Venice is well-established as one of the world’s must-see cities, with its fascinating history, charming lack of roads and luxurious gondolas.
Unfortunately, well-established must-see cities are not known for their modesty, and when it comes to budget travel, Venice presents a bit of a challenge due to its often fantastical prices during high season.
But don’t scratch it off your list just yet, we’ve managed to track down five hotels that are not only more affordable than most in this upscale city, but also surprisingly pleasant.
By Aileen Pablo.
Just be sure to book your rooms well in advance, as affordable accommodation in Venice tends to get snapped up pretty quickly even during the off-season.
1. Ai do Mori
Calle Larga San Marco 658
The Ai do Mori hotel is centrally located near St Mark’s Square, which makes it the perfect base for your adventures. The hotel has eleven rooms, many of which have excellent views of the fascinating clockwork Moors in the nearby square.
Rooms here are not especially large, and they are modestly furnished; some even make do with shared bathrooms. But its quaint rooftop seating area provides you with a great view of your surroundings, and for just around 80 Euros a night; it’s a pretty good deal.
2. Acca Hotel
San Polo – Calle Pezzana 2160
Acca Hotel Venice is fairly easy to find, unlike some others on this list, so it might be your first choice if you want to get off the plane, find your hotel and relax, without any hassle.
The hotel has recently been rehabilitated, so it’s somewhat modernized, although still with a classic Venetian feel to it.
It has nine rooms, of the luxuriously spacious as well as the cosily snug variety. It costs around 65 Euros (for a double room) during the off-season, although you may want to avoid it during the touristy months as prices can go up to 135 Euros. The surrounding neighbourhood of San Polo is a relaxed area, with open-air markets and quaint cafes to explore.
3. Pensione La Calcina
Fondamenta delle Zattere, Dorsoduro 780
Slightly larger than the former two, Pensione La Calcina has 29 rooms and is located on the southern side of Dorsoduro. The area is less touristy but no less beautiful, with an amazing walkway along the Giudecca Canal, where you can find plenty of elegant terraces and restaurants to enjoy at the end of a long day of sightseeing.
A double room will set you back no more than 100 Euros in mid season and the rooms are well worth it, with polished hardwood floors, tall windows and an elegant decor.
4. Corte Campana Bed & Breakfast
Castello 4410, Calle del Rimedio
Corte Campana is like a home away from home with comfortable rooms, welcoming dining area and lovely outdoor courtyard. Inside you’ll find an elegant decor complete a chandelier, gilded mirrors, and a wide array of antique books to peruse.
The hotel is small, with just three generously spacious rooms, which adds to the exclusive feel of the place. The area of Castello Alto doesn’t provide a whole lot for tourists to do, but it’s not too far from the happening neighbourhood of San Marco and at just 85 Euros a night, you really can’t complain.
5. Locanda la Corte
Calle Bressana, Castello 6317
This Locanda La Corte” title=”Locanda la Corte prices and availability” target=”_blank”>lovely hotel boasts 16 spacious rooms, a delightful walled courtyard and outdoor breakfast area, as well as a picturesque view of the gondolas floating by on a small canal below. It’s pretty centrally located within walking distance to the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks, although not too central that you’ll be playing dodge the tourist every time you step out the front door.
It’s a bit pricier than some of the other hotels on our list, at a bit over 100 Euros for a double room, but it’s certainly more doable than most hotels you’ll find in this neighbourhood.
Author Bio
Aileen Pablo is part of the team behind Open Colleges, one of Australia’s leading providers of TAFE courses equivalent and TESOL courses.
When not working, Aileen blogs about travel, lifestyle, and beauty tips. She is also often invited as a speaker in Personality Development Seminars in the Philippines. You can find her on Google+.
Photographs by Walter Schaerer
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