Ca del Pape

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Arsenale stop – you know, that one where the old shipyard looms like something out of a history book – and weaving through those narrow calli in Castello to find Ca del Pape on Calle Colonne. It’s tucked away in this quieter corner of Venice, away from the San Marco crowds, but honestly, that’s what makes it feel like you’re actually living in the city rather than just visiting. I mean, the address is 1439 Calle Colonne, and if you’ve ever gotten lost in Venice (who hasn’t?), it’s a blessing that it’s not too far from the main drag – maybe a 10-minute stroll from the Biennale gardens, where locals grab their morning coffee during the off-season. When I arrived, check-in was a breeze; the owner – this chatty guy named Marco, I think – handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the best nearby osteria for cicchetti, and there was no fuss about luggage since everything’s on foot here anyway. No parking worries, obviously, but if you’re coming by water taxi, it’s a short hop from the canal.

What really stuck with me about Ca del Pape is how it blends that old Venetian charm with just enough modern comfort to make you forget you’re in a centuries-old building. The rooms are cozy – mine had these exposed wooden beams overhead and a view of a tiny courtyard where you could hear distant church bells from San Pietro di Castello in the mornings (pro tip: they’re louder on Sundays, but it’s kind of magical). The bed was plush, with linens that smelled faintly of lavender – none of that stiff hotel starch – and the bathroom had a rain shower that was a godsend after a day dodging tourists on the Riva degli Schiavoni. It’s rated 9.1 for a reason, you know? Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, yogurt, and espresso strong enough to wake the dead, served in a little communal area that feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a 4-star setup. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, the AC works like a charm, though the place can get a bit echoey at night from the stone walls – nothing earplugs can’t fix, but it’s worth noting if you’re a light sleeper. I wandered out one evening to that hidden square near Via Garibaldi, grabbed some spritz at a no-name bar where locals outnumber tourists, and it was all within a five-minute walk. Castello’s got this authentic vibe – less glitz, more real life – with spots like the Arsenale vaporetto for easy hops to Murano or the Lido.

All in all, if you’re after a Venice stay that doesn’t feel like a postcard but more like slipping into the city’s rhythm, Ca del Pape is it. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can lag during peak hours, especially in busy seasons like Carnevale – but that’s Venice for you, sort of charmingly imperfect. I’d go back in a heartbeat, well, maybe in the quieter fall when the fog rolls in off the lagoon and the place feels even more like a secret. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you actually know the neighborhood, not just passed through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $304. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Shellew from Australia – 28 May 2023 (10/10)

  this property is so special!! perfect location, close to restaurants, market etc, but a km away from st Marks which means the prices are so much better.
  the property is newly renovated and extremely comfortable. this truely is an exceptionally great stay.

• Fran from Australia – 5 March 2025 (9/10)

  We arrived on a very busy weekend in Venice and we were met by the friendly Enrico. The accommodation is warm and cosy, peaceful and well equipped. The area is clean and tidy and in a fabulous location. You are minutes from the water ferry stop, with a supermarket 2 minutes walk away and some fabulous restaurants in the same vicinity.

• Stephanie from United Kingdom – 17 November 2024 (9/10)

  Fabulous location near to vaparetto stops and very close to Arsenals and Giardini Arte Biennale venues. The property is on a charming street very close to Via Garibaldi where there are supermarkets and lots of bars and restaurants. 2 large bedrooms and 2 separate bathrooms. The property is very clean, bright and well decorated and equipped. Communication with the owner was excellent and we were met at the door welcomed snd shown around.
  
  What could be improved: there is nothing not to like!

• Jennifer from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect for the Bienale. Beautiful, immaculate and exactly as photographs.

• Sandra from Netherlands – 16 August 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic location so close to the centre and so very Italian environment! Rooms are spacious and very clean.
  
  What could be improved: No outdoor area

• Alec from Switzerland – 16 July 2024 (10/10)

  Site – quiet partnof Venice

• Michael from United States – 29 May 2024 (10/10)

  Owner waited for us to arrive and gave us a tour of the apartment. Was very helpful in directing us how to get back to airport. About 15 minute walk to Piazza San Marco.

• Bill from United Kingdom – 6 May 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent comfortable apartment in a great location in very quiet area, 10 minutes walk to st marks square
  
  What could be improved: We think could should replace the kitchen table and chairs with a sofa and a coffee table as you need a place to relax and have drinks and coffees and croissants in the mornings and could double as a table if you did cook meals.

• Antonio from United States – 14 April 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was lovely. The location was great and host was wonderful. Away from the hustle and bustle but awesome restaurants, cafes, grocery and park nearby. Close to 2 vaporetto stops!

• Eliana from Albania – 24 March 2024 (10/10)

  The house was perfect. Great location, comfort rooms, two bathrooms, everything clean and with all facilities.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities