Hotel Rosa Salva – The Perfect Base for a Calcio Weekend in Venice

If you’re planning a trip to Venice, you’ve probably seen the photos of hotel rooms with wood-panelled walls and heavy, red-velvet curtains. And while this old-school glamour is fitting for a city steeped in history, sometimes the ultimate Venetian luxury isn’t a gold-leafed ceiling, but a room that gives you all the modern-day essentials at a great price.

Rosa Salva Hotel is a three-star accommodation just 100 metres from St Mark’s Square. Housed in one of Venice’s most historic buildings, the hotel has been renovated to a high standard and offers sleek design, reliable air conditioning (a rarity in central Venice), and a sprinkle of rustic charm. Just a 35-minute walk from Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, it’s the perfect base for a calcio weekender.

The Rosa Salva name is synonymous with Venetian excellence, but not only for its hotel. Since 1870, they have been the city’s culinary gatekeepers – the family-run catering dynasty responsible for the finest pastries in the Lagoon. When they decided to turn their aesthetic eye to hospitality in 2017, they created a hotel that has become a firm favourite for visitors from all over the world.

Instead of a buffet breakfast, the mini fridge is stocked daily with fruit juices and fresh yoghurts, and guests are also entitled to 10% off in their legendary café right next door. Whether you stand at the counter with an espresso or sit down with a cappuccino and a sweet treat, it’s a fantastic way to kick off the day.

The hotel is split into two buildings, and if you have your heart set on city views and wooden beams, it’s important to double-check which building you’re booked in to. We stayed in the Annex, which is far more modern, so if rustic charm is your thing, be sure to reserve a room in the main hotel. In low season, rooms range from £90 to £140 per night, and in peak season, it jumps up to £335 to £665 per night.

The rooms are very clean and well-maintained, but they do lack hanging and storage space. Got a fancy dinner booked? It’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t offer access to an iron and ironing board – something to consider if creases drive you mad.

It’s an easy stroll from the Rialto or San Marco Vallaresso vaporetto stops, but the understated entrance does make it a challenge to find. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t worry if it takes you a couple of attempts to find the reception – it’s almost a rite of passage for guests.

Address: C. Fiubera, 951, 30124 Venezia