Rio Hotel

Castello 4356 - Campo Ss. Filippo E Giac, Venice, Italy

Doubles from: $104 to $250

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Reviewed by EuroCheapo.com Editors

Rooms with modern décor and a super-central location make the two-star Hotel Rio a property to consider... if you have the cash. The once-budget hotel is located on the bustling Campo Filippo e Giacomo, less than a minute from St. Mark’s Square.

The Hotel Rio’s 30 guest rooms are comfy and bright. Those located in the main building have been recently renovated with modern wallpaper, mod furnishings and wood floors. Take that, Venetian decor! They look out to the Campo and are equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, a telephone, minibar and tea kettle. Free Wi-Fi works throughout the building.

Like so many Venetian hotels, the Rio offers additional rooms located behind the hotel in its “annex.” These are quieter and cheaper than those facing the Campo, although some may be put off by staying in what’s basically a private apartment building.

In both the main hotel and the annex, the modern private bathrooms offer plenty of space.

Breakfast is served in the bar/restaurant downstairs, but is only sometimes included in the room rate (check when booking).

Value

With new owners and a fresh décor, the Rio is quite a bit more expensive now than when we first listed it several years ago. With off-season rates approaching €175 a night, it’s no longer a hotel for budget travelers.

Fun fact: Some of the rooms at the Hotel Rio were once occupied by famed composer Antonio Vivaldi.

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

Cheapo File

Essentials

  • Air conditioning
  • Bathroom: Private
  • Non-Smoking Hotel
  • Telephone
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi: Free

Location: Very central

0.3km to city center

The largest of the six "sestieri", Castello borders San Marco and becomes more residential (and, we think, interesting) the farther away from the packs of San Marco’s tourists you go. The district is dominated by its naval shipyards, the Arsenale, which were once the largest on the continent (and today has an excellent museum). Other sights include the impressive Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo, the tranquil Campo Santa Maria Formosa, and the Biennale Gardens. We find the district’s biggest draw, however, to be the tranquility of its narrow streets and hidden courtyards, and the clusters of locals chitchatting on the street and corner bars.

Sleeping in Castello: Hotels in the Castello district are often a better value and a bit more relaxed than those in the dead center of Venice, and this is especially true the farther you get into Castello. Note that most of the picks below are located on the border with San Marco, and thus they’ll be convenient to central sights, although more expensive and busier. However, we think that the charms of Castello really become apparent the deeper you get into the district. Even if you don't sleep deep inside Castello, try to visit it during your stay—you'll be surprised how suddenly you escape the crowds.

Our favorite hotels from the list below include the Al Leon (a lovely splurge), and the Locanda Silva (art-filled and simple), all located near the border with San Marco.

Castello hotels

Local Value

Average Rates (provided by the hotel's website) are 18% cheaper than other 2-star hotels within 2 km

Amenities

Hotel

  • Bar/Lounge
  • Breakfast Extra Charge
  • City tour
  • Concierge/Booking Services
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Fax Machine
  • Luggage Storage
  • No Elevator
  • Non-Smoking Hotel
  • Parking
  • Pet Friendly
  • Recently renovated
  • Reception: 24-Hour
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Wake-Up Service
  • Wi-Fi: Free

Room

  • Air conditioning
  • Bathroom: Private
  • Hair Dryer
  • Handicap accessible rooms
  • Heat
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed Windows
  • Telephone
  • TV

Contact

Castello 4356 - Campo Ss. Filippo E Giac
Castello, Venice, Italy

+39 041 520 8222
Fax: 041/520 8222

Website: http://www.hotelriovenezia.com/

Email: [email protected]

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