Ca’ San Carlo Residence by Wonderful Italy

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Ca’ San Carlo Residence by Wonderful Italy kind of by accident last spring, right when the tourist crowds in Venice were starting to thicken but not yet overwhelming – that sweet spot in late April before the summer madness hits. Tucked away on Calle Benzon in the heart of San Marco, it’s one of those spots that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, hidden down a narrow alley off the main drag from Campo Santo Stefano. I mean, arriving by vaporetto at the San Samuele stop and weaving through those twisting calli with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones – it’s classic Venice, isn’t it? No cars, obviously, so forget parking woes, but honestly, the walk from the stop is just five minutes, and it feels like stepping back in time with the faint echo of water lapping against the canal walls and that briny sea smell mixing with fresh bread from the bakery around the corner on Calle della Mandola. The building itself is this charming old palazzo, all faded pink stucco and wrought-iron balconies – not flashy, but it has that authentic Venetian vibe, you know? Check-in was a breeze; the Wonderful Italy folks sent me a code for the door ahead of time, so no waiting around in the heat, though I did have to lug my bag up a flight of stairs since there’s no elevator – fair warning if you’re traveling with heavy stuff or mobility issues.

What really won me over, though, were the apartments themselves – yeah, it’s more like a residence than a traditional hotel, which is perfect if you’re staying a few days and want to feel like a local rather than a transient. My one-bedroom spot had these high beamed ceilings and terracotta floors that creaked just a bit underfoot, adding to the character, and the kitchenette was stocked with basics like a Nespresso machine and even some olive oil – I whipped up a quick pasta one night after wandering back from the Rialto Market, where I grabbed fresh veggies and seafood. The bed was comfy, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that makes you linger a little too long. It’s not huge, mind you – space in Venice is always at a premium – but the windows overlooked a quiet courtyard, so no street noise filtering in at night, which is a godsend in bustling San Marco. Well, except maybe the occasional church bell from nearby San Maurizio, but that’s more atmospheric than annoying. And get this: it’s just a short stroll to La Fenice opera house if you’re into that, or you can hop over to the Accademia Bridge for killer views of the Grand Canal without the throngs at St. Mark’s Square – though honestly, even that’s only a 10-minute walk if you time it right, avoiding peak hours.

All in all, if you’re after a solid 4-star stay that’s got that genuine Venetian soul without breaking the bank – I think we paid around 200 euros a night, which felt fair for the location – this place is a gem. It’s rated about 8.3 for a reason; nothing over-the-top luxurious, but clean, well-managed, and ideally placed for exploring on foot. Sure, the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the back rooms during busy seasons, and it’s not the spot for big groups since the units are cozy, but for couples or solo travelers wanting to immerse themselves, it’s spot-on. I’d go back in a heartbeat – maybe next time in the off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole city feels like your own private secret. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $295. Deluxe Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $300. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Avani from India – 4 October 2023 (9/10)

  Property was located centrally. Nice, clean and beautiful Appartment. We requested for late check out, which was also provided by the provider. They themselves contacted us if we would need locker or airport transportation, however we already booked everything. The staff was nice when contacted by phone!

• Monika from Ukraine – 21 March 2025 (8/10)

  Great location in a quiet neighborhood, with everything you need nearby. The apartment itself was clean and cozy, making for a comfortable stay.
  
  However, there were a few downsides. After paying for the accommodation, we found out that the keys had to be picked up at a different location, about a 25-minute walk from the apartment. Public transport is an option, but if you’re visiting Venice for the first time and arriving in the evening, this can feel like a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, we managed it well.
  
  Another inconvenience was that instead of duvet covers, they provided only flat sheets over the blankets, which felt neither comfortable nor hygienic. When I requested proper covers, they informed me that this was their standard practice. Additionally, there were issues with hot water and water pressure, which they attributed to the historical nature of the building.
  
  The apartment did have a coffee machine, which sounded convenient, but no coffee capsules were provided. A small detail that could have made a difference.
  
  Overall, it was a good stay, but with a few improvements, it could have been even better.

• Korneva from Germany – 6 March 2025 (9/10)

  Clean, bright apartment close to the center on a quiet street. Very warm and cozy with everything for short-term stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to mention

• Harjeet from Luxembourg – 27 December 2024 (9/10)

  Location, clean and lady on wonderful Italy helpline was very helpful. She did her best to solve the problem with electricity
  
  What could be improved: Checkin process bit complicated

• Annemarie from Switzerland – 19 December 2024 (9/10)

  This apt was well equipped with all the amenities. Good linens and towels. Very quiet.
  
  The location cannot be beat, with Vaporetto stops within 5-7 minutes from the apartment. A good supermarket around the corner.

• Kevin from Australia – 24 October 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: The crazy booking process and the key box was faulty very annoying

• Kim from United States – 1 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect! Very close to the places that we wanted to visit, but set in a quieter neighborhood with a little dock to view the canal at the end of the street. The apartment is very comfortable and very well equipped. There is a little market in the neighborhood that makes it easy to have breakfast at the apartment in the morning, which was a plus. The owners provided excellent directions from the vaporetto to the apartment which took the stress out of navigating your way in a new country. All in all we had a wonderful time here and would definitely stay here again!
  
  What could be improved: The only challenge we had was with the key set up. I felt like I was in a Nancy Drew book solving a mystery, but again the directions from the owner are good. The outside lockbox however was a bit fiddly and sometimes hard to open.

• Pgrovesnz from New Zealand – 30 July 2024 (9/10)

  Although it is a long way from the train station either with walking or ferry, once there you are close to the main sights of Venice. There is a lift which makes it easier to get your bags to the apartment. We were also on the top level, so once we figured out how to open the skylight windows, cooling the apartment was pretty good.
  
  Also, you can use either the keys or the supplied door codes to enter the main gate and lobby. It would be good if there was a 2nd apartment key, so that you could fully take advantage of this.
  
  What could be improved: There could have been more instructions on how to operate the windows in the roof.
  
  Also, I suspect that the wireless was having issues with the AP just outside the apartment. When we had issues in the top level apartment, if we went to the ground level we didn't have an issue. I think that the AP on the top level needs to be replaced.
  
  Because you can get through the gate and lobby door with the codes, a 2nd apartment key would have been useful. Although you have keys for the gate and lobby, you don't have to use them.
  
  I don't think that there was instant coffee, so you need to use the coffee brewer on the stove top to make coffee. Since it is a single cup maker, it could take a while to make a few drinks.

• Ally from United States – 2 July 2024 (9/10)

  The place was very clean and comfortable. The air conditioning worked well. Loved I was able to access Netflix. Lift a plus!!!
  
  What could be improved: I felt like I was playing in an Escape Room trying to get the keys. I helped an elderly couple get into another unit one night, it was dark and if I had not helped them they would not have gotten in.

• Zoe from Australia – 30 June 2024 (9/10)

  Better than we could have ever expected, clean , modern, awesome facilities, washer is a massive plus especially if you are travelling from afar (down under) like us.
  
  Staff were very helpful in organising transfers in a city which is difficult to navigate otherwise.
  
  Location is great, can walk to most major landmarks and attractions.
  
  Just around the corner (literally) from the famous Teatro Fenice which was a massive plus to our stay.
  
  Venice is a quirky unknown place for even the most seasoned travellers but Ca’ San Carlo Residence made our stay comfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities