Venice Romantic Views San Marco

Update: I left. The WiFi didn’t work, and the manager kept asking me to pay the €15 city tax again even though I’d paid online and sent the receipt. When I said I’d call the police for him, he dropped it. They still kept my €68, which they had charged twice. I found Hotel marte for €40 more per night, and it was beautiful. The second set of photos is that place, in case it helps to look around. I almost never leave bad hotel reviews, but buyer beware. The listing gave misleading information about both cancellation and price. It showed €68 a night, then added a hidden €68 charge, which the manager said was for towels and things. I was staying alone for one night. I’d meant to book two nights, which is why I missed the extra charge, and tried to cancel right away. I called the apartment contact and explained I’d booked by mistake, asking to change it from one night to two and from €145 including taxes to €68. They said they couldn’t help and wouldn’t waive the €68 cancellation fee. Priceline sent me to booking.com, where they said they’d contact the hotel to ask for the fee to be waived. I’ve never had this be difficult before, even in Italy, but they said no. When I showed up at 2 pm, the guy said, “well, you said you wanted to cancel.” I said I did, but they wouldn’t waive the fee and I wasn’t going to lose about €70. He said he’d send someone down. When that person arrived, they asked me for the city tax again. The room is very basic, with no atmosphere or view. Fine if you’re paying less. I’d stayed by a canal the night before for €20 less, and a canal-view room at Belle hotel was €120 a night on November 9, 2023. Don’t book here, I’m sure you can find better for your money, even on a weekend or at the last minute. Venice is small and walkable. Being by the square isn’t everything; the river and cafes near Rialto bridge are better. This room feels like a college apartment, with nothing Venetian about it. I’m writing this and still thinking I might check out. It really feels like a sham. I’ll include photos and hope they make my point. Safe travels. #kuntytravels. P.S. They may have other units worth staying in, but when someone owns a building and won’t refund you ten seconds after you book, with the price doubled, you know why.

I booked three rooms for six people at Host Mario in St. Marco, Venice, initially listing five guests and later adding one. I was charged an extra guest fee for that person. I made the same change at two other Airbnbs, in Firenze and Roma, and there I was charged only the additional per-person tax. I gave this place four stars as an honest comparison with those other stays, which I had rated five stars. Mr Mario wasn’t happy and replied with the message below. If you book his apartment, be prepared to give a five-star review.

Just 50 meters from St. Mark’s Square and the vaporetto boat stop. The location is spectacular.

Best part was being only steps from St. Mark’s Square, though the apartment itself was lovely too. It’s a small penthouse for six, laid out really well, with a little terrace and a compact kitchen that has everything you need. The place was very clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We loved it and would definitely recommend it.