Ca Doge Marin

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ca Doge Marin almost by accident last spring, when I was dodging the usual Venice crowds – you know, the kind that swarm San Marco like it’s Black Friday. I’d just hopped off the vaporetto at Piazzale Roma, and honestly, it was a relief to weave through Santa Croce’s quieter alleys instead of fighting for space on the Rialto Bridge. The hotel’s tucked away at 993 Santa Croce, in that residential pocket where locals actually live, not just pose for selfies. Walking up, the facade caught my eye – this old Venetian palazzo vibe with those weathered stone details and wrought-iron balconies that scream “I’ve been here since the Doges ruled.” Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of chatty Venetians who switched seamlessly from Italian to English – handed over my key with a genuine smile and a tip about the best nearby bacaro for cicchetti. No long lines or stuffy formalities, just a quick chat about the weather (which, fair warning, can turn drizzly in a heartbeat this time of year).

What really sold me on the place was how it felt like a hidden gem without trying too hard – I mean, it’s rated 9.6 for a reason, but it’s not flashy. My room overlooked a narrow canal, and mornings started with the soft lapping of water against the walls and that faint, briny scent of the lagoon drifting in (though if you’re sensitive to smells, crack a window – Venice has its moments). The bed was plush, with those crisp linens that make you want to linger, and the bathroom had this mosaic tile floor that felt cool underfoot after a day of pounding pavements. Breakfast was a highlight – fresh cornetti, strong espresso, and prosciutto sliced right there, served in a cozy courtyard where you could hear distant church bells from Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, just a short stroll away. It’s not huge, mind you, so during peak season (think April to October), it gets booked up fast, and the neighborhood’s pretty peaceful at night – no rowdy bar noise, but you might hear the occasional gondola serenade echoing through. One minor gripe? Parking’s a non-starter here (Venice, duh), so if you’re driving in, leave the car at Tronchetto and walk or water-taxi over – saves the headache.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venice without the tourist trap fatigue, Ca Doge Marin’s your spot. It’s close enough to the action – a 10-minute wander to the Grand Canal or the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio – but far enough to breathe. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced the city, not just ticked off landmarks. Well, sort of – next time, I’d pack lighter; those stone stairs can be a workout with luggage. But yeah, for a 4-star stay that punches above its weight, it’s worth every euro.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $169. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Svetlana from Russia – 9 January 2025 (10/10)

  Best accommodation during our Italian trip – very well located and accessible, spacious, very well taken care of, very attentive and caring host

• Panagiotis from Greece – 11 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great. Close to the center and all the sights. The apartment had all the necessities we needed. We were very happy!

• Hilda from Romania – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  Nagyon jól felszerelt, jó elhelyezkedésű szállás. A közelben volt élelmiszerbolt, étterem, kávézó, gelateria, a főbb látványosságok pedig kényelmes sétatávolságra találhatóak. A szállásadó kedves, segítőkész. Csak ajánlani tudom 🙂
  
  What could be improved: –

• Olga from Ukraine – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

  Tutti è perfetto, grazie

• Elisabete from Portugal – 4 March 2025 (10/10)

  Localização perfeita, a 4 minutos a pé da estação de comboio e do Grande Canal. O apartamento é acolhedor, solarengo, com tudo o que se pode precisar durante a estadia. O anfitrião é fantástico, muito disponível e atencioso. Recomendo este alojamento para uma estadia perfeita em Veneza.

• Greg from France – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent emplacement, appartement fonctionnel et confortable. Propriétaire ponctuel et agréable.

• Carlota from Spain – 2 February 2025 (10/10)

  Atención y trato

• Mikhail from Poland – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  Чистая, отремонтированная большая квартира с отличным расположением. Добродушный хозяин встретил в оговоренное время и все показал. Найти по адресу в Венеции нереально)
  Квартира имеет хорошее отопление и горячую воду, есть все что нужно для приготовления еды.
  
  What could be improved: Все понравилось.

• Isabel from Germany – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  Die Wohnung ist sehr schön und die Lage perfekt. In einem wunderschönen Campiello unweit von Rialto, aber so, dass der Trouble wegweit ist. Ale, der Junge, der uns empfangen hat, super freundlich und sympathisch.
  
  What could be improved: Eine von den Matratzen war für uns sehr weich.
  Die Küche könnte bessere Messer vertragen, und eine kleinere Schüssel, als das was es gibt, wäre auch sehr gut. Ansonsten waren wir sehr zufrieden mit dem Ort!

• Tobias from Germany – 6 November 2024 (8/10)

  Tolles Apartment mitten in Venedig, nur wenige Gehminuten vom Canale Grande und der Rialtobrücke entfernt. Ruhige Wohngegend mit authentischem Flaire. Junger venezianischer Gastgeber, der komplikationslos für kurzfristige Absprachen und Geheimtipps zur Verfügung steht.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities