Ca’ Pinelli

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that stop right by the Bridge of Sighs – and weaving through those narrow calles in Castello with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones. It’s not the flashy San Marco side of Venice, but honestly, that’s what makes Ca’ Pinelli feel like a hidden gem. Tucked away on Calle Pinelli, this 4-star spot (they’ve got an 8.9 rating for a reason) is in one of those quiet residential pockets where you actually hear locals chatting in Venetian dialect over morning coffee, rather than just tour groups shuffling by. I arrived a bit sweaty from the July heat – Venice summers can be brutal, with that humid canal smell lingering everywhere – but the check-in was a breeze. The staff, this friendly older guy named Marco, sorted me out in minutes, even recommending a nearby osteria on Campo San Filippo e Giacomo for cicchetti that aren’t overpriced tourist traps. My room? It overlooked a tiny courtyard with ivy climbing the walls – sort of cozy and old-world, with those high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that make you feel like you’re in a real Venetian palazzo, not some cookie-cutter hotel.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that authentic vibe with the practical stuff travelers actually need. The beds are comfy – firm but not rock-hard, with fresh linens that smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sun – and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that washes away the day’s grime from pounding the pavements. No parking worries here, obviously, since Venice is car-free, but it’s a quick five-minute walk to the vaporetto, which saved me a ton of time getting to places like Murano or the Lido beaches. I mean, you’re close enough to Piazza San Marco (maybe 10 minutes on foot) to dip in for the sights, but far enough that the evening noise dies down early – well, except for the occasional church bell from San Zaccaria tolling at dawn, which is more charming than annoying if you’re not a light sleeper. Breakfast was solid too: fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos strong enough to kickstart your day, served in a sunny little room that feels like someone’s home. Oh, and a minor gripe – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the rooms farthest from the lobby, especially during peak season when everyone’s streaming – but hey, you’re in Venice; put the phone down and wander.

All in all, if you’re after a place that lets you live like a local without skimping on comfort, Ca’ Pinelli is it. I’ve stayed in fancier spots, but this one sticks with me for the small things – like borrowing an umbrella from the front desk during a sudden acquaalta flood, or sipping wine on the terrace as the sun sets over the rooftops. It’s not perfect (rooms could use a few more outlets for charging gadgets), but at that price point in high season, it’s a steal. Go in shoulder months like April or October for fewer crowds, and you’ll thank me – trust me, it’s the kind of stay that makes Venice feel personal, not just postcard-pretty.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $220. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Location great but hard to find, clean and tidy. Make access easier – Angela from New Zealand – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  Location, clean and authentic
  
  What could be improved: Having to get a key from a different location in 30+ degree heat and luggage after travelling, and being hassled about paying the tax. apartment wasn’t easy to find, advice re alley way and photo would have been helpful and as it has a keypad the key could have been left inside and advise to leave cash inside with the key on departure would be way better and less stressful

• Nice stay for a group. – Xueran from China – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  It’s cozy with two full bathroom which is ideal for our group. Staff is quite helpful. The kitchen is quite functional, living room is enough for 4 people.
  
  What could be improved: There are no additional lining or cover so I have to share one with my friend which is not very comfortable. And it’s a bit challenging stairs to get the large suitcases up.

• We loved our time in Venice. It was so nice that the owners are connected to an inn near by and allowed us to keep our l – Danielle from United States – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  The house really exceeded our expectations!! This place was so beautiful and the owners were so kind. The property felt like it was close to everything and yet still quiet.
  
  The bed was incredibly comfortable and the bathrooms were lovely. It was really nice having two bathrooms!

• It was a cgreat location, lovely apartment with extremely comfortable beds. We loved it and would stay here again – Kathleen from United States – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely decor, very comfortable beds and a quiet neighborhood. Extremely comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Our only issue were bugs / mosquitoes at night as we sleep with the windows open. Maybe screens on the windows would help? Otherwise no problems at all. Loved everything about it!

• Great exceptionally clean! – Annette from France – 31 December 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Location, location! – Rebecca from Australia – 8 December 2024 (10/10)

  Great location and very helpful staff, would definitely stay again!

• Great stay near St Mark's Square – Greg from United Kingdom – 20 September 2024 (10/10)

  Good proximity to all the attractions. Staff were friendly and helpful. Accommodation was clean and tidy for our arrival

• Excellent stay comfy beds , full of character – Karen from United Kingdom – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic location in the centre of everything
  
  What could be improved: Clean comfortable as two couples staying together the two bathrooms were great

• Absolutely gorgeous property right in the heart of venice with all the amenities you could need – Alexander from Australia – 7 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beds and pillows were all extremely comfortable, the ducted aircon was cold and powerful, the property was extremely clean, and the staff at the office was very professional and helpful! Location also couldn’t have been better.
  Thanks lots

• Wonderful large apartment in great location – Maria from Australia – 11 August 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location away from crowds but still close enough to walk to all main attractions, 2 great sized bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, AC was a blessing with the hot weather. Having a door code to access the property meant all 4 occupants could come and go without worrying about a key. The apartment was comfortable and spacious.
  
  What could be improved: Stairs (which you find everywhere in Italy) with 4 large luggages can be difficult but we managed. We opened the sofa bed and found crumbs and hair.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities