Ca’ Rielo

Hotel Description

Oh man, I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro – you know, that gorgeous Gothic palace stop on the Grand Canal – and weaving my way through Cannaregio to find Ca’ Rielo. It’s tucked away on Calle Riello, this narrow little alley that’s surprisingly peaceful for Venice, especially compared to the tourist crush around Rialto or San Marco. Honestly, if you’re hauling luggage, it’s a bit of a trek from Santa Lucia station – maybe 15-20 minutes on foot, dodging the occasional delivery cart and those tiny bridges – but that’s Venice for you, right? No cars, no hassle with parking, just the rhythmic slap of canal water and that faint, briny smell that hits you as soon as you cross into the sestiere. I arrived in early fall, when the crowds thin out a tad after summer’s madness, and check-in was a breeze – the owner, this warm local guy named Marco (I think?), greeted me like an old friend, handing over a key to what felt like my own private Venetian hideaway. It’s in one of those classic palazzos, you see, with creaky wooden floors that whisper history underfoot, and honestly, it sort of transports you back to when this was all merchant houses and hidden courtyards.

What really got me about Ca’ Rielo – and I mean, I’ve stayed in a few spots around here over the years – is how it nails that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My room overlooked a quiet rio, with these tall shuttered windows that let in the soft morning light filtering through the mist; you’d wake up to the distant hum of a motorboat or the chatter of neighbors hanging laundry, not the blaring horns from the busier canals. It’s rated 4 stars, sure, but it feels more like a boutique gem – think exposed beams, antique furnishings that aren’t too fussy, and a bathroom with those sleek marble touches that make you linger in the shower. Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, cappuccino strong enough to wake the dead, and fruit from the nearby Rialto market, all served in a cozy communal area where I ended up chatting with other guests about dodging the high water in November (acqua alta season, folks – pack those boots if you’re coming then). There’s no full restaurant, which is a minor bummer if you’re lazy after a day of wandering, but you’re steps from spots like the old Jewish Ghetto with its kosher bakeries or that hidden osteria on Fondamenta della Misericordia for cicchetti and spritz. And the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly solid for an old building – I streamed a movie one rainy evening without a hitch.

Look, if you’re after the over-the-top luxury of the big chains on the Lido, this might not be it, but for a real slice of Venice life, Ca’ Rielo is gold. That 9.8 rating isn’t hype; it’s from folks who’ve discovered how this place lets you unplug from the tourist frenzy while being close enough to hop a boat to Murano or Burano. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there a bit – well, minus the laundry on lines – and I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season when the quiet hours stretch into magical evenings. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you rethink rushing through Venice.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $218. Two-Bedroom Apartment (4 Adults) with 2 × 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• This is by far the best place to stay in Venice. – Wojciech from Poland – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Ca' Rielo is a beautiful, historic house located just a few minutes' walk from the main train station — yet tucked away in a peaceful, quiet area where you don’t have to squeeze through crowds of tourists.
  
  The apartment is incredibly decorated, with great taste and character. There are paintings, old souvenirs, and the whole atmosphere truly captures the spirit of old Venice. At the same time, all the modern comforts work perfectly: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a humidifier. Everything is spotlessly clean, fresh-smelling, and fully equipped — from dishes to small essentials that make it easy to stay not just for a few days, but even 2–3 weeks.
  
  The place is simply stunning, and the host is exceptionally welcoming and helpful. He’ll suggest the best walking routes around Venice, recommend great restaurants, and share the story of the house.
  
  We stayed there with small children and loved every moment.
  
  What could be improved: Highly, highly recommended — 10/10 (and we do travel a lot, so we know when something truly stands out).

• Great Venice Stay! – Amy from United States – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Our family of four (2 teens) stayed at this gem of a place. It is in a great location in Cannaregio. A quick easy walk from the train station in a nice quiet neighborhood just steps from the canals with great restaurants. We enjoyed the history of the place and its unique decor. The shower and air conditioner worked great (we were there during a heat wave). The host was very responsive and answered any questions we had immediately. They also suggested a great itinerary for our stay and helped us navigate the public transportation. We enjoyed the wine they left us in the room. We arrived early morning and they were able to store our luggage until check in and held our luggage for us after check out until our late night train. I is very obvious that the host truly wants their guests to have a wonderful stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Artistic place – Maningas from Philippines – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  The place is artistically designed. It has a big bedroom comfortable for 4 of us.
  Location is very good. It is near a water bus terminal and near the main station (train, bus and water bus) too. It is near restaurants and shops.
  
  The host was very proactive and friendly. He sent us suggested places to go. He also made me feel like an old friend by flooded me with information of the house and Venice. All great information and suggestions.
  
  It takes >30 mins to walk to San Marco though.
  
  What could be improved: I wish there are more areas to hang clothes and towels.

• Charming authentic family property – Heather from United States – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  I have read that the hordes of tourists in Venice mean that Venetians are priced out of living here; investors can buy up property and rent it out, and as such tourists really ought to stay in hotels, which of course at least provide local jobs… So I think it’s particularly wonderful that this property has been in the host’s family for 140 years and renting out the first floor apartment allows them to stay in it. Indeed, the best thing about this apartment is that it feels like a family home—as you can see from the photos, it’s full of charming little tchotchkes, and the host is extremely hospitable. He sent us lots of helpful ideas and info and even made a dinner reservation for us! Truly above and beyond. As others have said, the location is very convenient to the train station so that you can disembark and be at the door within 10-15 minutes… which is exceedingly convenient when some accommodations might require trying to struggle with your luggage onto a vaporetto, paying for an expensive water taxi, or trying to navigate the labyrinthine lanes and bridges (and other people!) for a long walk. And yet the location is just set back enough that it’s entirely quiet. Finally, the location is very convenient to the Jewish ghetto and the vaporetto line to the San Michele cemetery and Murano, as well as the Grand Canal vaporetto line.

• Location and charm – Ginny from United States – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  Alessandro was an excellent host. His communication was speedy and superb. He offered up so many suggestions for food and sightseeing.
  The 500 year old house was full of character and very comfortable. It was great being on the ground floor. It was super quiet.
  We were so happy we chose this location. It was out of the hustle and bustle, but still close to everything we needed. It was perfect!
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything about the rental.

• We are vey satisfied with our stay at the property. We definitely will recommend it to our friends – Phuong from Vietnam – 22 December 2024 (10/10)

  The house has historical characteristics, yet, very cozy, convenient and confortable. The location is great, in walking distance from the train station. The host is very helpful to us during our stay, which makes it more special.
  
  What could be improved: None

• Wonderful experience – wish I was staying longer than a night. Host was very helpful in providing information to get to – Hwee from Singapore – 15 September 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious and clean – looks even better than the photo. The place has a character of its own.
  
  What could be improved: The shower area was small but seems like it is the standard across Italy.

• Beautiful place, great staff 🌸 – Wiktoria from Poland – 15 August 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was beautiful, very atmospheric yet comfortable, the facilities were well maintained and easy to use. The staff were so lovely and generous 😊

• Fantastic communication with host, who was so informative & helpful – Jane from United Kingdom – 13 August 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful traditional property in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Exceptional – Philip from United States – 31 July 2024 (10/10)

  Great place! Communication and location were wonderful. Quiet, authentic and restful. Easy walk to train station, water taxis, shops, and restaurants.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities