Ca’ Nal Apartments

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Ca’ Nal Apartments felt like one of those lucky breaks in Venice – I mean, I’d been wandering those narrow calli around San Marco for what seemed like hours, dodging the tourist throngs spilling out from St. Mark’s Square, when I finally spotted the Ponte dei Baretteri. It’s this unassuming little bridge tucked away from the main drag, right off Calle Larga San Marco, and honestly, it’s a godsend if you’re trying to escape the chaos without straying too far. I arrived mid-afternoon in spring, just as the vaporettos were unloading another wave of day-trippers at the San Zaccaria stop nearby – about a 10-minute walk, if you don’t get lost in the alleys like I did the first time. The building itself is classic Venetian: that faded pinkish plaster exterior with wrought-iron balconies overlooking the canal, and stepping inside, there’s this immediate hush – no echoing hotel lobby noise, just a cozy check-in with the owner, who handed over keys with a quick chat about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti (those little snacks that are basically Venice’s version of tapas). Parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre or at the Tronchetto garage and embrace the boat or foot life. But yeah, the place feels lived-in, like you’re borrowing a local’s pied-à-terre rather than some sterile rental.

What really sold me on Ca’ Nal were the apartments themselves – I stayed in one of the upper-floor units, and let me tell you, waking up to the soft lapping of canal water against the walls below is pure magic. The rooms are spacious for Venice standards, with these high beamed ceilings and creaky wooden floors that add that authentic charm (though, fair warning, they can be a bit uneven if you’re clumsy like me). Kitchenettes come stocked with basics – espresso maker, fresh linens smelling faintly of lavender – and the bathrooms? Surprisingly modern, with rain showers that wash away the day’s humidity. I spent evenings on the tiny balcony, sipping cheap prosecco from the corner market on Campo San Bartolomeo, watching gondolas glide by under the bridge. It’s rated 9.5 for a reason; everything’s spotless, Wi-Fi’s reliable even during peak season when the networks get jammed, and there’s no street noise infiltrating – well, except maybe the occasional church bell from San Moisè nearby, which is more atmospheric than annoying. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, book early; these spots fill up fast with folks avoiding the overpriced hotels along the Grand Canal.

All in all, if you’re after that insider Venice experience without the gimmicks, Ca’ Nal is it – you’re steps from Rialto’s market bustle for morning fruit runs or a quick hop to the hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore, but tucked away enough for some peace. Sure, the stairs might test your legs after a day of exploring (no elevator, classic old building), and prices spike in high season like everywhere here, but honestly, it’s worth it for the feeling of actually living in the city rather than just visiting. I’d go back in a heartbeat – next time, maybe in quieter November, when the fog rolls in and the crowds thin out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $424. Deluxe Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $619. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Irina from Switzerland – 5 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great hospitality from Alberta, she was very helpful, provided all necessary information, flexible and polite.
  The apartments are spotless CLEAN, spacious and elegant. Comfortable sofa, nice bed, location is perfect! Close to all main attractions, shops, restaurants etc. Despite the fact it is in the busy center-still quiet.
  
  What could be improved: You can't change the fact that there is no lift, be aware of stairs, the stairs are stip. Even though I got help with my luggage. Also double check the information about the view.

• Aoi from Japan – 2 December 2024 (10/10)

  Good communication, following up, of course its location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Robyn from Australia – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was clean and tidy and it had everything we needed for our stay. The location was great. The host was lovely.

• Brad from United States – 17 July 2024 (10/10)

  The view is amazing and in heart of city. Very spacious and very clean!

• Michelle from United States – 7 July 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Quiet, yet close to where you want to be. Air conditioned.
  
  What could be improved: Needs bigger sofa.

• Kerrie from Australia – 5 July 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location, just 2 minutes from Piazza San Marco, and overlooking a pretty little canal and bridge. Excellent communication and helpful host.

• Jere from Switzerland – 7 June 2024 (8/10)

  Great location between Rivalto and San Marco. Communicative host. Easy check in. Lot of restaurants and shops nearby. Large apartment. The second floor has one room with its own bathroom – like its own unit. Beds and bedrooms were large.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi was weak at times.

• Bill from Canada – 28 April 2024 (10/10)

  Breakfast not provided but around area had really good breakfasts
  
  What could be improved: Liked it all

• Nari from United States – 16 October 2023 (8/10)

  Host generously met us at the Rialto Bridge water taxi and walked us the few blocks to the location. Beautiful spacious old apartment with lovely furnishings. Whoever recently painted the ceiling in our room left a few spots where previous paint jobs revealed murals or some other colorful decoration from probably decades/centuries before. The floors were colorful and you could really feel the age of the building, which I loved.
  
  What could be improved: The photos on the website don't accurately depict where we stayed. We liked the apartment but there was no outdoor space in this building. We would have had to make an arrangement with someone at another building close by to do so. Also, be prepared for lots of steps – within the apartment! We shared this with another couple and all of us were going up or down a few steps to the bathrooms. Doorways were a little awkward too. We were not there to hang around the apartment but to walk around the city, so it was fine with us. Little noisy late in the evening, but it's a big touristy city so that's to be expected.

• Suzanne from United States – 13 October 2023 (8/10)

  What could be improved: It needs to be stated that the stairs leading up to the apartment are challenging with no elevator.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities