Ca Barbaro with altana-appartamenti storici-

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the San Stae stop – you know, that little landing stage tucked away in Santa Croce, not far from the Grand Canal but worlds away from the San Marco crowds – and weaving through those narrow calli to find Ca Barbaro. It’s right there on Santa Croce 2177, in this quieter part of Venice where locals actually live, not just pose for selfies. Honestly, arriving felt like discovering a secret; the building’s this historic palazzo with faded frescoes peeking out from the walls, and the entrance is unassuming, like it doesn’t need to shout. I mean, Venice can be a nightmare with luggage – all those bridges and uneven stones – but from Piazzale Roma, it’s a quick 10-minute walk if you’re not dragging a massive suitcase. Check-in was a breeze; the host, this warm Venetian lady who spoke perfect English (with that charming accent), handed over the keys and a handwritten map of nearby spots, like the hidden osteria on Rio Terà San Leonardo for a quick spritz. No big lobby fuss, just straight into the apartment, which made it feel more like borrowing a friend’s place than a hotel stay.

What really hooked me was how they’ve turned these old apartments – “appartamenti storici,” as they call them – into something special without losing the soul. Mine had this creaky wooden floor that sort of whispered underfoot, high ceilings with exposed beams, and antique furniture that looked like it belonged in a museum but was comfy enough to flop onto after a day of wandering. The altana, oh man, that’s the rooftop terrace – a proper wooden one, not some modern add-on – where I spent evenings watching the sun dip behind the rooftops, the air thick with that salty lagoon scent mixed with distant church bells. It’s got a full kitchen too, which was a lifesaver; I grabbed fresh produce from the Rialto Market (just a 15-minute stroll away, crossing the bridge at Campo San Polo) and whipped up pasta while listening to the canal boats chug by below. Well, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the mornings when everyone’s online, and during high season like Carnevale, you might hear some street noise filtering up – but that’s Venice for you. The beds are plush, though, and the bathroom’s got those marble sinks that make you feel fancy without trying too hard.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the tourist trap vibe, Ca Barbaro is it. It’s got that 9.3 rating for a reason – authentic, cozy, and smack in Santa Croce, so you’re close to gems like the Natural History Museum or a quiet gondola ride from Fondamenta dei Tolentini, but you can escape the hordes. I stayed in spring, when the canals aren’t too smelly yet and the altana’s perfect for breakfast coffee, and honestly, it made me rethink chain hotels forever. Sure, it’s 4-star, but it feels more like a hidden gem; I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe even splurge on the bigger apartment next time. If you’re planning a trip, book early – spots fill up fast, especially for those views.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $191. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $419. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Superb – Neutens from Canada – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Anna was fantastic! She met us and provided some great information about the location including recommendations for getting around and local restaurants and more. The location was really great! The accommodation was as described, clean, with new and spacious bathrooms.

• Exceptional – Ksenia from United States – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is better then in the pictures. It's clean, beautifully furnished and with updated bathrooms. It feels very authentic. It's close enough to the grocery store as well as to the main attractions and the train station. The neighborhood is quiet at nighta and during the day. We really enjoyed the rooftop terrace.

• Exceptional – Curtis from United States – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  Such an easy location to explore the city! Easily accessible from the airport transports. Quiet at night. Good air conditioning!! The owners/staff were extremely responsive and helpful with everything. The apartment is well equipped with everything we needed. I would definitely stay here again! Marvelous!

• Big apartament in Venice city center – Magdalena from Poland – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, big apartament, fully equipped kitchen. Personnel is very friendly.

• Exceptional – Angela from New Zealand – 30 May 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was spacious and clean.
  We would stay again. Had everything supplied that you need for your stay. The host was very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Only draw back was the noise from the café downstairs, but didn't bother us too much as we were out most of the time

• Ideally located for a lovely stay in Venice – Sarah from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (8/10)

  Good location, spacious and clean apartment.
  
  What could be improved: There was no access to the roof terrace from our apartment.

• Amazing! – Radostina from United Kingdom – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: Perfect location, host, cleanliness!

• Spacious and middle of everything – Nishan from Australia – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  Spacious apartment, good walking distance to everything. Almost in the middle… had all the amenities, the host was super helpful …
  
  What could be improved: Not much that we didn't like about the place…

• Exceptional – Amy from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, quite peaceful yet restaurants and cafes literally yards away and main attractions within easy walking distance, or you have the choice of various waterbus stations with San stae being the closest around 5 minutes away. The apartment was very clean and had everything you needed whilst the hosts were very helpful and Anna kept us informed with meeting times etc.
  I would definitely recommend this apartment for your stay in Venice
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to report

• Exceptional – Dejan from North Macedonia – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities