Ca’ San Zaccaria

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that stop right by the church with the same name, where the crowds thin out a bit from the San Marco madness – and weaving my way down Salizada San Provolo to find Ca’ San Zaccaria. It’s tucked into this narrow calle in Castello, the kind of spot that’s more local than touristy, with laundry hanging overhead and the faint smell of canal water mixing with espresso from a nearby bar. Honestly, arriving felt like stumbling into a hidden corner of Venice; no grand entrance, just a simple door on a historic building that probably dates back centuries – I mean, the name “Ca’” means “house” in Venetian, so it’s got that old palazzo vibe without trying too hard. Check-in was straightforward, the staff friendly but not overly chatty – a quick hello in Italian with a smattering of English, and they handed over a massive old key that clanked like something from a movie. No elevator, mind you, so if you’ve got heavy bags, brace yourself for those steep stairs (pro tip: pack light, or ask for a ground-floor room if mobility’s an issue).

What really won me over was how it captures that authentic Venice feel without the frills – it’s a solid 3-star, nothing fancy, but clean and cozy in a way that makes you forget the rating. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard, with exposed beams on the ceiling and these worn terracotta floors that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a real place, not some chain hotel. Breakfast was simple – croissants, fresh fruit, and decent coffee served in a small dining area that opens early (around 7:30, perfect if you’re jet-lagged and up with the pigeons). You know what, though? The location is gold for explorers; it’s a five-minute stroll to the Riva degli Schiavoni for those stunning lagoon views, or you can duck into the Arsenale area for a less crowded wander – I grabbed cicchetti at a tiny bacaro just around the corner on Campo San Provolo, where locals outnumber tourists. Noise-wise, it’s peaceful at night, especially off-season when Venice quiets down after 10 p.m., but summers can bring some foot traffic from day-trippers spilling over from St. Mark’s. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s spotty in spots – worked fine for emails, but streaming? Forget it, which actually forced me to unplug and enjoy the city more.

All in all, if you’re after value in Venice – and let’s face it, this city isn’t cheap – Ca’ San Zaccaria delivers without the hype. It’s not perfect; rooms are on the compact side, like most spots here, and the bathroom was basic (hot water’s reliable, though). But for a 7.5 rating, it punches above its weight, giving you that immersive, neighborhood feel that’s hard to find amid the gondola crowds. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like October when the fog rolls in and everything feels magical – just bring comfy shoes for all that walking, and maybe a map app to navigate those twisting alleys. You won’t regret it if you’re the type who wants real Venice, warts and all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $134. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $185. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Andreea from Romania – 22 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location was great. Room was awesome

• Lauren from United States – 26 March 2025 (7/10)

  I liked the style. Felt like royalty! It was in a great & central spot in Venice which made it easy to get around. Lots to see and do within walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: The check-in process lugging our bags back and forth between here and Hotel Lux was not ideal. The canal view was not super visible but can’t complain.

• Marlinda from Albania – 29 December 2024 (8/10)

  The authentic concept and the super polite and helping cleaning staff.
  
  What could be improved: It was cold in the room even though outside it was 12 degrees. The heat didn't work.

• Ann from United Kingdom – 25 November 2024 (8/10)

  The decor, quality of the room and excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: There were no tea/coffee making facilities provided.

• Aleksandra from Estonia – 21 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location is good, but too many tourists. The room itself was nice and clean.
  
  What could be improved: There were no door in the shower, so all the water was on the floor.

• Michelle from New Zealand – 2 October 2024 (7/10)

  The room and bathroom are both a good size and is in a great location close to lots of restaurants and bars. The room had two windows with roof top views. Was fairly basic but tidy.
  
  What could be improved: Was up 4 flights of stairs – no lift and the room was not serviced

• Kyla from New Zealand – 29 September 2024 (6/10)

  Location was good
  
  What could be improved: We got bitten my a lot of mosquitoes. Apparently Venice is known for it but coming from New Zealand we had.no idea and got covered in bites. No repleant in room or warning. We were getting married in Venice and had bites everywhere including our faces. We had windows closed as well. The bed was made up of two single beds but nothing holding them together so the beds would move apart causing a large spilt in the middle.

• Helen from Ireland – 13 September 2024 (7/10)

  Spacious room, very clean very central
  
  What could be improved: Old building so only has stairs and they are uneven . But to be expected. Only 1 plug in the bathroom and 1 in main room used for fridge.

• Merethe from Denmark – 7 August 2024 (8/10)

  Nice and quiet room and close to the city centre yet away from touristy places.
  
  What could be improved: Some odd green light inside the room that we couldn’t turn off during the night

• Maarja from Netherlands – 6 August 2024 (8/10)

  Clean very quiet to sleep renovated centric easy access
  
  What could be improved: Separate reception, lucky we did not take breakfast as that would been quite akward

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Facilities