WellVenice Rialto

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the WellVenice Rialto after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re crammed in with everyone’s luggage and that faint salty canal smell clings to everything. It’s tucked away on Calle Bembo in San Marco, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, which is honestly a godsend if you’re not up for hauling your bags over a dozen little bridges. I mean, Venice can be a workout, right? When I arrived in the late afternoon, the check-in was smooth – no fuss, just a friendly guy at the desk who handed over the key with a quick tip about avoiding the tourist traps on the main drag. The lobby’s got this cozy, old-world vibe with exposed beams and those classic Venetian mirrors that make everything feel a bit more elegant than it probably is. But here’s the thing: it’s not some massive chain hotel; it’s more like a hidden gem squeezed between narrow alleys where you can hear the gondoliers calling out in the distance, especially around sunset when the light hits the water just right.

What really won me over were the rooms – mine was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet side canal (ask for one if you can; the views beat the street-side ones hands down). It’s a solid 4-star setup, with comfy beds that actually let you sink in after a day of wandering, and the bathroom had those heated floors that are a lifesaver in cooler months – Venice gets surprisingly chilly in the off-season, you know? Breakfast was included, nothing fancy but decent: fresh pastries, cappuccinos strong enough to wake you up, and they set it up in this little courtyard that’s blissfully shaded from the summer heat. Oh, and speaking of practical stuff, there’s no parking obviously (it’s Venice!), but they can arrange transfers if you’re coming by water taxi. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night once the day-trippers clear out – well, except for the occasional church bell or boat horn, but that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? I did notice the stairs are a bit steep and narrow, like in most old buildings here, so if you’ve got mobility issues, mention it upfront. Nearby, you’re steps from spots like the Mercato di Rialto for fresh produce in the mornings, or that tiny bacaro on Calle della Madonna where locals grab cicchetti – way better than the overpriced places by San Marco Square.

Honestly, with its 8.8 rating, the WellVenice Rialto feels like a smart pick for anyone wanting to dive into real Venice without the hassle. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours when everyone’s uploading their gondola selfies – but it nails that balance of comfort and location. If you’re visiting in shoulder season, like April or October, it’s even better; fewer crowds mean you can actually enjoy a leisurely walk to the Doge’s Palace or hop a ferry to Murano without the madness. I’d go back in a heartbeat – it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve got Venice figured out, even if just for a few days.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $611. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Fiona from Ireland – 27 February 2023 (9/10)

  Incredible location, great big spacious apartment, very clean

• Ian from Australia – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Shower water pressure

• Burrows from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  A spacious and well-equipped apartment in a fantastic location. The accommodation is perfect for access to all of the main attractions in Venice.
  The owners are really helpful and communication was excellent. We would stay here again.

• Irina from Bulgaria – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location , very nice furniture and kind host

• Alexandra from Malta – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location was central
  
  What could be improved: Curtains closing off a bedroom instead of doors

• Yuki from United States – 14 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location was amazing! Right next to the water taxis and super convenient to go to top attractions in Venice. The apartment was big and plenty of space for everyone. It had a washer and we could do laundry if we wanted. Felt like a local staying at this place and had no noise complaints despite it being close to the water taxi station. Would recommend, great value!
  
  What could be improved: No real complaints, maybe the towels could be a bit better.

• Yau from Hong Kong – 18 January 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment was spacious. The host was very helpful, and instructions to access the apartment provided were clear and precise. The wifi in the house was great. There are sufficient racks to dry the clothes for a group of people.
  
  What could be improved: The water pressure with the shower was a bit weak. It would have been great if the guest was able to use the lift as carrying luggage to the first floor using the stairs is a bit challenging

• Rod from Australia – 6 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect for us. Close to the rialto bridge and a easy water bus ride from train station. The walk to San Marco passed numerous shops and was fairly easy. There were an abundance of Restaurants so dining was a great experience. Gondolas passing by right outside your bedroom windows was something I will remember for a long time
  
  What could be improved: The stair climb to the apartment was a little challenging. Three flights was a good workout.
  Would not recommend this apartment for anyone with hip or knee problems or having large luggage bags.

• Paulette from United States – 3 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location! Size! Cleanliness! Amenities!
  
  What could be improved: Not major but main door access—lock mechanism sticks and had to push hard plus dark once inside—motion light would be a bonus

• Ellis from United States – 13 September 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was spacious and well equipped. The hostess was easy to access with whats app and responded quickly to our questions and concerns. The washer and drying racks were very convenient. It was well located.
  
  What could be improved: The keys were very difficult to use. It was very hot and we had fans in rooms. One place that we stayed later in the month had heat pumps which made for a more comfortable stay.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities