AL REDENTORE LUXURY APARTMENTS

Al Redentore di Venezia is set in a historic 19th-century building. The two-story former residential dwelling has black double front doors and an intercom on the outside wall. Inside, it is a stylish mix of traditional and modern decor. The up-to-date and elegant lobby has a peach-and-white checkered travertine marble floor, with white walls and a white reception desk. There are stylish armchairs with a flock print fabric and some Buxus plants in contemporary pots near the elevator doors. The vibe here is akin to staying in a real-life Venetian apartment building, as there's little in the way of shared common areas. A range of international tourists are drawn here, especially families and groups who prefer the space and convenience of a serviced apartment rather than a traditional hotel set-up.

Set on La Giudecca Island in the Venice Lagoon, Al Redentore di Venezia is in a quiet area separate from the city center that's only accessible by water. The immediate area is mainly residential, but the island has its own grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and a laundromat, all just a few minutes’ walk from the property. It’s ideal for those looking to stay in an un-crowded part of Venice with no queues or typical tourist hustle and bustle. The Redentore or Giudecca Palanca Vaporetto stops are just five minutes away on foot, and it's just two stops from Redentore to St. Mark's Square (around 15 minutes). Aeroporto Marco Polo Di Venezia is around 45 minutes away by vaporetto.

One of Giudecca's biggest attractions is the stunning, white marble 16th-century Roman Catholic Palladian church, Santissimo Redentore, commonly known as Il Redentore. It’s just a five-minute walk from the property and the church is one of the most majestic sights in Venice -- known internationally as one of the most important examples of Palladian religious architecture. Every July, the spectacular Festa del Redentore takes place around the church, which culminates in a huge fireworks display. Venetians and visitors create a huge bridge of barges that connects Giudecca Island to the rest of Venice. People decorate the boats with flowers and balloons, and eat dinner on the boats while watching the display. 

The hotel's eight spacious and elegant apartments are available in one- or two-bedroom configurations. Every apartment is sound proofed, non-smoking, and air-conditioned, and also include a flat-screen TV, safe, and kitchenette with a dishwasher, fridge, microwave, oven, stove, and kettle. Wi-Fi is also free. 

The sharp decor is a mix of modern and traditional Venetian styles, and overall the impression is more modern than many of Venice's frequently dated interpretations of classic design. Some of the units have exposed-beam ceilings that add a particularly lovely rustic charm, and all include oak hardwood floors and light wood furniture with antique lines. Damask prints in a tan-and-burgundy motif cover most soft furnishings, further adding to the traditional look. Many of the apartments have excellent views across the Giudecca Canal to central Venice. Two-bedroom apartments sleep up to six people, as there's a sofa bed in the living room, making them ideal for groups or large families. 

The en-suite bathrooms have beautiful travertine marble floors and walls, and are decked out with a bath or shower and bidet in every unit, along with a hair dryer. We did spot a bit of dirty grout in some of the rooms that we visited, but otherwise everything is spotless. Towels, linens, and toiletries are provided, and the larger apartments have two bathrooms. 

Al Redentore di Venezia has few facilities on-site compared with a traditional hotel, meaning there’s no bar, restaurant, or any public areas for guests to use. However, the property does provide a paid shuttle service on request to three separate locations -- Marco Polo Airport, the ferry cruise terminal, and Piazzale Roma municipal car park. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an elevator, and pets are allowed. Reception staff are available during the day, and can make bookings for guests that include restaurants, tickets for concerts and events, excursions, and shopping trips.