Fodor's Expert Review Oltre Il Giardino
Fondamenta Contarini, San Polo 2542, Venice, Veneto, 30125, Italy See on Map
Composer Gustav Mahler’s widow, Alma Mahler, once lived in this oasis in the San Polo sestiere. Complete with lush private walled garden, Otre Il Giardino has the atmosphere of a country house where the friendly owners can give you the best tips for dining and sightseeing around the city.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Since there are only six rooms, they fill up fast, so book as far in advance as possible.
room
Guest rooms are light and bright, with king size beds, and are individually decorated with art from the owner’s collection; they’re quiet and simple. Double rooms have garden views, while junior suites look out to the Rio di San Stin canal.
bathroom
Bathrooms vary based upon type of room. Double rooms have shower or bathtub; junior suites have tiled bathrooms with combo shower/tubs; and suite bathrooms are lined in mosaic tiles with clawfoot tubs and separate showers
lobby
Oltre Il Giardino’s lobby is like a cozy living room, with white beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and comfy mint-green couches.
dining
There’s no restaurant at Oltre Il Giardino, but a complimentary breakfast is served in the glorious gardens, filled with magnolia, olive, and pomegranate trees.
Don’t miss out on trying one of their delicious cappuccinos.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Located in the San Polo neighborhood, away from many of Venice’s crowds, it’s a relatively peaceful area to stroll around shopping and enjoying the fine restaurants in the neighborhood—plus the Rialto Bridge is just a short walk away if you’re after more action. The San Tomà ferry stop is just an 8-minute walk if you’d rather travel around the Grand Canal by water, or the Traghetto di San Tomà (7-minute walk) will shuttle you directly across the Grand Canal to the San Marco side.
Restaurants
Partake in elegant modern Venetian cuisine at one Michelin star Osteria Da Fiore (1-minute walk), or reserve in advance for the renowned Antiche Carampane (3-minute walk), which serves up some of Venice’s finest seafood. For a lively atmosphere near the Rialto Bridge, dishes using fresh market ingredients, and a fabulous canal-front terrace, Osteria Bancogiro (9-minute walk) can’t be beat.
WHY WE LIKE IT
A stay at Oltre Il Giardino is akin to having a cool Venetian friend who just happens to own a mansion with extra beds and baths. Not only is it tranquil and comfortable, but it makes you feel like you have a home in Venice that you can relax in every night.
QUICK FACTS
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