Wow suite 5 min from San Marco

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling off the vaporetto at the Arsenale stop – you know, that one where the old shipyard vibes hit you right away with all those brick walls and the faint salty tang in the air – and thinking, wow, this is actually Venice without the insane crowds. The Wow Suite is tucked away in Castello, on Sestiere Castello 3331, just a quick five-minute wander from San Marco Square. I mean, it’s close enough that you can pop over for a morning espresso at one of those overpriced cafés by the basilica, but far enough that you’re not dodging selfie sticks every two seconds. Check-in was a breeze; the host met me at the door with this warm, no-fuss Italian welcome – handed over the keys, pointed out the Wi-Fi code, and even tossed in a tip about avoiding the tourist trap restaurants on Via Garibaldi nearby. Honestly, after lugging my bag through those narrow calli (that’s what they call the little streets here), stepping into the place felt like a sigh of relief. It’s a four-star spot with a solid 9.1 rating, and yeah, it lives up to that – not flashy, but thoughtfully done up in that modern-meets-Venetian style, with exposed beams and these plush linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just my imagination after a long flight).

What really got me was how the suite itself sort of unfolds – it’s spacious for Venice standards, where everything’s usually crammed into historic buildings. You’ve got a little kitchenette that’s perfect for whipping up a quick pasta if you grab stuff from the Rialto market (pro tip: go early, before the tour groups swarm it). The bed? King-sized and ridiculously comfy, though fair warning, the building’s old, so no elevator – I huffed up two flights with my suitcase, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right? Well, sort of. Mornings were my favorite; I’d crack open the window and hear the distant chime of bells from Santa Maria Formosa church, mixed with the soft lap of canal water below. It’s quiet here in Castello, especially off-season – think November, when the fog rolls in and the whole area feels like a secret. But come summer, you might catch some noise from the nearby bars on Campo Santa Maria Formosa; nothing crazy, just lively chatter that dies down by midnight. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re feeling fancy). I wandered to the Biennale gardens in like ten minutes, grabbed cicchetti at this hole-in-the-wall spot called Al Mascaron – tiny fried snacks that pair perfectly with a spritz – and it all felt so authentically local, you know?

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want that sweet spot between tourist central and a peaceful retreat, this place nails it. It’s not perfect – the bathroom’s a tad compact, and hot water takes a minute to kick in – but for the price and that 9.1 vibe, it’s a gem. I’ve stayed in fancier hotels that felt soulless, but here? It actually made me slow down, savor the city. You’d care if you’re like me, chasing those real moments amid the gondolas and gelato stands. Go in shoulder season for the best deal, and thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $226. Apartment with Garden View with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Anastasiia from Portugal – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was very clean and looks exactly as in the photos. These are two essential things that you cannot notice in many other rental apartments.
  The location is also convenient, very close to the centre. And the host is so friendly and welcoming. The communication was fast and I got the keys quickly and on time. 👌🏼

• Exceptional – Natalia from Netherlands – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful and cozy apartment, we enjoyed our stay a lot. Location is amazing – everything is close by. Communication with the host was easy and pleasant. We will definitely come back when in Venice and recommend everyone to do the same.

• We had a fabulous stay in a well equipped apartment which was in the perfect location to be able to walk everywhere easi – Liz from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Centrally located this apartment was on easy walking distance of all the main attractions.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was great

• perfect little stay for a trip to venice! – Hannah from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  Good price, lovely and clean, host was helpful and friendly 🙂
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Beautiful stay in Venice highly recommended – Massimo from Italy – 4 December 2024 (10/10)

  We left extremely happy with our stay: the apartment is spacious, brand new, we found everything we needed and even more like Netflix access on TV. We stayed in December, and were glad to have the heating in each room and two heaters in the bathroom. We totally can recommend the place and would be happy to come back.

• All about the location – Susan from United States – 13 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location, location, location. We loved the ease of walking to the key sites in Venice and about 50 steps away were nice breakfast places and gelato at night. It was convenient for the vaporettes and near so many restaurants. Great stay.
  
  What could be improved: Venice is not an easy place to find your way around. We finally gave up and sent our host a picutre of where we were and she came to us. We were only 50 steps away but… hard to find. No problem finding it on our own later, just the first time.
  
  Also, when taking the boat from the airport, get off on the far side of the island and walk 15 minutes across the island to this lodging. We took the boat all the way around the island to San Marco and it was an additonal hour – with not a scenic view by any means.

• Great stay – Gregory from United States – 17 September 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, comfortable space. Would stay here again

• Absolutely recommended! – Pia from Austria – 2 June 2024 (10/10)

  Very nice host; super cozy apartment in great, central area. The apartment was super clean, the kitchen well equipped with all you need for a few days. Comfortable beds, apartment in pretty Venetian style and flair. We enjoyed our stay, can highly recommend it and would definetely come again!
  
  What could be improved: There wasn’t anything we could complain about.

• Would happily have stayed longer. – Ayesha from Germany – 24 May 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful place in the middle of Venice and really within 5mins of walking from San Marco. Easily reachable from the main station by water bus. The house is good for two people and very well maintained as well as stocked. Cannot recommend enough and was worth every cent.

• Great location, very helpful host, clean – Federica from United Kingdom – 3 May 2024 (10/10)

  We loved the fact that it was kept in his original features. Comfortable bed, clean. The host very accessible and helpful.
  Great location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities