Venice Dream Escape: Stunning Belvilla Apartment N11!
Venice Dream Escape: Belvilla Apartment N11 - An Honest, Slightly Chaotic, and Utterly Venetian Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is me, fresh from a glorious, slightly exhausting, and utterly magical week at Belvilla Apartment N11 in Venice, giving you the lowdown, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because, well, it's Venice, and everything is a rollercoaster.
The Core Stuff (Because We Need to Be Semi-Serious First)
First, the basics: Belvilla Apartment N11. Stunning. Okay, the name delivered. It truly is stunning. Located… somewhere incredibly convenient, just a gondola ride (or a very sweaty walk) from the Rialto Bridge. (More on the 'sweaty walk' later). The apartment itself? Spacious, beautifully decorated (seriously, the Venetian glass chandelier made me swoon daily), and equipped with… well, everything. Let's dive into the details, shall we?
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Ultimately Manageable
Listen, Venice is NOT wheelchair-friendly. Let's just get that out there. Cobblestones, bridges, more bridges, and narrow alleyways… it's a logistical nightmare. The apartment itself was, praise the heavens, on the lower level, which was a win. There was an elevator available, which was another massive win, but… it was a historic elevator. Think tiny, with a charming (and slightly unsettling) whirring sound. Not ideal for absolute accessibility, but infinitely better than navigating four flights of stairs with luggage.
What About the World Outside? Finding fully wheelchair-accessible restaurants was, shall we say, a treasure hunt. Some had access, but the routes getting there could be treacherous. This is where the "Food Delivery" service came in very handy. More on that, and my obsession with pizza, later…
Internet - Praise the Lord for Wi-Fi!
Free wi-fi in all rooms! I mean, hallelujah! It worked most of the time. There were a few moments of existential panic when the connection dropped, but hey, I was in Venice! Embrace the digital detox, right? (I failed miserably, constantly checking Instagram for food pics). The apartment also had Internet access [LAN], I did not use it.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe, Yet Still Slightly Paranoid
Okay, this is important in the post-pandemic world. They definitely took hygiene seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. My slightly obsessive heart was soothed. However… and this is a personal quirk… seeing the anti-viral cleaning products didn't necessarily relax me. It just made me think, "How bad was it before?" But hey, better safe than sorry! Rooms sanitized between stays, Individually-wrapped food options (thank you, pre-packaged croissants!). Room sanitization opt-out available - cool. Safe dining setup – check. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – mostly observed, except during the gelato frenzy. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Security [24-hour, Smoke detectors made me feel a little safer, even though I still triple-checked the locks every night.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - An Ode to Pizza and Spritzes
Alright, let's talk food. And drink. Because Venice is food and drink.
- Restaurants: There were a few decent restaurants nearby. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant - I got a bit overwhelmed by the choice but ultimately, I mostly stuck with the Pizza, and boy, did I love that Pizza.
- Breakfast: Okay, so breakfast buffet, Breakfast service, Western breakfast - I was obsessed with the breakfast service, however, There was no Asian Breakfast. There was a simple, but solid breakfast provided, and it was delivered to the room! Perfect, because I was in no hurry to get out, even after arriving so late.
- The Bar: The Poolside bar had a limited selection of drinks, but I went there for my Happy hour with a Bottle of water, and the vibes were great. I was too excited to find a bar nearby.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver a few times. Especially when I fell victim to a particularly vicious jetlag. I ordered a midnight pizza. Don't judge.
- Snacks: Snack bar - there was a small convenience store nearby. I also ordered from Coffee shop.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax – The Pursuit of Dolce Vita (and Possibly a Massage)
Okay, so the Belvilla apartment wasn't the spa, but I did have a lot of ways to relax.
- Relaxing
- Spa. Okay, there wasn't a spa in Belvilla, but, there are some Spa/sauna nearby.
- Swimming: There was a Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Fitness
- Gym/fitness.
- Massages: There was no massage therapist available.
Services and Conveniences - Because Life is Easier with Help
This is where Belvilla excelled:
- Air conditioning in public area – a lifesaver in the Venetian summer humidity.
- Concierge: The concierge was amazing! They helped me arrange a truly memorable gondola ride (a must-do, even if it's touristy), booked several restaurants, and even advised me on the best gelato spots (crucial information!).
- Daily housekeeping: Made my life infinitely easier. I'm not a fan of cleaning on vacation.
- Elevator: See above. Historic, quirky, but ultimately a blessing.
- Laundry service: Another godsend, especially after sweating buckets navigating the canals.
- Luggage storage: Essential for those early check-ins and late check-outs.
- Safe deposit boxes: Gave me peace of mind for my more valuable belongings.
- Wi-Fi for special events - this will come in handy to be able to host small events.
For the Kids - Family Fun (Maybe?)
I don't have kids, but I did see a few families, so I can provide input.
- Babysitting service - Yes, which is great for parents.
- Family/child friendly - Yes, I'd say so!
- Kids facilities - Didn't see much in-house, but it's Venice! There's plenty to explore.
Access (Getting Around) - The Real Adventure!
- Airport transfer: Absolutely. Book it. Venice airport is a pain to navigate solo.
- Car park [free of charge]: No. Venice is a car-free city. You'll want to use a car park [on-site] and the car power charging station.
- Taxi service: Yes, and water taxis are incredibly fun!
- Bicycle parking: Not really available, but why would you need it?
- Valet parking: No idea, I did not even need a car.
Available in All Rooms (The Comforts of Home, With a Venetian Twist)
Okay, the apartment itself was fantastic.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone – added a touch of luxury.
- Blackout curtains: Genius! Slept like a baby (when I wasn't jetlagged).
- Coffee/tea maker - Perfect for morning caffeine fixes on the terrace.
- Desk - Useful for planning my days (or avoiding my emails)
- Hair dryer
- Ironing facilities, Ironing service
- In-room safe box
- Mini bar: Slightly overpriced, but hey, it's Venice!
- Non-smoking - The apartment was kept clean.
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator: Helpful for storing those gelato supplies.
- Seating area
- Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella,
My Quirky Observations, Rants, and Ramblings (The Honest Stuff)
- The "Exterior Corridor": Technically, the apartment had a small terrace. It was lovely to sip my morning coffee.
- "Couple's room": I went alone, but I thought that Venice is a perfect place for a couple.
- "Proposal spot": I saw a couple get engaged on the Rialto Bridge. So cliché, but so romantic!
- **My biggest gripe? The lack of a good laundromat nearby
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel guide. This is ME, crashing into Venice and hopefully, not the canals. My base of operations? Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N11. Let's see if it lives up to the hype (or more likely, my wildly inflated expectations).
Venice or Bust! (And Maybe My Sanity)
Pre-Trip Ramblings (aka, The Anxiety Phase):
- Packing? Ugh. Always the bane of my travel existence. Currently wrestling with a suitcase that’s seen more therapy sessions than I have. My mantra: "Pack light, be free, buy an entirely new wardrobe in Venice." Wish me luck.
- Flights: Booked, thank the heavens! Though, I'd swear I saw a glimpse of sheer terror in the eyes of the Skyscanner rep the second I hit 'confirm'. Praying for no delays, no lost luggage, and absolutely NO seatmates who try to convert me to their religion (any religion, I'm neutral).
- The Appartment (and this is the MOST important part): Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N11. I've seen some pics. Looks charming, "rustic" (read: potentially drafty), and hopefully not haunted by the ghosts of Casanova's bad dates. Fingers crossed the Wi-Fi is strong enough to handle my Instagram addiction.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic in the Floating City
**8:00 AM (ish) - Treviso Airport: ** Landed! Survived the flight. Feeling a mix of exhilaration and mild jet lag. My luggage? Remarkably, it survived the baggage handlers… for now.
9:00 AM - Airport to Venice (Treviso Airport Bus): Holy crow. That bus ride was an adventure in itself. The driver navigated those narrow Italian roads with the grace of a caffeinated cheetah. Italian driving is a whole other level of…spirited.
10:00 AM - Venezia Piazzale Roma: Okay, here we go. First glimpse of Venice, and my jaw genuinely dropped. It's stunning. The water, the buildings…it’s like a movie set, and I am 100% here for it.
10:30 AM - Finding the Apartment! (Cue the Comedy): Picture this: me, a map that's basically a suggestion, and a luggage-filled struggle resembling a comedic ballet. The address? Appartment N11. Navigating the alleyways with my suitcase was a workout and a half and I swear I got lost around the same tiny bridge at least three times. Thank goodness for Google Maps (which, let’s be honest, I probably wouldn’t trust with directions to my own bathroom). Finally, finally found it. The building looked a bit ancient, but charming.
11:30 AM - Check-in and Initial Appartment Inspection: Success! Key in hand, I unlocked the door and stepped inside. First impressions? "Rustic charm" (a.k.a. potentially a drafty dungeon). The place definitely had character. A bit cramped, maybe a bit dusty, but the view from the window… oh, the view! I was staring at a canal. Just…a canal. Venice, you magnificent witch, you got me hook, line, and sinker.
12:00 PM - Lunch and First Taste of Venice: Found a tiny, unassuming trattoria and scarfed down some delicious (and probably overpriced) pasta. The service? Let's just say I got the distinct impression that the waiter had seen it all and was mildly bored by my existence. I'm good with that.
1:00 PM - Gondola Ride: An Unbelievably Touristy Delight: Yeah, yeah, I know. Totally cliché. But, dammit, I HAD to. And you know what? It was magical. The gondolier, a hunky Italian (of course!), serenaded us with a truly terrible rendition of “O Sole Mio.” It was so off-key, but I didn’t care. I was floating through Venice on a tiny boat, surrounded by impossibly beautiful buildings… it was beyond surreal. This is exactly what I came for.
3:00 PM - Wandering and Getting Utterly Lost: Ah, the true Venice experience. Got disoriented in a maze of alleyways, stumbled upon hidden squares, and admired the sheer artistry of the city. Found some amazing artisan shops, bought a ridiculously ornate mask (don't tell anyone), and just soaked it all in. Venice is a place you get lost on purpose. It's part of its charm.
6:00 PM - Aperitivo and People-Watching: Found a bar overlooking a canal, ordered a Spritz (naturally), and parked myself like a happy, tipsy seagull. People-watching in Venice is a sport. Spotted a couple arguing passionately in Italian, a gaggle of giggling tourists, and a very elegant cat sunbathing on a windowsill. Pure bliss, honestly.
8:00 PM - Dinner and The Pursuit of Authentic Italian Food (and My Sanity): Tonight, I’m aiming for a more “local” experience. Fingers crossed I don't accidentally order something…unpleasant. Pray for me.
10:00 PM - Bedtime: Ready to collapse in my "rustic" (and probably creaky) bed. Tomorrow: more exploration. More food. More chances to get blissfully lost. Day 2: Art, Architecture, and the Price of Beauty
*9:00 AM - Breakfast in the Apartment: The apartment offered coffee, a toaster and some basic equipment to allow us to make breakfast ourselves. This morning I had some bread and jam, before heading out to make the most of my day.
10:00 AM - Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square Madness: The Doge's Palace. Beautiful, opulent, and enough gold to make a Kardashian jealous. The crowds were insane, but worth it. St. Mark's Square? Again, packed, but that basilica is truly breathtaking.
12:00 PM - Basilica di San Marco: A Golden Fever Dream: I found my jaw dropping again. This place is a testament to human creativity and wealth. The mosaics, the architecture, are absolutely insane. I was overwhelmed for a good part of my visit here, and I spent almost more time just appreciating the view outside than I did the actual art.
1:00 PM - Lunch: Today's mission: find some food that isn't geared towards tourists. I found a tiny place tucked away on a side street, that served local dishes. It was delicious.
2:00 PM - Rialto Bridge and the Market: The Rialto Bridge can be found. Packed with people, but a Venetian icon. The market underneath was a riot of colors, smells, and the lively haggling of vendors. The produce looked incredible, but alas, no kitchen to use it in!
4:00 PM - Exploring Cannaregio: This is where I really started to fall in love with the city. Canareggio is a bit quieter, a little less manic, and a world of beauty. The Jewish Ghetto, the canals… it's a place that invites you to slow down, to breathe deep, and just be.
6:00 PM - A little bit of a disaster: I got lost again, almost fell in a canal trying to take a picture of a pigeon, and then accidentally ordered a plate of something that looked like a squid's nightmare. I don't want to talk about it. Let's just move on to the much better dinner I had.
8:00 PM - Romantic Dinner In an Alleyway: Found a gem of a restaurant on a small bridge. The food was incredible – the best pasta of my life, easily.
10:00 PM - Night Cap: Walked home, drunk on wine and beauty. Venice, you are something else. Day 3: Island Hopping and Goodbyes (with a Side of Melancholy)
9:00 AM - Murano and Burano: The colorful islands of Murano (glassblowing) and Burano (rainbow houses) were a visual feast. Murano was cool, but the glass made my wallet weep silently. Burano, on the other hand, was a total joy. The houses looked like they were painted by a kindergartner with a serious love of color. I wanted to live there.
1:00 PM - Lunch on Burano: Found another delightful little restaurant with an amazing view.
3:00 PM - Back to Venice: Last chance to drink in the beauty of the city. Wandered around. Bought way too many souvenirs.
7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: Reluctantly packing packing my bags. Sad to leave. Venice has officially captured my heart. This city is a work of art, full of quirks, beauty, and history that has given me a new perspective. I'm already planning my return, and I know, I'll never forget the magic of Venice.
**8:00 PM - Packing
Venice Dream Escape: Belvilla Apartment N11 - Let's Get Real, Shall We?
Okay, spill it. Is this apartment *really* as dreamy as it sounds? Honestly.
Okay, deep breaths. "Dreamy"? Yeah, parts of it. Let me paint you a picture, alright? First off, Venice. Still magical, even if your phone battery dies looking for an actual decent gelato (trust me, I know). The apartment itself? Well, the listing photos *do* make it look like it's bathed in eternal sunshine, you know? And the water views? Spectacular. That IS true. Waking up to that… priceless. That said… it's not *all* sunshine and gondolas, you know? The steps. Oh God, the steps. I think I aged a decade lugging my suitcase up those things. And the *smell* in the entryway... a little bit of that classic Venetian dampness. Think subtle mildew, but don't let it deter you, it's fine!
Dreamy-ish. Worth it? Absolutely. But pack light and bring Febreze.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *convenient*? And how noisy is it? Seriously, because sleep is important.
Location, location, location, right? This place is in a good-ish spot. Close enough to the Rialto Bridge (worth the crowds, honestly), which is a major plus. You can wander, get lost, which is part of the fun... mostly. Finding your way back can be a bit of a puzzle after a few Aperol spritzes (guilty!). And don't even get me started on trying to find a specific shop... that's where Google Maps and your sanity abandon you!
Noise? Okay, here's the deal: Venice is alive. Gondoliers are shouting, boats are puttering, church bells are ringing at all hours. My first night? I was convinced someone was having a party *inside* my head. (They weren't.) The apartment, however! We found it was actually QUITE peaceful at night, once you got used to it. But pack earplugs. Seriously. Do it.
The photos show a kitchen. Can you actually *cook* in there? And is there a coffee machine? This is critical.
Ah, the kitchen! Okay, so yes, there's a kitchen. And yes, you *can* cook. But let's be realistic. It's Italian. You're not coming to Venice to whip up a complicated meal, are you? Think simple. Pasta, pesto, some fresh tomatoes from the market (which by the way, is an *experience*). There's enough equipment to get you through. Not a Michelin-star setup though.
And the coffee machine? YES!!! Thank the heavens. It was a little pod-based thingy. I survived solely on cappuccinos in the morning, and I’m a coffee snob, so… trust me, it was *good enough* to keep me from murdering anyone before noon. (Which, in Venice, is a real possibility with the crowds and all.) Bring your own pods though. Don't be that person who runs out on day two. You've been warned.
What about the bathroom? I’ve heard horror stories about European bathrooms… tell me it’s okay.
The bathroom... Okay. Deep breaths. It was *fine*. It wasn't a palace, but it wasn't a torture chamber, either. Tiny, yes. Shower pressure? Decent – not mind-blowing, but you'll get clean. The hot water held up. And crucial, crucial: it was *clean*. I’ve stayed in places where I’ve been more comfortable on a public bus. This was not one of those. My one recommendation? Definitely bring your own toiletries. The provided soap was, shall we say, basic. Think of it as a small ritual. Bring your favourite stuff. Make it a spa day, after all, you're in Venice!
Anything utterly unexpected happen? Spill the beans!
Oh, that's easy. The pigeons. The *pigeons*. I swear, they're not just birds. They're feathered ninjas. The balcony? Lovely. The pigeons? They treat it like their personal buffet. I swear I saw one casing the trash can one morning. I learned to put all the food away, and that even the "sealed" snacks aren’t… sealed. So, yeah, unexpected pigeon-related shenanigans. I mean, you're in Venice. Expect the unexpected. This was on theme.
Another funny thing? I dropped my phone in the canal. Not this apartment's fault. Just me being clumsy. A very nice gondolier fished it out for me! (It didn't survive, RIP phone.) So, lesson learned: don't get too close to the edge after a few glasses of Prosecco. Still, it's a good story, right? So, not the apartment's fault, BUT... it's Venice, and this is bound to happen in the most beautiful place on earth.
Would you stay there again, despite the steps and the pigeons?
Honestly? Absolutely. The view alone… It’s worth it. The sheer romance of it all—waking up to the canals, wandering the narrow streets, the food, the *feeling* of being somewhere truly special… imperfections and all. I'd just pack slightly bigger earplugs, maybe a bird repellent thingy for the balcony, and definitely a waterproof phone case. And remember, bring your own toilet paper. Because, well, Italy. Seriously.
So, go. Take the leap. Embrace the chaos. Get lost. Get slightly annoyed by the pigeons. And enjoy every single, incredible, breathtaking moment. Just remember to bring a camera. A good one. Because Venice is, without a doubt, gorgeous. And you’ll want to remember it. And I think... that's what makes it dreamy.
