Ca’ Giulia – Biennale – free wifi fiber

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling off the vaporetto at Arsenale – you know, that stop that’s a bit less chaotic than the ones dumping crowds into San Marco – and weaving my way through those narrow calli in Castello to find Ca’ Giulia. It’s tucked away on Calle del Carnaro, this quiet little alley that feels like a secret even locals might overlook, right near the edge where the neighborhood starts blending into the Giardini della Biennale. Honestly, after a day dodging tourists around the Rialto, arriving here was like exhaling – no throngs, just the faint lap of canal water against stone and that salty lagoon smell that hits you in Venice’s quieter corners. Check-in was a breeze; the host greeted me with a quick espresso (which, let’s be real, I needed after lugging my bag over a couple of bridges), and she pointed out the fiber wifi setup right away – it’s actually blazing fast, perfect if you’re like me and end up editing photos or streaming a show after dark. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian spots, with exposed beams and that worn terracotta flooring that creaks just enough to remind you you’re in a place with history, not some sterile chain.

What really sold me on Ca’ Giulia, though, was how it balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually matters when you’re traveling. The rooms – I stayed in one overlooking the calle – are spacious for Venice standards, with these big windows letting in that soft, diffused light off the water (though, fair warning, it can get a tad noisy in the mornings when delivery boats chug by, but nothing earplugs can’t fix). There’s no elevator, which might be a hassle if you’ve got heavy luggage or mobility issues – I mean, those stairs are steep, like in most palazzos here – but once you’re up, it’s cozy: fresh linens that smell faintly of lavender, a mini-fridge stocked with basics, and a bathroom that’s surprisingly modern with one of those rain showers that make you linger. Being in Castello means you’re a short stroll from spots like Via Garibaldi, where you can grab a spritz at a no-frills bar with actual Venetians (try the one near the market – their cicchetti are killer and way cheaper than tourist traps). During Biennale season, it’s gold; I wandered over to the pavilions in like 10 minutes, avoiding the packed vaporettos. Off-season, though, it’s even better – quieter, with that misty winter fog rolling in, making the whole area feel like your own private Venice.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star spot that doesn’t feel pretentious but delivers on the essentials – like that reliable wifi for planning your next day’s adventures or just zoning out – Ca’ Giulia’s a solid pick. It’s rated around 8.7 for good reason; sure, it’s not smack in the middle of the action, but that’s the appeal, you know? You get the real Venice vibe without the exhaustion. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the Giardini bloom and the crowds haven’t peaked yet – just pack light for those stairs, and you’ll be set.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $243. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Vassil from Bulgaria – 17 October 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious, stylish and very well equipped apartment in a calm area of Venice, close to Giardini and on 3 minutes from the vaporetto stop. We appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the comfort. The host, Foscarina, was very helpful and reacted quickly. Nearby I could recommend Osteria da Pampo (but reservation is needed at least the previous day) and well as Vincent bar for a drink and a nice view.

• Exceptional – Inga from Lithuania – 30 May 2024 (10/10)

  Great communication from the hosts!

• A very clean a quiet apartment that was convieniently located in a residential part of Venice. – James from New Zealand – 17 May 2024 (10/10)

  Very easy and well described.

• Exceptional – Boris from Lithuania – 20 April 2024 (10/10)

  Big apartment in very quit neighborhood, very close to the Giardini and it was a good starting point to explore the Bienalle. Very ultra clean. Next to the apartment there are two mini markets where you can buy some food for breakfast or dinner. Peaceful location, almost no tourist around.
  
  What could be improved: We arrived later in the evening, it was very cold and raining outside. The host let us stood outside in the rain and wind, she would not give us entrance code until we send copies of our passports to her. It was very unpleasant experience after a long and exhausting trip.

• Great deal for the money)) – Kateřina from Czech Republic – 31 October 2023 (10/10)

  great location, cool apartment interior

• fabulous apartment and location in Venice, excellent value, check in could be smoother, bed somewhat uncomfortable – Samantha from Canada – 18 June 2023 (8/10)

  LOCATION: amazing location, quiet neighbourhood but right beside a water taxi stop. close to burano murano and lido for day trips and very close to city centre and supermarket
  
  AMENITIES: kitchen is well stocked for cooking with oil, salt, sugar, coffee, tea, pots and pans. there is a dishwasher. there is no freezer. bathroom is spacious. there’s a washer and a drying rack. apartment is beautifully decorated. AC works well and there’s multiple fans as well.
  
  What could be improved: check in:
  1- check in was an issue for us. this was likely due to a language barrier with the check-in process, the host was waiting for us to send pictures of our documents. i understood that there were documents for us to complete before being able to check in. I called and messaged her multiples times while outside the apartment and overall we experienced a half hour delay trying to check in. Also in the future, instructions could be clearer about which apartment to go to on the listing – there’s a front door and a back door to this property, the front door is incorrect, the back door you have to go up multiple flights of stairs and then you find an apartment with her name out front and a tourist plate on the wall but it is quite subtle.
  
  bed: bed was too hard for me, I ended up sleeping on the couch instead and my partner stayed in the bed.

• Live like a Venetian in this hidden gem of flat – Jonathan from United States – 24 May 2023 (9/10)

  Apartment, location
  
  What could be improved: Towels, no snacks or breakfast as advertised but it wasn't much of an issue.

• Cozy apartment with its unforgettable Italian atmosphere – Irina from Germany – 15 May 2023 (10/10)

  For a family of three or four people, this is a wonderful apartment, spacious, cozy, comfortable, quiet. You will feel the spirit of Italy and Venice thanks to a variety of different decor elements and paintings. A comfortable kitchen with everything you need, as well as tea, sugar, salt, coffee, cocoa, bath accessories, clean linen. The apartment was very clean, quiet, thanks to the curtains it was dark at night. A bed with a harder mattress, but it suits us. Sofa
  more gentle. In the living room there is a stone table, a beautiful chandelier, a sconce, I assume that it is made of Murano glass. There are pictures of Venice everywhere.The apartment is located next to the ferry pier, in a park area. Nearby there is a pizzeria and a cafe with seafood and pasta. Perfect for families with children, as there is a playground nearby. There are also a couple of small grocery stores in the neighborhood. Peace and quiet. Thanks! Next time again to you!

• It was beautiful, would stay again. – Albertas from France – 18 April 2023 (10/10)

  It's a beautiful and spacious apartment near Biennale gardens & close to a water transport station, with direct access to train & bus stations. The localisation is far away from the tourist buzz and thus very calm, however everything you need is at a walking distance. The place is very well equipped & nicely decorated. Highly recommend.

• Exceptional – Domagoj from Croatia – 13 October 2022 (10/10)

  Beautiful, comfortable and extremly clean apartment in peaceful and green neighbourhood. If your main interest is to see Biennale it is perfectly located, few minutes walk from Gardini and about 15 to the Arsenale entrance. Just around a corner there are few stores, fruit and veggies store, pizzeria and osteria. We didn’t need more.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities