Ca Lena

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ca Lena after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re crammed in with everyone’s luggage and the lagoon spray hits your face just right. It’s tucked away in the Castello district, right off Corte Licini, which is this quiet little courtyard that feels worlds away from the San Marco crowds, even though you’re only a 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. Honestly, arriving felt like a relief; no massive tour groups blocking the path, just narrow alleys with locals hanging laundry and the faint smell of fresh bread from that tiny bakery on Calle del Forno nearby. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian spots – think faded pink stucco and wrought-iron balconies – and check-in was a breeze, with the owner chatting about the best time to hit the Arsenale for a sunset stroll (go around 7 pm in summer, when the light’s golden and the area’s practically empty).

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable. My room overlooked a side canal – well, sort of, if you leaned out the window far enough – and it had this cozy vibe with exposed wooden beams and crisp white linens that smelled faintly of lavender (I mean, who doesn’t love that after a day dodging puddles?). It’s a 4-star, so expect solid amenities like a decent breakfast spread – fresh croissants, prosciutto, and strong espresso that hits the spot – served in a little courtyard where you can hear church bells from San Zaccaria ringing in the distance. But fair warning, the rooms aren’t huge; mine felt a tad snug for two suitcases, and if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional gondola serenade echoing up from the water might wake you at dawn. Still, it’s authentic Venice without the gimmicks – no overpriced mini-bar traps, just practical touches like free Wi-Fi that actually works and air conditioning that hums quietly through those humid August nights. I wandered out one evening to grab cicchetti at that hole-in-the-wall spot on Campo San Filippo e Giacomo, just a stone’s throw away, and it made the location feel like a smart base for exploring without the exhaustion of constant crowds.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want something real – not one of those glossy chains by the Grand Canal – Ca Lena’s a solid pick, especially off-season when rates dip and the whole sestiere quiets down. With an 8.1 rating, it’s not flawless (bathrooms could use a refresh, if I’m being picky), but it captures that effortless Venetian magic: mornings sipping coffee while watching delivery boats glide by, evenings unwinding in a spot that feels like a local secret. I’d go back in a heartbeat – just pack light and embrace the walkable chaos.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $165. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Petra from Slovakia – 7 September 2022 (9/10)

  The appartement is excelent! It is nice, clean, very well equipped, you have everything for a long stay. The position is the best in the city. The communication with the owner is very good. Easy to get the keys.
  Very much appreciated the air conditioning during hot days.
  
  What could be improved: An extra payment for the late check in (after 20:00) was a little surprise. Also the cash payment for the tourist tax at the arrival was a question mark for me, as it is also included in the payment via booking. But solved while staying in the city.
  You rather check this twice.

• Hong from Netherlands – 16 June 2024 (9/10)

  It is located in the lively part of Venice. A few minutes walk to San Marco, Rialto. The apartment is spacious with well equipped kitchen. The host is friendly and reacts very quick with our request.
  
  What could be improved: Would recommend to have more cloth hangers in the wardrobe.

• Steve from United Kingdom – 13 June 2023 (9/10)

  Close to St Mark’s square and the Rialto bridge. Comfortable apartment with lots of Venetian character. Owner was very helpful and provided great recommendations for restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: Be aware that access is via four flights of stairs (2nd floor).

• Alice from Australia – 8 June 2022 (9/10)

  Ca Lena is like a fairytale, everything was perfect, a beautiful apartment in a central location, quiet, peaceful and overlooking a small canal we absolutely loved our stay!

• Zuzanna from Poland – 17 October 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is interestingly decorated, it is really big for 2 people. Fully equipped. Beautiful old-fashioned furniture.
  
  What could be improved: The bed creaks a lot and has a hard, uncomfortable mattress.
  There are many nice knick-knacks in the apartment that are unfortunately collecting dust – vases, figurines, curtains.
  The bathroom is cold, an electric heater on the radiator would be useful. Then you can heat the room for a while while taking a shower.

• Mihaela from Belgium – 15 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and very cozy atmosphere in Ca Lena, very nice appartment minutes away from Rialto and San Marco. All was perfect, good kitchenware, nice living room and large tv room upstairs (much larger than expected). Great value for money especially in high season, you cannot find a better location in Venice at this price!
  
  What could be improved: All was excellent. Bed a bit old very comfortable but making a noise when moving in bed.
  The garbage collector boat noise that other reviews mention is not really an issue: the boat comes by 8 in the morning and with the windows and bedroom door closed you can barely hear it.

• Philip from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (9/10)

  The location is excellent. Just a couple of minutes to the Rialto Bridge from one side and less than 5 minutes to St Mark's Square from the other. The apartment is quiet and simply furnished, but comfortable for your needs.
  
  What could be improved: The bed sadly, is terrible. It is not uncomfortable per se, but it is noisy. Even just turning over makes enough noise to wake the dead. There was only one pillow each, which would normally be sufficient, but they were quite thin and an extra pillow or choice of pillow would have been welcome.

• Bo from Denmark – 18 July 2024 (6/10)

  What could be improved: Every morning from quite early very noisy outside as its a Pick up/collecting point for waste.

• Marcus from United Kingdom – 27 June 2024 (6/10)

  Loved the style of the apartment. The location is decent for Venice as well. Good AC and kitchen sufficiently equipped.
  
  What could be improved: Loud outside. Especially when they collected the garbage. We had to find a spot to put the garbage as well or risk an extra fine.

• Holga from Spain – 29 November 2024 (9/10)

  Su limpieza, el cuarto de baño estaba impecable. Las imágenes del apartamento son lo que encontramos al llegar. Las imágenes son 100% fiables.
  
  What could be improved: El colchón de la cama.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities