Ca’ San Trovaso – 6 Rooms

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ca’ San Trovaso almost by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it after hearing from a friend who’d stayed in Dorsoduro before, but you know what I mean. It’s tucked away on this quiet little stretch in Dorsoduro 1351, right by the Rio di San Trovaso, where you can sometimes spot gondoliers patching up their boats at the old squero workshop across the canal. I arrived via vaporetto from Piazzale Roma – honestly, if you’re hauling luggage, skip the crowds at San Marco and hop off at the Zattere stop instead; it’s a pleasant 10-minute stroll along the waterfront, dodging the occasional seagull and inhaling that briny lagoon air mixed with fresh bread from the corner bakery. The place is in one of those classic Venetian palazzos, narrow and unassuming from the outside, with faded pink walls and wrought-iron balconies that look like they’ve seen centuries of gossip. Check-in was a breeze – no big lobby fuss, just a warm welcome from the owner, who handed over an actual key (not one of those plastic cards) and chatted about the best time to hit the nearby Campo Santa Margherita for aperitivo, around sunset when the locals flood in for spritz and cicchetti. It’s only got six rooms, so it feels more like crashing at a stylish aunt’s house than a hotel – intimate, you know?

What really hooked me was how the place nails that authentic Venice vibe without trying too hard. My room overlooked the canal – nothing fancy, but waking up to the soft lap of water against the stones and the distant clang of church bells from San Trovaso (that’s the church right next door, with its quirky double facade) was pure magic. The decor’s sort of old-world charming, with exposed beams, creaky wooden floors that add character (though they might squeak a bit if you’re a light sleeper), and beds that are surprisingly comfy for a 3-star spot. Breakfast is served in this cozy communal area downstairs – think fresh croissants, strong espresso, and homemade jams – and the staff slipped me tips on dodging the tourist hordes, like wandering over to the Accademia Bridge for views without the San Marco crush. It’s quiet here in Dorsoduro, especially off-season in fall when the fog rolls in and everything feels muffled; summers can get busier with day-trippers spilling over from the Guggenheim nearby, but even then, the noise stays minimal – no vaporettos roaring past your window like in Cannaregio. Oh, and a heads-up: no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing. But honestly, that just adds to the immersion – you’re living like a Venetian, lugging bags up those worn marble steps.

Look, if you’re after glitzy resorts or all-night parties, this isn’t it – Venice has plenty of those over in the busier sestieri. But for a real taste of the city, Ca’ San Trovaso is gold. It’s got that 9.2 rating for a reason: the personal touches, the location that lets you slip into daily life (grab gelato at Nico on the Zattere or pop into a mask shop on Fondamenta Nani), and prices that won’t bankrupt you. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a secret – sort of recharged, you know? If you’re traveling solo or with a partner and want to escape the selfie-stick chaos, book a room here. Just remember to time your visit for shoulder season; that’s when the magic really shines through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $230. Double or Twin Room with Canal View with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $245. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $272. Triple Room with Canal View – Ground Floor with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Meijie from United Kingdom – 12 September 2022 (10/10)

  very nice staffs and gave us discount

• Imelda from Ireland – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely location in Dorsoduro .Authentic cosy canal-side establishment near to but not on main tourist trail .
  Warm and clean.Very kind and helpful owner .
  Lots of information provided for making the most of our stay .
  Many excellent eateries of all price ranges nearby .Opportunity to interact more with locals than tourists .
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast provided at outside cafe .May not suit everyone.But opportunity to mix with locals as they met for coffee and chat on way to work etc.Coffee and small eats provided on site .

• Jones from United States – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful and classic boutique hotel. Small but very comfortable, you get everything you need.
  Staff was kind and helpful. Very pleasant stay.

• Stanna from United States – 4 October 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely place, super friendly staff with good communication to help us find them.

• Steve from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (10/10)

  loverly and clean

• Felix from United States – 26 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location is in a nice quiet area. The property is small, simple comfortable and clean, with very friendly, helpful and accommodating owners and staff. It is a good value for the money. A stay here, while a moderate walk to St Mark’s Square (20-25 min.), makes one feel more like a local, being in a residential less touristed area. Communication with the property was excellent. Highly recommended.
  
  What could be improved: None.

• Romulus from United States – 6 August 2024 (10/10)

  The location is perfect; close to pretty much everything in Venice.

• Mustafa from Turkey – 8 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything is held properly, from the beginning to the end. We loved the area, and very pleased to meet Alessandro who kindly helped a lot during our visit.

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

  Very best location! Beautiful area, quiet, yet near transportation by boat anywhere
  
  The hosts are super- kind and helpful
  
  Breakfast included at a very nice nearby cafe
  
  What could be improved: Lots of steps, but that’s fine

• Margaret from Australia – 28 June 2024 (10/10)

  This is a Venice hotel with peace and quiet for a good night's sleep. The footpath by the canal is often deserted, a great change from the crowds in most of Venice in summer.
  The hotel is run by a great team who are very helpful.
  The breakfast cafe works really well too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was great

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities