Ca’ Laguna, stunning views on Bacino di San Marco.

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Arsenale and wandering down Riva dei Sette Martiri – you know, that stretch along the waterfront in Castello where the locals actually live, not just the tour groups snapping selfies. It’s a bit off the beaten path from the San Marco madness, but honestly, that’s what made Ca’ Laguna feel like a hidden gem when I stayed there last spring. The hotel’s right on the edge of the Bacino di San Marco, so my room had this insane view of the lagoon – like, you’d wake up to the sun glinting off the water and distant boats chugging by, with that salty sea smell drifting in if you cracked the window. It’s a 4-star spot, nothing overly flashy, but with an 8.9 rating that feels earned; the building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, all exposed beams and creaky wooden floors that sort of whisper history as you walk through. Check-in was a breeze – the front desk guy, Marco I think his name was, chatted about the best time to hit the nearby Giardini della Biennale (early morning, before the art crowds descend), and he even sorted out my luggage without that awkward wait you get in busier places.

What really stuck with me, though, was how the place balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually matters when you’re traveling. The rooms aren’t huge – I mean, this is Venice, so expect cozy over cavernous – but mine had a comfy bed with those crisp linens that make you sleep like a rock after pounding the pavements all day. Breakfast on the terrace? Oh man, it’s simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, strong coffee, and views straight out to San Giorgio Maggiore island, with the occasional seagull cry breaking the quiet. It’s peaceful here in Castello, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers clear out; you can stroll along Via Garibaldi for a low-key aperitivo at some unpretentious spot like El Refolo, where the cicchetti are way better (and cheaper) than the tourist traps near the Rialto. That said, if you’re sensitive to noise, note that the waterfront can get a tad breezy and wavy during high tide – nothing major, but earplugs helped me on a windy night. Parking? Forget it, this is car-free territory, but the vaporetto stop is literally steps away, making it easy to zip to the airport or hop over to Murano for the day.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venice without the overwhelming hustle – well, Ca’ Laguna nails it. It’s not perfect (the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during peak hours), but for the price and that killer location, it’s the kind of place I’d book again in a heartbeat. Especially in shoulder season like April or October, when the crowds thin out and you can really soak it in. Trust me, waking up to that lagoon view beats any generic hotel chain hands down – it’s like Venice is whispering its secrets right to you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $578. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Beth from United States – 24 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great! Views were incredible!
  
  What could be improved: No air conditioning was tough in August!

• Kai-hu from Austria – 9 November 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect. Big space for small family
  
  What could be improved: There was a big spot of painting missing in the bathroom, and one toilet seat was broken

• Kiran from United Kingdom – 9 October 2024 (9/10)

  We loved the spaciousness of the apartment, the great facilities, and particularly the well-stocked kitchen. The views were fantastic, and it was close to Via Garibaldi for the supermarkets and the best bakery—Mujer. For the Biennale it was perfect and very close to water transport. Mario the contact person was very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing was notable in disliking anything.

• Fiona from United Kingdom – 8 July 2024 (9/10)

  Like it says " stunning views". 7mins walk from St Mark's Square, more restaurants on the adjacent Garbaldi than you can shake a stick at. Easy access to Vaporetto stops. Loved it.
  
  What could be improved: Not all the electric sockets worked but there were plenty.

• Judith from United Kingdom – 20 May 2024 (9/10)

  Location, views, antique feel
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Matt from United Kingdom – 1 August 2023 (9/10)

  location – great views, near shops, bars and restaurants. not so near that you are stuck in the busy center. great space and all we needed.
  
  What could be improved: getting a bit tiered and no air con.

• Graham from United Kingdom – 15 May 2023 (9/10)

  the location, views and plenty of space in the property.
  
  What could be improved: Some furniture and fittings need refreshing. Many of the owner’s items were still in the property, including clothes hanging in the wardrobe. Not a major issue but felt like we were not expected.

• Ben from United Kingdom – 27 October 2022 (9/10)

  The character and views – this felt like a home with hugely comfortable beds, sofas and armchairs.
  
  What could be improved: there was only one small tv in the bedroom – and the listing mentioned a flat screen tv.
  we would have liked the music system to have allowed digital (rather than just cds)

• Damien from Ireland – 5 August 2022 (9/10)

  Stunning location: brilliantly eclectic furnishing’s!

• John from United Kingdom – 5 May 2022 (9/10)

  everything!
  
  we’ve been to Venice a few times and this is the best place we’ve stayed. Anyone trying to decide between this property and another should definitely choose this one.
  
  What could be improved: there was nothing not to like.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities