We have just returned from THE most fabulous trip to Venice (for an equally fabulous family wedding) and we stayed at the ALTANA ALBACHIARA. And loved it.
There are, however, 2 things that have to be made clear at the outset.
a) the view from the two rooftop terraces is absolutely breathtaking.
b) the 91 steps to get to the flat (& then a few more up to the terrace) are equally breathtaking.
If climbing up 91 steps is not a deal breaker for you (it a-l-m-o-s-t was for our family at one point) then do not hesitate.
Repeat do not hesitate to book this fully furnished, well-stocked, fabulously located 2 bedroom flat for your Venice trip.
The views from the 2 roof terraces (yes indeed, oh joy, 2 terraces!!) are beyond gorgeous.
As in this gorgeous :
The description that the owner of the flat, the utterly delightful Chiara, has posted on sites such as Tripadvisor is 100% accurate:
“In the San Marco district, Altana Albachiara is an elegant charming 120 square meters penthouse at the top of a 16th century merchant’s building at the base of Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal, accessible from a private courtyard, offering the best view you can dream of Venice 360 degrees from the two large top roof terraces overlooking the whole city!
Restored respecting the original features of the typical venetian home, such as the timber beamed ceiling, marble floors, the fireplace and raw brick walls, the apartment is tastefully furnished, with a mix of antique furniture and contemporary conveniences to offer an authentic, cozy and welcoming atmosphere and every necessary comfort to feel completely at home.
The apartment is provided with wifi internet connection, self-regulating air conditioning and heating system, tv, dvd player and a complete hi-fi system for the whole house entertainment.
Full of natural sun light being located on the fourth floor and attic, it feels like the ideal quiet refuge of tranquility where you will be delighted to come back at the end of your days exploring the city.”
The location is unparalleled. Right at the foot of the Rialto Bridge. You could not be better located if you tried.
There are 2 well appointed, air-conditioned bedrooms, each sleeping 2 people. Cupboards, ample storage space, coat-hangars galore. Sheets, towels, extra blankets.
One bathroom upstairs – loo, bath, shower, washing machine.
One downstairs loo.
Well stocked kitchen:
Dishwasher, gas cooker, toaster, every kind of pot and pan you could wish for. Even a basil plant on the windowsill:
Kettle, coffee percolators (plural – see photo above), loads of glasses, cutlery, crockery.
Chiara even welcomed us with a bottle of Bellini and some chilled beers.
Large living & dining room, with books, videos, CDs, jigsaw puzzles – it’s truly just like being in a home. And such a nice relaxed home, too.
Chiara, the owner, could not be nicer nor more helpful. From the first email enquiry, she was enthusiastic, helpful, charming. Fabulous English. She came to meet us from the ferry station, along with her equally charming daughter (whose baby photos are in the flat), and they settled us in, helping us carry our luggage on our first ascent of those 91 steps.
There were lots of lovely touches. The Bellini, the beers, chocolates on our bedside tables, visiting cards for a range of shops and restaurants, leaflets, ferry timetables fridge-magneted onto the kitchen fridge (those are the lovely homely touches), a pile of guide books and maps…even a pair of binoculars.
Ah yes, but what about the two terraces, I hear you ask. They face in different directions: the lower one has a dining table and chairs and faces Piazza San Marco.
The other, a few steps further up, faces the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal and has a sofa and chairs.
Too, too perfect.
Totally, unequivocally recommended.
Would we go back and stay there? In a heartbeat.
Book online via any of the main booking sites, such as Expedia, Tripadvisor. Just Google “Altana Albachiara” and you’ll be spoiled for booking choices. The price varies according to the season, I think, but you can figure all that out from whichever booking website you use.
Enjoy your fabulous, unparalleled views. After all, you have climbed up a lot of stairs to get there.
Enjoy your morning coffee view :
And enjoy your evening cocktail view:
We paid our own way, and Chiara doesn’t know that I blog.
