Ca’ Santo Spirito B&B

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Accademia stop, my suitcase bumping along those uneven stone paths in Dorsoduro, and thinking, wow, this is Venice without the crush of tourists everywhere. Ca’ Santo Spirito B&B is tucked away on this quiet little corner at Dorsoduro 94, right near the Santo Spirito church – you know, the one with that serene courtyard where locals sometimes sneak in for a quick espresso break. It’s not smack in the middle of San Marco’s chaos, which is honestly a relief after a day dodging selfie sticks. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the air has that crisp, salty tang from the lagoon, and the light turns everything golden. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Italian guy named Marco (I think? Or was it Matteo?), greeted me like an old friend, handing over a massive old-fashioned key and chatting about the best nearby cicchetti bars. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos, with worn marble steps that creak a bit underfoot – adds to the charm, you know? No elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor, but hey, that’s Venice for you.

What really won me over was the room – mine overlooked a narrow canal where you could hear the occasional gondola oar dipping into the water, sort of rhythmic and soothing at night. It’s a B&B, so don’t expect a massive resort setup, but the beds are plush with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender, and the bathroom had this vintage clawfoot tub that I soaked in after wandering the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, just a five-minute stroll away. Breakfast is served in a cozy communal area downstairs – fresh cornetti, strong coffee, and homemade jams that tasted like they came straight from someone’s nonna’s kitchen. I mean, it’s not fancy-schmancy, but it’s authentic, and on quieter mornings, you might chat with other guests about hidden spots like the Squero di San Trovaso, that old gondola workshop around the corner. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but who comes to Venice to stare at screens? The neighborhood’s vibe is artsy and laid-back – wander down to the Zattere promenade for gelato at sunset, or hop over to Campo Santa Margherita for lively aperitivo without the overpriced tourist traps.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venetian life, Ca’ Santo Spirito is a gem. It’s got that 9.4 rating for a reason – clean, welcoming, and perfectly positioned for exploring without the exhaustion. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the wisteria blooms along the canals and everything feels a tad more magical. Just remember to book ahead; places like this fill up fast, even in the off-season. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $262. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Carey from Morocco – 18 March 2023 (10/10)

  Excellent location! Quiet, authentic and charming host and staff. Well served with a choice of vaporetto stops, but the local environment around Accademia was full of arts, restaurants and bars.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was perfect! (Our room had some fairly steep steps to get to it, but we were warned about that when booking, and staff helped with our suitcases at the end).

• Éder from Brazil – 3 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location (away from the crowd, but “walking” distance from a lot of attractions – need to get a traghetto to cross the Canal Grande and get to Piazza San Marco), especially because you can get there from a vaporetto station (Zattere) by walking alongside the canal, avoiding all the “traffic” from the narrow corridors of the city and through bridges that have ramps (they’re are stairs only usually). Hosts are very kind and helpful, breakfast was excellent, rooms have tea and coffee with an electric kettle at your convenience.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was awesome

• Georgina from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely old building with character. Good location.
  Great sized room with good facilities (we had the suite). Very friendly staff who had prepared our room so that we could check in early which was a nice surprise. Excellent selection of continental breakfast. Would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was all great

• Erica from United States – 14 March 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet but quaint area. Across the water from San Marco square. Good breakfast. Great staff and service

• Colin from United Kingdom – 1 March 2025 (10/10)

  The property is lovely, clean and comfortable, hostess was friendly and very helpful, all in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: The final set of stairs are not for the light hearted, whilst not long they are certainly steep.

• Jenny from Ireland – 16 February 2025 (10/10)

  The building is absolutely stunning. Room was a good size and bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was varied and delicious. Veronica is a super helpful and kind host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Everything was perfect ❤️

• Marygrace from United States – 18 December 2024 (9/10)

  It was in a great location. It was also very clean
  
  What could be improved: The stairs

• Karolina from Hungary – 11 December 2024 (10/10)

  Nice location, Super comfortable and clean, very nice staff and the room was perfect.

• John from United States – 30 October 2024 (10/10)

  facility, breakfast, and especially location was great.
  
  What could be improved: nothing. The place was perfect for us.

• Beata from Poland – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  The hotel is a great spot. It's stylish and cosy. The rooms are comfortable and neat. The service at breakfast is outstanding and the food is delicious. The landlords are very kind and welcoming. Our room was prepared for us even before the check-in time. That was so thoughtful of the owners to do and we appreciate it very much.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities