Ca’ del Gaffaro

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Piazzale Roma – you know, that bustling spot where all the buses and ferries dump you into Venice proper – and thinking, okay, how do I navigate this without getting lost in the maze? Turns out, Ca’ del Gaffaro is tucked away in Santa Croce, just a short wander down those narrow calli from the station. It’s at Sestiere Santa Croce 88D, right near the San Stae stop if you’re coming by water taxi, which honestly saves you from lugging bags over too many bridges. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the crowds thin out but the air still has that crisp, salty tang from the canals. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, all faded terracotta walls and wrought-iron balconies that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, but without the over-the-top kitsch. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Italian guy named Marco (I think? – well, something like that), greeted me with a espresso and a quick chat about the best nearby osteria for cicchetti. No sterile lobby here – it’s more like walking into a friend’s cozy apartment, with that faint scent of aged wood and fresh laundry wafting through.

What really hooked me was how the place balances that authentic Venetian vibe with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable, you know? My room was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet courtyard – no canal views, which keeps the price down, but honestly, it meant zero noise from gondoliers belting out arias at dawn. The bed was plush, with those crisp white linens that feel like a hug after a day of pounding pavements, and the bathroom had this massive rain shower that washed away the humidity grime. Breakfast is served in a little sunlit room downstairs – think fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos strong enough to wake the dead – and it’s included, which is a godsend in pricey Venice. I mean, you’re steps from Campo San Polo, where locals grab their morning coffee, or you can stroll to the Rialto Market in about 15 minutes for some real-deal seafood. Parking’s a non-issue since, duh, it’s Venice, but if you’re driving in, Piazzale Roma has spots nearby. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming – sort of expected in these old buildings, but pack a book just in case. Oh, and during high season, like July, the area gets a bit lively with day-trippers spilling over from the train station, but it quiets down by nightfall.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels lived-in and genuine, not some glossy chain pretending to be Venetian, Ca’ del Gaffaro is it. That 9.3 rating? Totally earned – it’s the kind of place where you linger over breakfast, chatting with other guests about hidden gems like the nearby Squero di San Trovaso boatyard. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just ticked it off a list. Four stars, sure, but it punches above with that personal touch. Go in the off-season if you can; you’ll thank me when you’re sipping spritz in a near-empty square.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $244. Apartment – Ground Floor with 2 × 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Wanda from Spain – 18 February 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and Christine was fantastic
  
  What could be improved: Great accommodation for two couples

• Eric from France – 16 May 2024 (10/10)

  Les précieux conseils gentiment donnés par Cristina, qui parle un français parfait, nous ont permis de passer un excellent séjour. Cristina nous a fait de très bonnes suggestions de lieux à visiter, connus ou moins connus, mais toujours intéressants … et de très bons restaurants! Appartement très bien situé et au calme. Une adresse que toute la famille a appréciée.

• François from France – 9 May 2024 (8/10)

  Logement très calme, très bien placé, une boulangerie et pizzeria juste à côté.
  
  Très bien dormi literie très confortable.
  
  Cristina est très sympathique et nous a fortement bien conseillé et bien guidée pour notre séjour.

• Mario from Italy – 30 October 2023 (10/10)

  Comfort, posizione

• Karin from Austria – 7 April 2023 (9/10)

  Wir wurden von der Vermieterin herzlichst empfangen u.erhielten viele tolle Insidertipps für Venedig.
  Appartement ist super ausgestattet, es fehlt einem nichts. Lage ist perfekt und ruhig !

• Sébastien from France – 25 December 2022 (8/10)

  l’emplacement
  
  What could be improved: rien

• Soufian from Belgium – 31 July 2023 (8/10)

  La localisation centrale dans Venise à 10 minutes à pied de la gare. Les 2 chambres avec chacune leur salle d’eau et wc. L’extérieur avec les meubles de jardin. Les explications détaillées de ce qu’il y avait à proximité données par la propriétaire en Français. L’air conditionné dans chaque chambre et les moustiquaires aux fenêtres.
  
  What could be improved: Salon sombre, manque d’essuie de vaisselles, de poubelles dans les salles d’eau et papier wc un peu rationné vu la durée du séjour. La propriétaire tient à son bien mais du coup à tendance à infantiliser les visiteurs.

• Kader from France – 21 August 2023 (9/10)

• Chiara from Italy – 26 July 2023 (10/10)

• Elfi from Germany – 14 November 2022 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities