Al Campanile Madonna dell’Orto

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Al Campanile Madonna dell’Orto kind of by accident last spring, when I was dodging the usual Venice crowds and decided to base myself in Cannaregio instead of cramming into San Marco. It’s tucked away on this quiet little ramo – Ramo Secondo Piave, to be exact – right in the heart of that neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from the Madonna dell’Orto church with its massive campanile that chimes softly in the mornings. Honestly, arriving there after a quick vaporetto ride from the train station (get off at Ca’ d’Oro and wander north along the Fondamenta della Sensa) felt like stepping into a more lived-in Venice – you hear locals chatting in dialect over their morning espresso, and there’s this faint salty tang from the nearby lagoon that mixes with the smell of fresh bread from that tiny bakery on Calle del Forno. The hotel itself is in this charming old building, nothing flashy, but with these wooden beams and terracotta floors that give it a real sense of place. Check-in was a breeze – the staff, this friendly older guy named Marco, sorted me out in minutes, even with my mangled Italian, and pointed me to a great spot for cicchetti just around the corner on Strada Nova. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re feeling fancy).

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that cozy, almost homey vibe with solid four-star comforts without trying too hard. My room overlooked a narrow canal – well, sort of, through these shuttered windows that let in the golden afternoon light – and it had this comfy king bed with crisp linens that actually felt luxurious after a day of pounding the pavements. There’s no massive spa or anything, but the breakfast spread in the mornings is killer: fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos made just right, served in this sunny courtyard where you can hear the distant hum of boats on the Cannaregio Canal. I mean, it’s not perfect – the rooms are on the smaller side, like a lot of spots in old Venetian buildings, and if you’re there in high summer, the lack of air conditioning might bug you (though they have fans and it cools off at night). But that’s part of the charm, right? It’s quiet here, especially in the evenings when the tourist hordes thin out; you can actually sleep without the constant buzz from places like Rialto. And location-wise, it’s brilliant for exploring the Jewish Ghetto – just a five-minute stroll – or hopping a vaporetto to Murano for the day. I spent one afternoon just wandering the nearby campi, like Campo dei Mori with its quirky statues, feeling like I’d escaped the postcard version of Venice.

Look, if you’re after that authentic slice of La Serenissima without the chaos, this is your spot. It’s got a solid 9 rating for a reason – the staff knows the area inside out (ask for restaurant recs; they steered me to a hidden osteria on Fondamenta della Misericordia that was divine) – and it leaves you with those little memories that stick, like the sound of church bells waking you gently or the way the light dances on the water outside. Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but for what you get – peace, personality, and proximity to real Venetian life – I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just time it for shoulder season, like April or October, when Cannaregio feels even more magical and less humid. You won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $160. Studio – Split Level with 1 single bed and 2 large double beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $215. Two-Bedroom Apartment – Split Level with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• I would visit again in a heartbeat! So thankful for these amazing hosts! – Chad from United States – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  This is a wonderful gem of a place to stay! It is so easy to use the water taxi and coming and going is a breeze! The beautiful outdoor space is winsome and welcoming. The indoor space is more spacious than the pictures! Nothing about the pictures lies. The hosts are super communicative and helpful with anything you may need or face! The extra gift of being able to leave your bags is fantastic. It is a quiet quaint neighborhood with quick access to EVERYTHING you could want! We are a family of four and fit perfectly! The shower was amazing! And there is a bath! Oh and it is clean! Totally spotless for those moms out there who want to know!

• Lovely hidden gem in a wonderful neighborhood – Teunis from Netherlands – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  A wonderful hidden gem right behind the Madonna dell'Orte. Literally 50 feet from the vaporetto stop which makes it easy to reach every destination in and around Venice. Cannaregio is one of the quitest neighbourhoods in Venice with lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance. The host is very helpful and responds to questions quickly. The appartement itself (we stayed in Rosso) was light and spacious and had everything we wanted (airco, washing machine, dishwasher, two bathrooms etc.) If you are looking for a place somewhat outside the busiest areas of Venice, this is it!
  
  What could be improved: The bed was somewhat short, but that's something I (6'5") am used to. The mattress was very good though.

• Superb – Hansel from United States – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  The place was very comfortable. The house was clean. The owners were friendly and responded to a lot of our questions with patience! The location was also great and walkable to all of downtown Venice! We would stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: The location is great. It is a 20-25 minute walk to the main attractions. This felt like a win to us to have a slightly more affordable place to stay!

• Superb – Stella from Greece – 7 May 2025 (9/10)

  The place is literally 20 meters from the vaporetto stop, making it so convenient to travel around Venice. The neighborhood is extremely quiet. The accommodation was wonderful and spacious, had everything one might need.
  
  What could be improved: Some furniture were somewhat "used" but I assume Venice's high humidity is to blame.

• Great relaxing nice place – Rosario from United States – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Beuitiful peaceful place, even the neighborhood is so nice & quite. It was so relaxing.
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Perfect location for families. – Lidia from Luxembourg – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  I don’t think it’s easy to find such a great location in Venice. We had 3 appartements, there was a nice garden, each appartement had a terrace and there was also a covered terrace which was perfect for our rainy evenings.
  The appartments were very well equipped with everything, comfortable beds.
  The location is very close to vaporetto station (maybe 50m) and it is located in a very calm area, close by there are many local restaurants, calm atmosphere so if you want to avoid the crowded restaurants/bars and streets, there you have what you want.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing we didn’t like. We really recommend it!!!!

• Short – Sarah from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (10/10)

  We loved the location, the facilities and Barbara (and Zack!)

• Brilliant – Tanya from United Kingdom – 14 March 2025 (10/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: Maybe more towels in room

• Exceptional – Alexandre from Australia – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Unfortunately there was an issue with the original room during my stay, however Alex and Barbara were able to quickly find an alternative apartment in the center of venice. While I can't review the original hotel room, the replacement apartment was in a great location, clean, large and cozy, and we were more than happy with the outcome. Thanks both for the stay!

• Exceptional – Jurgita from Lithuania – 4 February 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect, great apartment, clean, and near all center.
  
  What could be improved: Some problems with shower

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities