TPAYT

Wow! I love this post.

I’ve never been to Venice but now I want to go.
starrs….your photos are so wonderful and the info you provided is just what we look for from a well traveled
Fodorite.

suze

I've been to Venice twice. 5 days each time, once solo, once with a friend. Both times arriving by train from Switzerland. Both times in August (don't let the "don't go in summer it's miserable" posts scare you off).

pgtraveler

Thanks, I will see if I can find it.

Dukey1

IMO, the supposed "best place" in Venice for everybody is San Marco at dusk when all the daytrippers have left. Go there at that time and you'll see what I mean.

starrs

Thanks, TPAYT.
My hotel is just one that I kind of stumbled upon and I had no idea that I would love it as much as I did. My plan was to stay at goddesstogo's favorite, since I loved reading about her trip to Venice. But it was booked so tried to find an alternative. I spent a couple of nights researching - here on Fodors and reading TA reviews - and narrowed it down to a few for my Fodorite travel friend to look at. Since she didn't have a strong opinion, I opted for the Grand Canal review and am so glad I did.

In any case, it's a perfect match for this description in the OP -
" I would like an area that is not super touristy, but has a grocery store and some cafes. Another thing I should mention is that I am directionally challenged, so if there is a location that is easy to find, especially at night, that would be great. Also, I am a female solo traveler, so some place safe at night is a must.".

My friend returned a few months later on a solo trip and also stayed on Burano or Murano (I honestly don't remember which). I was happy for her but sad that I wasn't back at the Galleria. We stayed at several places on that trip - Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice, Naples, Capri and Rome - but the Galleria is at the top of my favorite places anywhere list. It was a lucky find. It's special, IMO.

I loved staying in the Dorsoduro and loved being two stops from San Marco. Our first night, we took a lovely water taxi tour (with apps and bubbly) which ended at San Marco. We debarked in fog and followed others, not having any idea where we were or where to go. It was a perfect Hollywood entry into that famous place. Of course, a couple of days later, we had an afternoon snack at the Florian. Perfect.

starrs

Here are some more photos -

Our room = second floor, the two windows on the left.

Coming into the Grand Canal

NOT the Grand Canal. LOL

Simply lovely.




Our version of afternoon tea. LOL

starrs

One more. I had to look for it -
The view at night

Dukey1

"Europe''s Drawing Room"

travlsolo2

Love Venice, would love to go back. I've stayed in 3 different areas, and each one was just fine, no complaints, all walkable and close to everything. Traveling solo over the last 20 years, I definitely prefer staying in hotels.
The Galleria location looks good, and the pictures are wonderful! Enjoyed them!