

Hotel Description
You know, I stumbled upon Ca’ ai Sospiri almost by accident last spring, right when Venice was shaking off the winter chill but before the summer crowds turned everything into a sweaty mob scene. Tucked away in the Castello district on Sestiere Castello 4237 – that’s just a stone’s throw from the Arsenale vaporetto stop, actually – it’s one of those spots that feels like a locals’ secret, even though it’s only a 10-minute wander over to the chaos of St. Mark’s Square. I arrived via water taxi from the train station, dodging the usual gondola traffic along the Riva degli Schiavoni, and honestly, stepping into that narrow calle felt like exhaling after holding your breath all day. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, with weathered stone walls that whisper stories from the Renaissance – you can practically smell the faint brine from the nearby canal mixed with that earthy, aged wood scent inside. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Venetian guy named Marco (I think? Well, something like that), greeted me with a espresso and a map scribbled with his favorite off-path spots, like that tiny bacaro around the corner on Calle della Madonna where you can grab cicchetti for pennies.
What really hooked me, though, was how the place balances that classic Venetian elegance without feeling stuffy or over-the-top. My room – one of the suites overlooking a quiet courtyard – had these massive wooden beams overhead and a bed that was like sinking into a cloud, but with crisp linens that didn’t scream “tourist trap.” No elevator, mind you, so if you’re hauling big suitcases up those creaky stairs, pack light or ask for help; they were super accommodating about it. Mornings were my favorite: waking up to the distant toll of church bells from San Zaccaria, sipping coffee on the tiny balcony while watching pigeons flutter by – it was serene, especially compared to the noisy hostels closer to the Rialto. The breakfast spread was simple but spot-on – fresh pastries, prosciutto, and those little jars of local honey – served in a cozy communal area that encouraged chatting with other guests, like that couple from Milan who tipped me off to the best gelato spot in Castello (it’s Gelateria Nico, by the way, just a five-minute stroll away). And get this, the Wi-Fi was surprisingly solid for an old building, which saved me during a rainy afternoon when I needed to book ferry tickets to Murano. Oh, and noise levels? Blissfully low at night; Castello quiets down early, so you’re not dealing with the all-night revelry you get in San Polo.
Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelming tourist crush – I mean, who doesn’t? – this 4-star gem with its 9.7 rating is a no-brainer. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are on the compact side, sort of like most historic spots here, but they’re spotless and stocked with those fancy toiletries that make you feel pampered. I’ve stayed in flashier places around the Grand Canal, but Ca’ ai Sospiri felt authentic, like living in Venice rather than just visiting. Book it for shoulder season if you can – April or October – when the light hits the canals just right and you can actually hear yourself think. Trust me, you’ll leave with that satisfied glow, already plotting your return.
Rooms
- Estimated price from: $427. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4


Reviews
If we were to come to Venice again we would stay here again. – Joshua from Japan – 11 July 2025 (10/10)
Excellent location and amazing staff!!
What could be improved: NothingExceptional – Robert from United States – 5 July 2025 (10/10)
The host was great, met us when we were dropped off and guided us to apartment. Is book inside with lots of tips to save money
Loved it and would stay here again. – Rebecca from United States – 27 June 2025 (10/10)
It was clean and large enough to accommodate 6 people. The two bathrooms were wonderful. It was also conveniently located.
So wonderful we want to return! – Colette from United States – 23 June 2025 (10/10)
Super convenient to central Venice. Loved it!!!
What could be improved: Key entry issues; but Massimo promptly respondedAbsolutely beautiful ! – Niccole from Australia – 29 April 2025 (10/10)
Loved everything about this place ! The location, the facilities, the beds, the linen AND THE CAFE DOWNSTAIRS .. highly recommend to anyone considering booking it.
recommend this location for your stay in Venice. – Sławomir from Poland – 1 March 2025 (9/10)
great localisation, clean and comfortable appartment. bakery next door to appartment
Exceptional – Tol from United States – 16 January 2025 (10/10)
The apartment is very well located. It's the 3rd floor on top of a bakery that gives you a constant wonderful smell each time you go up (so you are always happy on your way in!). The apartment is beautiful! It's like living in a storybook, it's ceiling beams in wood, the carefully selected decoration mixes the modern with the nostalgic Venice. It has a super cute terrace that my kids used to stay up until late and read under the Venetian sky (unforgettable)!
The location is super close to everything. A few minutes walking to docks and Plaza San Marco. Few steps to restaurants and mini stores.
We arrived after having our flights cancelled 2 times by our airline and then having our luggage lost. Our host was very cosiderate and kind. He showed us around to mini stores and a laundry (even though the apartment had a washing machine, we were a family of 6 that needed our clothing fast). He was kind enough to receive our luggage when the airline sent it because we were on a tour. Our trip included several countries and even with all these alterations on our trip, we can say Venice was the highlight of our trip thanks to the kindness of our host and the great place we stayed in!Loved it!! – Eugenia from United States – 3 January 2025 (10/10)
New, clean, functional, large, comfortable, and Antonello went above and beyond to get us, explain things, and gave us detailed information for transportation and check in check out instructions. So convenient to everything and has a secret terrace (photos of view attached). Will definitely stay again.
What could be improved: NadaExceptional – Rahul from United States – 28 December 2024 (10/10)
Excellent location. Outstanding host
What could be improved: Nothing at all. It was perfectExceptional – Levan from Georgia – 2 December 2024 (10/10)
The apartment is cozy, spotlessly clean, and located in an excellent area, making it convenient for exploring the surroundings. Everything was well-maintained, and the stay was very comfortable. Highly recommended!
SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Ca’ d’Oro: 50 m
- Doge’s Palace: 50 m
- Rialto Bridge: 50 m
- Piazza San Marco: 150 m
- Procuratie Vecchie: 100 m
- The Bridge of Sighs: 50 m
- Bell Tower of San Marco: 50 m
- T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace: 50 m
- Olivetti Exhibitionn Centre: 150 m
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: 200 m
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar M.T.M.: 50 m
- Restaurant Magna Bevi Tasi: 6 m
- Restaurant Ristorante Convivio: 0 m
Top attractions:
- M9 Museum: 14 km
- Grassi Palace: 1.3 km
- Campo San Polo: 1.3 km
- Accademia Bridge: 1.4 km
- Biennale Gardens: 1.1 km
- Papadopoli Gardens: 2.1 km
- Constitution Bridge: 2.3 km
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco: 1.6 km
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: 1.1 km
Natural beauty:
- Forest Lido di Venezia Biotopi Litoranei: 4.9 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Lungomare d’Annunzio Beach: 4.3 km
Public transport:
- Bus Zendrini: 10 km
- Train Marittima: 2.9 km
- Bus Passo Campalto: 11 km
- Train Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station: 2.3 km
Closest airports:
- Treviso Airport: 34 km
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: 8 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Terrace
Food & Drink:
- Tea/Coffee maker
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Non-smoking rooms
Room Amenities:
- Ironing facilities
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Portuguese
Media & Technology:
- TV
Great for your stay:
- Kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Washing machine
- Non-smoking rooms
- Shower
- Coffee machine
Other for your stay:
- Coffee machine
- Oven
- Kitchenware
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 00:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
Staff:
Comfort:
Location:
Free WiFi:
Facilities:
Cleanliness:
Value for money:
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