Ca’ Dei Dogi

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Ca’ Dei Dogi after a bumpy vaporetto ride from the airport felt like uncovering a little secret in Venice’s maze of alleys – and honestly, that’s saying something in a city where every corner hides a story. I arrived mid-afternoon in late spring, when the tourists are thick on the Riva degli Schiavoni but haven’t quite overrun the quieter spots in Castello yet. The hotel’s tucked away on a narrow corte – Corte Seconda del Milion, if you’re mapping it – just a five-minute wander from the San Zaccaria stop, past that old church with the bells that chime softly every hour. No cars to worry about, obviously, since this is Venice, but watch your step on those uneven stones if you’re lugging a suitcase; I nearly tripped over a loose one myself. The entrance is unassuming, like stepping into someone’s historic home – all faded frescoes and that faint, musty scent of ancient plaster mixed with fresh espresso from the breakfast room. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who know the backstreets like their own palms – handed over a map with handwritten notes on where to grab the best cicchetti without the crowds, which was a lifesaver after a long flight.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world Venetian charm with just enough modern comfort to make you forget you’re in a building that’s probably older than some countries. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard – well, more like a sliver of sky and some ivy-clinging walls – but it was blissfully quiet at night, save for the occasional distant hum of a water taxi on the canal. The bed was plush, with those crisp linens that feel like they’ve been ironed by hand, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works (unlike some spots I’ve stayed where it’s more drip than deluge). Breakfast is served in this cozy salon downstairs – think fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead – and it’s included, which is a nice touch in pricey Venice. I mean, it’s not massive, so if you’re traveling with a big group, you might feel a bit squeezed, but for couples or solo wanderers, it’s perfect. Oh, and pro tip: if you’re here during the Biennale, the Arsenale is literally a stone’s throw away – I popped over one morning and beat the lines. There’s no full restaurant on-site, which is a minor bummer if you’re wiped after a day of dodging pigeons in San Marco, but honestly, that’s what pushes you out to explore nearby gems like that family-run osteria on Calle della Mandola, where the squid ink pasta is legendary and half the price of the tourist traps.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Venetian without the over-the-top luxury markup, Ca’ Dei Dogi is a solid choice – it’s got that 8.4 rating for a reason, you know? I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of local life, not just passed through. Sure, summers can get humid and the alleys pack out by noon, so book for shoulder season if you can. But wandering back to that peaceful courtyard after a chaotic day on the Grand Canal? Priceless. I’d go back in a heartbeat – maybe next time with someone to share those sunset views from the nearby bridge over Rio di San Lorenzo.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $137. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $180. Queen Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $195. Double Room with Terrace with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $208. Superior Double Room with Balcony with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $212. Deluxe Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Martin from Ireland – 19 October 2023 (9/10)

  Very friendly staff. Cute well setup hotel. Great breakfast!

• Tim from United Kingdom – 5 March 2025 (7/10)

  Style, location, terrace
  
  What could be improved: Small room

• Vivan from United Kingdom – 3 February 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly and professional staff; as a couple staying first time in Venice we were greeted warmly and the host suggested amazing restaurants with traditional Venitian food.
  The room was tidy and spacious. We had a private balcony and a large spa bath.
  The hotel was 3 minutes away from the Palazzo Ducale and the ACTV boats.

• Danny from Netherlands – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  jacuzzi
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Laura from United States – 4 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Room was on the small size

• Alice from Ireland – 15 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location and quietness
  
  What could be improved: Unstaffed most of the time

• Steve from Bermuda – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, friendly and helpful staff, room was very clean.
  
  What could be improved: Coffee machine was broken, room at the top had lots of stairs so carrying bags for 3 people was a bit difficult.

• William from United States – 6 July 2024 (8/10)

  LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! End of story:) Overall the room was very comfortable and clean and the two young men who worked at the front were extremely helpful! Also loved that there were two cute cafes close by to grab pastries and coffee in the morning :))
  
  What could be improved: No elevator which made the hike up to the 4th floor a bit painful lol. The room was a tad on the small side but our goal was not to stay in the room all day so it served its purpose. Also the coffee machine was broken but apparently we survived so not the end of the world 🙂

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 5 July 2024 (8/10)

  Great location near Basillica San Marco, clean room
  
  What could be improved: Down a narrow back street that I wouldn’t like to be in after dark, we were on the top floor so getting suitcases up the narrow stairs was a challenge

• Stephanie from United States – 2 June 2024 (9/10)

  This hotel is a tucked away gem that is only 1-2 minutes away from an ACTV dock and water taxis and walking distance of fantastic restaurants and sights.
  
  What could be improved: This is true of most properties in the area so we don’t fault them but there’s no lift.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities