Cà dell’Ambasciatore

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Cà dell’Ambasciatore after a long vaporetto ride from the station – you know, the kind where you’re crammed in with everyone’s luggage and that faint salty lagoon smell clings to everything. It’s tucked away on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi in Castello, which is honestly one of those Venice neighborhoods that feels more like real life than the postcard chaos around San Marco. I mean, Garibaldi’s this wide, lively street lined with little grocery shops, a couple of no-frills osterias where locals grab cicchetti and spritz in the evenings, and yeah, it’s got that everyday buzz without the tour groups blocking your path every five steps. The hotel itself is in this old building – not some grand palazzo, but charming in that understated Venetian way, with faded frescoes on the facade that make you wonder about the stories behind them. Checking in was a breeze; the staff were these warm Italians who switched effortlessly between English and that lilting Venetian dialect, and they even pointed me to a hidden gelateria around the corner on Via Tana – trust me, their pistachio is worth the detour, especially after a hot afternoon wandering the Arsenale area.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world feel with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable. My room was on the upper floor, overlooking a quiet canal – not the Grand one, but a skinny side channel where you hear the occasional gondolier humming in the distance and the water lapping against the stones at night. It’s sort of cozy-small, like a lot of Venice spots (honestly, pack light because the stairs are steep and there’s no elevator – well, at least not in the wing I was in), but the bed was plush, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that feels like a luxury after trekking through humid streets. Breakfast was a highlight – they set it up in this sunny courtyard, nothing fancy, just fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake you up for an early stroll to the Biennale gardens, which are literally a 10-minute walk away. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, it gets busy around here with the art crowd, but the hotel stays pretty peaceful – no street noise seeping in, which is a godsend compared to the racket near Rialto. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms, but hey, you’re in Venice; maybe that’s a sign to unplug and watch the sunset from nearby San Pietro di Castello instead.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelming crowds – maybe a couple looking for a romantic base or a solo traveler like me who appreciates those authentic nooks – this place is a gem. It’s not flashy, but that 4-star rating feels earned with the personal touches, like the owner chatting about hidden spots over evening tea. At a 9.2, it’s no surprise; I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when Castello feels even more like your own secret corner of the city. Just remember to time your vaporetto rides right – lines get long around rush hour – and you’ll settle in like a local before you know it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $593. Apartment with Terrace with 3 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Was a wonderful stay in Venice with a unique place to stay – Bryan from United States – 12 July 2025 (8/10)

  How close it was to restaurants and how easy it was to get to.

• Great and would recommend. – Nick from United Kingdom – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location away from the tourist hot spots was a bonus. Lovely local area with good restaurants and bars. The outside area was brilliant. Well equipped.
  
  What could be improved: As mentioned in the details, the property is above a bar so the front 2 bedrooms are noisy. Having said that we were there 3 nights and it was only for the first night.

• 100% recommended – Serdar from Turkey – 2 April 2025 (10/10)

  It was one of our best stays ❤️. The location is excellent. In the middle of a street full of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Several bakeries and markets in 50 meters. The apartment was very clean. The beds were very comfortable. The host provided us with all the city related information we may need during our stay. The balcony was unforgettable. We were seven, and every one of us enjoyed a lot. Thank you, Luisa, Roberto, and Lionella.
  
  100% recommended.

• Exceptional – Randi from Norway – 6 May 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location to see the biennial. If the weather had been better, the terrace would have been a perfect hangout.
  
  What could be improved: Some noise from the bar on the first floor, but we all slept well just the same.

• Superb – Tanya from United Kingdom – 18 April 2024 (9/10)

  Brilliant location and lovely apartment. Very helpful service and warm welcome
  
  What could be improved: Lovely location but can be a little noisy but didn’t cause us any issues

• We love Venice but it is not easy to find a good spot to stay with good price/quality balance – Vanalphen from Belgium – 11 October 2023 (5/10)

  We liked the location, in Castello, a nice neighbourhood, easy to go around everywhere, also near Arsenale. Having a terrace is also nice. The host waited for us upon arrival at the watertaxi stop and took us to the appartment. Three sets of keys was also a positive point. Enough towels were provided for everybody.
  
  What could be improved: What we did not know is that the appartment is right above two bars. Two bedrooms are literally above the bars at the street side. Incredible noise of music and lots of people, also noise of machinery (I guess cooling for the bar fridges or so, airco maybe also) until very late at night. We stayed without warm/hot water, only cold. We took cold showers. This was solved on day three.

• very good, we thank Lionella for her kindness and useful suggestions – Anonymous from Germany – 7 January 2023 (10/10)

  The location, the rooms, the terrace, well furnished kitchen
  
  What could be improved: there wasn’t a main living room but only the entrance

• Excellent séjour. – Katia from France – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  L'accueil était sympathique avec beaucoup d'informations sur Venise et les transports. Emplacement exceptionnel. Logement très confortable pour 8 adultes. Grande terrasse pour les repas. Logement propre et bien équipé. Tout était parfait.
  
  What could be improved: Rien.

• Superb – Manuel from Spain – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Ubicacion

• Es waren superschöne Tage, sehr schöne Unterkunft – Robin from Germany – 25 February 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: Leider war kein Duschgel/Shampoo im Apartment, wie angegeben.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities