Ca’ Minore Secret Garden

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon Ca’ Minore Secret Garden during a rainy October trip to Venice, you know, that time of year when the crowds thin out a bit and the canals smell like wet stone mixed with faint espresso from nearby cafes. Tucked away on a quiet corner of Dorsoduro at number 532 – honestly, it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, especially coming off the vaporetto at Zattere stop, where the water laps against the fondamenta and locals dodge tourists with their market bags. I mean, Dorsoduro isn’t the flashy San Marco scene; it’s more the artsy, lived-in side of Venice, with spots like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection just a short stroll away across the Accademia Bridge. Walking up to the place, the entrance feels almost secretive – this old palazzo vibe with ivy creeping up the walls, and as soon as you step inside, there’s this immediate hush, like you’ve escaped the constant hum of gondola oars and selfie sticks. The check-in was a breeze, too; the staff – a mix of friendly Venetians who actually live in the sestiere – handed over the key with a quick tip about avoiding the high water during acqua alta season, which, well, saved my boots the next day.

What really hooked me, though, was that namesake secret garden – oh man, it’s like a hidden paradise right in the heart of the city. Picture this: a lush courtyard with blooming jasmine and lemon trees (yeah, even in cooler months, there’s that citrus tang in the air), stone benches where you can sip your morning cappuccino without a soul bothering you. My room overlooked it – sort of a cozy suite with these high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that add to the charm, though I will say the Wi-Fi dipped a tad in the evenings when everyone logs on. But honestly, who cares when you’ve got views of terracotta rooftops and the distant chime of church bells from Santa Maria della Salute? Breakfast was another highlight – fresh pastries from a bakery down the calle, eggs made to order, and none of that buffet rush; it’s intimate, like eating at a friend’s place. And parking? Forget it, this is Venice – but they pointed me to the Piazzale Roma garage if you’re driving in, or better yet, just embrace the walking; everything’s reachable on foot, from the Squero di San Trovaso (that old gondola workshop locals love showing off) to quiet trattorias serving cicchetti without the tourist markup. There was a minor downside – the narrow stairs might be a hassle with heavy luggage, but the staff hauled mine up without batting an eye.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venetian escape – not the postcard frenzy, but the real, soul-soothing kind – Ca’ Minore is a gem. It’s got that 4-star polish with a 9.7 rating that feels earned, perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting peace after a day wandering the calli. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little secret of my own, and trust me, in a city that can overwhelm, that’s worth every euro. (Just book ahead in summer; it fills up fast with those in-the-know repeat visitors.)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $985. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Karl from New Zealand – 30 April 2023 (10/10)

  A lovely opulent apartment with everything that one could want to enjoy one’s stay. excellent communication re how to get to the place and help with organising a speedboat when we arrived. The best accommodation we have ever had. An ideal place for 6 people.
  
  What could be improved: Understandably expensive.

• Patrick from United States – 19 June 2024 (10/10)

• Patrick from Belgium – 6 October 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities