San Simeon Apartments ★★★★

Imagine winding your way through Venice’s cute cobbled streets, across its romantic bridges and around its elegant piazzas, then returning not to a big hotel, but instead to your very own apartment, where you can do exactly as you please.

This is exactly what you can do at the San Simeon Apartments, located in the heart of Venice, just steps away from the famous St. Mark’s Square and the Biennale Gardens.

Simply oozing character and charm, these are the perfect cosy homes for two. Enter into an apartment filled with 18th-century style Venetian furniture, hand-painted embellishments, elegant soft furnishings fit for a palace and exposed wooden beams. This is where old style Venetian appeal meets modern luxury.

Here you have everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay – a double room, bathroom, living room with sofa-bed and small kitchenette. You’ll find discreet and friendly staff are also on hand for anything you need.

Awake to the stunning view of Venice Lagoon from your bedroom window and prepare your breakfast from the ingredients provided in your kitchenette. What better way could you possibly think of to start your romantic Venetian break?

The writer Truman Capote once wrote of the Italian city: “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go”, and with the amount of amazing sights just steps from your door, you may feel like this too. 

Step out of your apartment and you’ll find yourself in Castello, one of the oldest and most authentic districts of Venice, filled with small shops, bars and typical Venetian inns. These are the perfect types of streets to get lost in. Make your way to nearby St. Mark’s Square to see the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, filled with gilded mosaics, gold columns, reliefs and elaborate paintings. At the other end sits the vast Palazzo Ducale, which dates back to 1301. From here you can take the vaporetti (public steam boats) or water taxis to the city sights such as the famous Rialto Bridge and its nearby market.

In the afternoon, get away from the heat of the city and head to Lido Venice Beach, a 7.5-mile long sandbar, home to glitzy hotels, soft golden sand and spectacular panoramic lagoon views. You’ll also find a good range of shops and some excellent restaurants located close by.

Head back to your apartment to rest and rejuvenate after a busy day, then choose whether to prepare homemade pasta and other delicacies picked up in the market or head out one of the romantic piazzas for your evening meal. During your stay, you could even combine both.

Return for a nightcap – a traditional Venetian spritz perhaps - looking out over the lights sparkling across the lagoon, and all from the privacy and comfort of your very own Venetian home.