Ostello Santa FoscaEditor's Pick

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The Ostello Santa Fosca lets you pretend, at least for the night, that you’re an Italian student. Serving primarily as housing for the University of Venice, the complex opens up its rooms year-round to budget travelers.

Located amidst the ruins of a 13th-century basilica—one that was once larger than San Marco—the Ostello Santa Fosca has the aura of antiquity. Behold the iron gates, crumbling cloisters and canal-side location!

Behold, as well, the bargain beds. The facility rents rooms to travelers throughout the year, jumping from 30 beds during the academic year to 160 beds during the summer. Both dorm-style accommodation (sleeping four to six) and private rooms are rented out.

Rooms are spacious, simple and "student"-style shabby, with red-metal beds or bunks. All rooms are outfitted with sinks, tile floors, writing desks and pressboard wardrobes. The 1,200-year-old exposed stone walls of the ancient basilica are a notable “extra” in some rooms.

Bathrooms are shared and unsurprisingly no-frills. They’re clean, but you’ll never forget that you’ve checked into a student dorm.

The Ostello Santa Fosca clearly isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re open to the experience, you can find a room at rock-bottom rates for Venice. Doubles, after all, cost €50-60, year-round. That’s a deal.

Note: The hostel is closed during Christmas. A shared kitchen is open to travelers during the summer months. Please note the limited reception hours. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

» Tom Meyers

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.