Cà Martinengo

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Cà Martinengo almost by accident last spring when I was dodging the usual tourist crush in Venice—honestly, if you’re tired of the San Marco mobs, this spot in Castello is a breath of fresh air. Tucked away on Calle Martinengo, just a quick wander from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop (that’s line 1 or 4.1 if you’re coming from the train station), it’s got that classic Venetian vibe without feeling like a postcard. I remember hopping off the boat, weaving through those narrow calli with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones—yeah, no cars here, so pack light—and suddenly there it was, this unassuming door in a quiet corner near the Rio di San Provolo canal. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this chatty local guy named Marco (I think?), handed over the keys with a smile and a tip about avoiding the pricey cafes on Riva degli Schiavoni during high tide season. The building’s got that old palazzo charm—think exposed wooden beams and creaky floors that whisper stories from centuries ago—but well, if you’re not great with stairs, note there’s no elevator, which had me huffing a bit after a long day.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like a hidden gem amidst the chaos. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard—nothing fancy, but the morning light filtering through those lace curtains, mixed with the faint salty scent from the nearby lagoon, made waking up magical. It’s rated 9.2 for good reason; everything’s spotless, with these plush beds that swallow you whole after pounding the pavements. I mean, you’re steps from the Arsenale, where you can catch those free biennale exhibits if you’re into art (pro tip: go early to beat the lines), and it’s an easy 10-minute stroll to St. Mark’s Square—yet far enough that the evening bells from San Giorgio Maggiore feel distant and dreamy, not overwhelming. Breakfast was simple but solid—fresh cornetti, cappuccino strong enough to kickstart your day, served in a cozy communal area where I chatted with a couple from Milan about the best cicchetti spots on Fondamenta Nove. Oh, and noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night, except maybe for the occasional gondola serenade echoing from the canal—sort of romantic, actually, unless you’re a light sleeper.

All in all, if you’re plotting a Venice trip and want something authentic without the gimmicks, Cà Martinengo’s your spot—it’s got that 4-star polish but feels more like staying with a well-heeled aunt than a hotel chain. Sure, the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak tourist months (May to September, when the city’s packed), and prices spike then too, but for the location and that genuine Venetian immersion, it’s worth it. I’d go back in a heartbeat—maybe in autumn, when the fog rolls in and everything gets even more atmospheric. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually lived a slice of la dolce vita, not just snapped selfies at the hotspots.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $423. Deluxe Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Family stay in Palace – Leah from Canada – 28 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very beautifully decorated and excellent kitchen supplies. Wonderful experience with young children. It was like staying in a piece of history. Centrally located with lots of places to visit and eat.

• Beautiful Venetian apartment with plenty of room for everyone. Great location and would definitely choose this apartment – Sarah from New Zealand – 7 April 2025 (10/10)

  Stunning spacious apartment, comfy beds, fab central location, loved it all.
  Our door handle fell off but all adds to the charm

• Wonderful experience – Paula from Romania – 30 March 2025 (10/10)

  A wonderful apartment.. highly recommend its very close to everything

• We enjoyed our time in Venice and would recommend staying there again. – Heidi from United States – 4 December 2024 (9/10)

  Quiet and beautiful location with canal views, very short walk to all of the sights. Beautiful historical furniture and architecture in the apartment as well.
  
  What could be improved: The heat was not working when we arrived, but the host was able get it fixed quickly.

• Splendid apartment in a great central location. – Katharine from United Kingdom – 16 November 2024 (8/10)

  Amazing spacious, traditional Venetian style apartment. Spotlessly clean. Well equipped. Comfortable beds. Good quality bed linen and towels. Everything we needed in a central but quiet location.
  
  What could be improved: Needs better lighting in kitchen, sitting room and dining room. Some bulbs out and a couple of lights were faulty.

• We will definitely return. – Edith from United States – 16 October 2024 (10/10)

  We loved the location, close to a lot of restaurants and shopping. Mr. Sandy arranged water taxi to fly back home which we appreciated.

• Superb – Simon from Australia – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was amazing for being close to Rialto bridge and many bars and restaurants. The apartment interior is so beautiful. It had everything we needed including a camp bed.

• So glad we found this hidden gem! – Shane from United States – 13 July 2024 (10/10)

  Wonderful old Venetian style furniture which is precisely why we wanted this apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Only one shower and would have been nice to have a second standing shower for a group of 8. This was very minor issue

• Superb – Rafaella from Brazil – 27 June 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Two flights of stair , no lift

• A place to remember! – Rodalina from United Kingdom – 29 January 2024 (10/10)

  The place itself is a beauty! It’s beyond our expectations! Magnifica as Italians say!
  
  What could be improved: None that we could think of.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities