Ostello Santa Fosca

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. It's quite popular, which isn't surprising, given its easy walk to the train station.

Located amidst the ruins of a 13th-century basilica, 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 Ostello Santa Fosca rents rooms to travelers throughout the year, jumping from 30 beds during the academic year to 160 beds during the summer. Private single, triple, or quad rooms are available, as are a variety of dorm options (single-sex or mixed, with three to seven beds). Private rooms are spacious, simple and "student-style”, with red metal beds or bunks. Don't expect double beds here: it's all twins. 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 private but all quite basic. They’re clean, but you’ll never forget that you’ve checked into a student dorm. Bed linens are included, but towels are not (either bring your own or rent one).

Extras

A shared kitchen is open to travelers during the summer months, and the hostel also offers vending machines for snacks and drinks. The hostel does not have a curfew, but reception hours are limited (12 p.m. to 7 p.m. during winter/spring and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summer). The TV and game room is open during reception hours only. Lockers can be rented for €2 per day. 

Breakfast is not offered. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the hotel. Note that there is a surcharge for guests arriving after 8 p.m. (alert the hostel in advance of your arrival). In summer, the hotel doesn't accept arrivals after 11 p.m. The rest of the year, there are no arrivals past 10 p.m. Note: The hostel is closed during Christmas.