Ca’ Magia – Rialto Exclusive Residence by Wonderful Italy

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ca’ Magia after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re crammed in with tourists and their suitcases, dodging the spray from the Grand Canal. It’s tucked away in Campo San Cassiano, this quiet little square in San Polo that’s just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, but honestly, it feels worlds away from the chaos over there. I mean, you cross a couple of narrow calli – those skinny Venetian alleys that always smell faintly of salt water and fresh bread from the nearby panifici – and suddenly you’re at this elegant old building at number 1860. No flashy signs or anything; it’s more like knocking on a friend’s door in one of those historic palazzos. Check-in was a breeze – the Wonderful Italy folks had everything ready via app, but there was a local host who popped by to show me around, chatting about how the place used to be part of some noble family’s residence back in the day. Parking? Forget it, this is Venice – leave your car on the mainland and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging).

What really got me was how the place balances that old-world Venetian charm with just enough modern touches to make you feel at home. My room – well, it’s more like a mini-apartment, actually – had these high ceilings with exposed wooden beams that creak a bit when the wind picks up off the canal, and the floors are that cool, uneven terracotta that feels authentic underfoot. The bed was comfy, king-sized with crisp linens, and there’s a little kitchenette where I whipped up espresso from the provided pods each morning, watching the light filter through lace curtains. Sensory-wise, it’s all about the sounds: the gentle lap of water against the nearby rio in the evenings, mixed with distant church bells from San Cassiano itself. It’s not dead quiet, though – during high season in summer, you might hear the hum of day-trippers filtering through the campo around midday, but it dies down by nightfall, which is a relief after dodging crowds at places like San Marco. Oh, and the bathroom’s got those rainfall showers that are a godsend after a humid day exploring – though I will say, the Wi-Fi can be spotty if you’re trying to stream something late at night, probably because of all the thick stone walls.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that lets you live like a local without skimping on comfort, Ca’ Magia nails it – that 8.3 rating feels spot-on, you know? It’s not some over-the-top luxury joint, but it’s exclusive in that intimate way, perfect for couples or small families who want to wander to the Rialto market for fresh produce (it’s literally five minutes away, past that cute bridge over Rio di San Cassiano) or hop a gondola without the hassle. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just ticked it off a list – sort of recharged, with a few insider tips from the host about avoiding the tourist traps. Worth every euro, especially off-season when the fog rolls in and the place feels even more magical.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $173. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $482. Superior Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Rooms with beautiful character and great location – Amy from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location was perfect. Very central and easy to get around. Great communication with the owner. Spacious and great facilities.
  
  What could be improved: The floor wasn't clean.

• The way accommodation communicated with us was terrible, even though the apartment was beautiful. – Liv from Slovakia – 24 February 2025 (7/10)

  apartment was really amazing, historical and beautiful
  
  What could be improved: The way the accommodation communicated with us was terrible, rude, we were obliged to take out the separated waste and wash the dishes after ourselves, even though the accommodation price includes a cleaning fee, the operators should realize that this is not how they communicate with tourists and I really don't like it, but I do not recommend this accommodation, even though the apartment was beautiful. And 17 degrees in winter is not good room temperature, all the time I was forced to write to them to raise the temperature.

• Wow factor – Emma from Australia – 31 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was amazing. The property was spectacular! Ample beds. The bath was a bonus.
  
  What could be improved: The nearby restaurants were very noisy right up to midnight during the week, dragging bins etc.

• Incredible apartment and great gem to explore Venice and be close to the sights but also hidden away to experience local – Swanson from United States – 26 September 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic apartment in a great location. Everything was clean and just as described.
  
  What could be improved: The bottom sheet didn’t stay on the bed and had to be adjusted to cover the mattress.

• Really enjoyable stay in a most comfortable and historic surroundings. Woold definitely return. – Henry from Ireland – 31 July 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful airy apartment in central location.
  
  What could be improved: The rubbish situation was a nuisance and running around trying to dump rubbish when you have kids with you is not easy.

• Superb – Allison from United States – 7 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great and property was clean.
  
  What could be improved: No fitted sheet on the bed.

• Very good – Dsigafoose from United States – 19 September 2023 (8/10)

  The location is fantastic. The place is stunning with the high painted ceilings and there was plenty of room for all 8 of us. There are restaurants directly below the flat as well.

• Excellent location and good price/quality relationship. – Egle from Estonia – 12 September 2023 (8/10)

  Location was excellent, just in the middle of everything and close to Grand Canal. Nice old building, spacy enough, lots of closets to put your things, beautiful ceilings. Two bathrooms were advantage. Café just by the next door.
  
  What could be improved: Sofa in the living room was old, TV wasn't working. Although there were several lamps, it was a bit dark inside. We missed regular soap in the kitchen/bathrooms to wash hands.

• very good – Azza from United Arab Emirates – 22 May 2023 (8/10)

  the place was clean. the instructions are easy to follow (but not the easiest if you have heavy luggage but that is an issue in Venice not the apartment itself).
  
  What could be improved: not the best if you are a light sleeper as the sounds from the street and next door neighbors can be heard when inside the apartment. the elevator key would not work sometimes. the bathroom had a really bad odor which amplified overnight. I would suggest adding a little more amenities in the bathroom like a bar of soap.

• nice apartement, good location and excelent staff – Sonia from Spain – 6 March 2023 (9/10)

  beautiful apartment

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities