Cà Bellavista

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Cà Bellavista during one of those misty Venetian mornings last spring – you know, when the fog rolls off the lagoon and everything feels a bit magical, but also like you might get hopelessly lost in the alleys. It’s tucked away in Cannaregio, right off Sotoportego dei Vedei, this narrow little passageway that locals use to cut through to the Fondamenta della Misericordia. Honestly, if you’re coming from the train station at Santa Lucia, it’s a solid 15-minute walk – no taxis here, obviously, since Venice is all about boats and your own two feet – but that’s part of the charm. I dragged my suitcase over those uneven stone bridges, dodging the occasional delivery guy with his handcart, and when I finally spotted the discreet entrance (look for the brass plaque; it’s easy to miss if you’re jet-lagged), it felt like discovering a secret. Check-in was a breeze – the owner, this warm Italian guy named Marco, greeted me with a espresso and a quick chat about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti. No big lobby fuss, just a cozy reception that smells faintly of fresh linen and whatever’s baking in the kitchen downstairs. And yeah, there’s no elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor – those stairs are steep, but they add to that old-world vibe.

What really hooked me, though, was the view – I mean, the name “Cà Bellavista” isn’t kidding. My room overlooked a quiet canal, with those classic red-tiled rooftops stretching out toward the horizon, and in the evenings, you’d hear the soft lap of water against the walls mixed with distant chatter from folks strolling the fondamenta. It’s a four-star spot, sure, but it feels more like a stylish guesthouse than some impersonal chain – think exposed wooden beams, plush beds with those crisp white sheets that make you want to sleep in, and bathrooms stocked with decent toiletries (though the shower pressure could be a tad stronger, if I’m being picky). I loved how it’s in the heart of Cannaregio, away from the San Marco crowds – you can wander over to the Jewish Ghetto in like five minutes for some killer kosher eats at Gam Gam, or hop on a vaporetto from the nearby Orto stop to zip to the Rialto. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful; no throngs of tourists outside your window, just the occasional church bell or gondolier humming in the distance. Breakfast was a highlight too – fresh croissants, local cheeses, and fruit on a terrace that catches the morning sun – though in peak summer, it might get a bit crowded with other guests.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overtourism overload, this place is gold. It’s not perfect – finding it the first time might test your map skills, and well, Venice prices mean it’s not cheap – but that 8.6 rating feels spot-on. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of local life, sipping spritzes at hole-in-the-wall spots along Strada Nova, rather than just ticking off sights. Book it for a romantic getaway or a solo recharge; just time it for shoulder season like April or October when the canals aren’t sweltering and the alleys are yours. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $262. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Amelie from Australia – 27 August 2024 (9/10)

  the location of the property couldn’t have been better.
  I loved the interior design, the colour scheme was devine.
  Couldn’t top the view

• Lauren from United Kingdom – 27 March 2025 (8/10)

  Amazing location, right on the canal, with plenty of nice restaurants nearby. Comfortable bed and nice bathroom, with very big living space. Small kitchen had everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Just a few little things would make it so much nicer: there isn’t anywhere to hang your coat, there’s only one pillow on the bed, the shelf in the bathroom is wobbly so you can’t use it… and for the price of the place I would expect these sort of things to be better.

• Carol from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (5/10)

  Excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom is badly designed. Plus the shelf above the sink needs fixed.

• Carla from Ireland – 2 August 2024 (9/10)

• Alina from Germany – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

• Alexander from Austria – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities