Appartamento Carboncina

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro and weaving my way through those narrow calli in Cannaregio – you know, the ones that feel more like hidden alleys than streets, with laundry flapping overhead and the faint smell of fresh bread from that little bakery on Strada Nova. Honestly, finding Appartamento Carboncina at 987 Calle della Madonna was a bit of a treasure hunt, especially if you’re lugging suitcases over those uneven cobblestones, but it’s tucked away in this quieter part of Venice, away from the San Marco crowds. I mean, it’s just a short stroll from the Jewish Ghetto, where you can grab a kosher pastry or wander through the old synagogues – super atmospheric, especially in the evenings when the tour groups thin out. The building itself has that classic Venetian charm, with faded pinkish walls and wrought-iron balconies that overlook a tiny canal; no grand lobby like you’d get in a big hotel, but the check-in was straightforward – the owner, this friendly local guy named Marco, met me right at the door with keys and a quick rundown in broken English, even tossed in a tip about avoiding the high-water season in November if you hate wet boots.

What really won me over, though, was the apartment itself – it’s more like staying in a real Venetian home than some sterile room. We had this spacious two-bedroom setup on the second floor (fair warning: no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing), with high ceilings, creaky wooden floors that echo a bit, and these massive windows letting in that golden afternoon light off the lagoon. The kitchenette was a lifesaver – fully stocked with pots, a stovetop, and even a little espresso machine; I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the Rialto Market, which is just a 15-minute walk away, dodging the occasional pigeon flock along the way. Mornings were peaceful, with only the soft lap of water against the walls and distant church bells – Cannaregio gets lively around dinner time with locals hitting spots like Osteria Anice Stellato for cicchetti, but it quiets down by 10 PM, unlike the nonstop buzz in Dorsoduro. Well, sort of – there was some faint noise from a neighboring gelateria in summer, but nothing that kept me up. The Wi-Fi was solid for streaming, beds comfy with those crisp linens, and the bathroom had a decent shower, though the water pressure dipped during peak hours. It’s rated 8.2 for a reason – four-star quality without the fluff, perfect for families or couples wanting an authentic slice of Venice life.

Look, if you’re after that postcard-perfect stay but with some grit and genuineness, this is it. I stayed in early spring, when the canals aren’t sweltering and you can actually snag a table at nearby spots without reservations – avoid July if you hate humidity. It’s not flawless (the AC can be finicky), but wandering out to catch the sunset vaporetto to Murano from here felt effortless, and coming back to your own little pad made the whole trip feel like living in Venice, not just visiting. You’d be hard-pressed to find better value in Cannaregio – go for it if you want to skip the tourist traps and wake up to the real rhythm of the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $144. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location! – Vidal from Spain – 14 July 2024 (9/10)

  Giacomo, the owner, left the air conditioner on for our arrival. It was really pleasant. The location is separated from the touristic spots but close enough to allow you to dine nearby and see all the attractions. Giacomo was very flexible and allowed us to self check in.
  
  What could be improved: No remarks, everything was fantastic! If anything, maybe asking beforehand if we want an anti mosquito device plugged before our arrival and complimentary snacks/water.

• Very good – Zin from Indonesia – 13 August 2022 (8/10)

  Breakfast was not included but room has kitchen facilities.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing specific

• 4 nights in Venice – Iulia from Romania – 18 March 2023 (9/10)

  The apartament is located in a beautiful neibourhood close to a lot of atractions.
  The comunication with the host was really efficient and he was careful all the time.
  The apartament is dotated with the main tools to enjoy a few days in Venice.
  For sure the price was convenient for what we wanted to pay.
  
  What could be improved: There was only a thin blanket without sheet mask. În the first night it was a bit cold.
  Maybe as a sugestion, a thicker blanket will be useful also sheet mask for it because I think is not ok to use it after another tourists has used it.

• Very good – Falcey from United States – 13 November 2022 (8/10)

  Clean and easy good communication from Guila ,didn't meet Jack mio, he did fix a shower clog qickly.Location is good 10 min train station water bus down the street bed was comfurtable and could have made a full meal but didnt..would stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• My first stay in venice and everything was perfect – starting from the apartment to the weather 🙂 – Piotr from Poland – 11 October 2022 (9/10)

  Apartment is placed in Cannaregio which is a great location to explore Venice, close to restaurants and bars and on the other hand very quiet neighborhood. A stay in Venice (not in Mestre for ex.) is a must if you want to walk around the evening city. I sincerely recommend.
  
  What could be improved: There is no such thing.

• For us it had everything we needed, basic but servicable. Would stay again. – Juan from Spain – 22 February 2025 (7/10)

  We werent expecting much for the money, but it was clean, bed was ok,the kitchen had everything we needed including washer and dryer, the heating was good, and good location for getting around, the keys we collected from a hotel nearby without problems,overall, we enjoyed our stay in Venice, we had breakfast in apartment , were out all day and came home in the evening showered lovely hot water and fell asleep, one evening we cooked, without problems.
  
  What could be improved: The tv didnt work very well, and the extractor in the bathroom was very noisy.

• Exceptional – Lisa from New Zealand – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Host was very helpful and location was great- everything was wonderful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great place, highly recommended! – Bartek002 from Poland – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very nice and helpful host. Small, cozy and comfortable apartment just outside the busy tourist area, but still close to the main attractions. Well equipped kitchen, very comfortable bed, great wifi, airconditioning.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain about.

• Nice apartment near the central station – Niels from Netherlands – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Giacomo is a very good host. It is a very nice and quit apartment near the central station.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Venice trip – Jane from United Kingdom – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  It was clean and extremely well positioned. It was a good price. It included the basics; tea, coffee, oil etc
  Giocamo was very friendly and gave us great information.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities