 m
  • Cafe/bar Barcollo Venezia: 30 m
  • Restaurant Trattoria dai Tosi: 100 m

Top attractions:

  • M9 Museum: 16 km
  • Grassi Palace: 2.4 km
  • Campo San Polo: 2.9 km
  • Accademia Bridge: 2.3 km
  • Papadopoli Gardens: 3.6 km
  • Constitution Bridge: 3.9 km
  • Scuola Grande di San Rocco: 3.2 km
  • Olivetti Exhibitionn Centre: 950 m
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection: 1.9 km
  • Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: 1 km

Natural beauty:

  • Forest Lido di Venezia Biotopi Litoranei: 3.9 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Lungomare d’Annunzio Beach: 3.6 km

Public transport:

  • Bus Zendrini: 12 km
  • Train Marittima: 4.4 km
  • Bus Passo Campalto: 12 km
  • Train Venice Santa Lucia Train Station: 3.9 km

Closest airports:

  • Treviso Airport: 35 km
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport: 8 km

Facilities

General:

  • Air conditioning Additional charge
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating Additional charge
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Italian

Safety & security:

  • Key access

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Shower
Image 5 of Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE
Image 6 of Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE

House Rules at Venice Rainbow Apartments BIENNALE

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 16:00 to 20:00

Check-out:

  • From 06:00 to 10:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.4

Comfort:

9.3

Location:

8.8

Free WiFi:

8.8

Facilities:

8.5

Cleanliness:

9.2

Value for money:

8.8