Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
With its tranquil yet convenient location, attention to design in each detail, and intimate setting, Hotel Heureka is a respite from crowded Venice.
What to expect
Whether arriving to Hotel Heureka on foot or by water taxi at the hotel’s private dock, when you step into the entrance hall, you’re welcomed as if you’ve arrived home — if home were a palazzo with an atrium, garden, grand piano and portego, in the tradition of Venetian architecture.
Background
Business partners Angela Silarna Valach and Erwin Krause originally bought the 16th-century former apartment building overlooking the Madonna dell’Orto canal as a Venetian pied-à-terre (they still have homes on the hotel’s top floor) — but instead, they transformed it into a design hotel with a five-year renovation project. Though the result is primarily modern, it’s also quintessentially Venetian with Murano glass chandeliers, original terrazzo floors and restored antique furniture.
Location, location, location
Residential Cannaregio is far enough from Venice's main drags to be quiet, yet close enough to the action that you can reach the train station or Piazza San Marco in about a 20-minute walk. The neighborhood is home to a handful of great restaurants, a flower shop, a bakery, boat-makers, and the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto, which houses several works by Tintoretto. You’ll find plenty to explore, while getting to experience a more genuine side of life in Venice.
Where you’ll sleep
Each of the 10 rooms has a unique color palette and style, with an emphasis on bold colors and luxurious amenities. The decadent bathrooms in the Deluxe and Suite rooms have soaking tubs, L’occitane toiletries, and romantic details such as starlit ceilings. Rooms have original frescoes and exposed beams paired with antique tapestries, contemporary paintings, poster beds and velvet chairs; some have views on the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto. There are no TVs, but a surround sound system is pre-programmed with classical music that sets the mood well for a Venetian stay, or you can connect your own device via Bluetooth.
Dining & drinks
A small onsite bar and restaurant serves a made-to-order breakfast with everything from omelets to fresh-pressed seasonal juices. During the time of our visit in the winter, the restaurant was closed for lunch and dinner, but in busier seasons it stays open and offers a traditional Venetian cuisine-inspired menu.
Service notes
The rooms can be cold with the high ceilings and terrazzo floors, making the in-room slippers an ideal amenity.
Family perks
The Grand Deluxe Suite, with views of the water on two sides, makes a top choice for families with its private drawing room and space for extra beds when combined with the adjoining suite.
You should know...
For large groups, all 10 rooms can be rented out, including the hallways on each floor with long dining tables and sitting areas that are ideal for dinners and other events.
Accessibility
- The hotel has an elevator.
- The hotel has ADA friendly rooms and bathrooms.
Features & amenities
- Waterfront setting
- City
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Hotel Heureka
Fondamenta Gasparo Contarini, 3534, Venice
Tel. +39 041 524 6464
Website
