CA’ XXII MARZO BOUTIQUE

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso – you know, that stop right by the Grand Canal where the gondolas bob like they’re waiting for a tip – and weaving through those narrow calli to find Ca’ XXII Marzo Boutique. It’s tucked away on a quiet side street in the San Marco sestiere, just off Campo Santo Stefano, actually, which is one of those spots where locals grab an espresso without the tourist crush. I mean, Venice can feel like a maze if you’re not paying attention, but this place is on the first floor (piano nobile style, like the old palaces), so no hauling luggage up endless stairs – a godsend after a long flight. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Italian guy named Marco, greeted me with a glass of prosecco and chatted about the best time to hit the Rialto Market (early mornings, before the crowds swarm). Honestly, it felt less like a hotel and more like crashing at a friend’s elegant apartment – the kind with creaky wooden floors that whisper history under your feet.

What really got me was how they’ve nailed that boutique vibe without going overboard. The rooms are smallish, sure – Venice real estate is tight, after all – but mine had these high ceilings with exposed beams and a view over a tiny canal where you could hear the occasional splash of an oar at dusk. The bed was plush, like sinking into a cloud after pounding the pavements all day, and the bathroom had those fancy marble sinks that make you feel a bit posh. I appreciated the little touches, like fresh pastries delivered in the morning (try the cornetto with apricot jam – it’s addictive) and the free minibar stocked with local wines. Oh, and no street noise at night; the alley’s dead quiet after 10 PM, even in high season when San Marco buzzes like a beehive. That said, if you’re a light sleeper, the church bells from nearby Santo Stefano might jolt you awake around dawn – sort of charming, in a medieval way, but pack earplugs just in case. It’s not huge on amenities – no pool or gym, which is par for the course in Venice – but they do have this cozy lounge with velvet armchairs where I spent an evening reading, the air scented with that faint, salty lagoon breeze seeping through the windows.

Look, if you’re heading to Venice and want something authentic without the chain-hotel sterility, this is it. You’re a five-minute stroll from Piazza San Marco, close enough to pop over for gelato at sunset but far enough to escape the pigeon-feeding hordes. I wandered to La Fenice theater one evening – it’s literally around the corner – and caught an opera; magical stuff. Couples would love it for the romance factor, or solo travelers like me who crave that insider feel. At 4 stars with a 9.3 rating, it’s earned it – not perfect (Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms), but well worth the splurge for that real Venetian soul. Next time I’m in town, I’m booking again; it’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $424. Apartment with Sauna with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Flavio from Brazil – 22 July 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious, well equipped and excellent location

• Mlis from France – 19 January 2025 (9/10)

  Everything except lack of windows, natural light, no view. Otherwise the apartment was lovely, clean, great location. The sauna was very nice !
  
  What could be improved: No windows, no view, no natural light

• Maria from United States – 8 January 2025 (10/10)

  The size of the place was perfect for 4 people. The location was convenient to everything. No more than a 7 minute walk to the best sites and attractions. Very clean and organized place. This place has a lot of great amenities including a sauna in the bedroom.
  
  What could be improved: The shower head is very clogged up and could use a good cleaning to open all the water holes. The ceiling leaks around the shower head as well which will eventually cause issues for the owner. Provide extra towels and a wash cloth for the shower. Make sure the cushions on the couch are zipped in. We didn't realize they zipped up and they keep sliding off the couch, which made it uncomfortable.

• Veronica from Australia – 31 December 2024 (10/10)

  Modern, very clean and well equipped and great location. Only one short flight of steps to front door. Very secure and quiet.

• Yara from Canada – 12 August 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was spacious, very clean with all the amenities a family of six will need!
  
  What could be improved: Honestly I can’t recall anything I didn’t like! I highly recommended mend it for its location, nicely designed, extremely clean and not to mention how practical for a family of six!

• Jim from Ireland – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, close to St Mark’s square. Modern and clean.

• Jorge from United States – 20 July 2024 (10/10)

  Great location and very spacious apartment with all amenities. Hosts were very responsive and helpful.

• Tammy from United States – 27 June 2024 (10/10)

  It was beautifully decorated and fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. It was clean and well located. The staff was very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The shower head in the one bathroom sprayed everywhere. It seemed like a few of the nozzles may need to be addressed. We did our best to make it work.

• Therese from United States – 29 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Quiet. Easy walk to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Had trouble finding the apartment.

• Amanda from United States – 10 May 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was clean, well equipped, and in the perfect location center to all the attractions of Venice. We were 4 minutes from San Marco, 10 minutes from Rialto, and just a few 100 feet from La Fenice Theatre, and right in the heart of the luxury shopping district. An added bonus we could catch the gondola right outside the apartment and there was a wonderful coffee and pastry cafe just a few doors down from the apartment on the left. Check in was easy and Francesco was great giving us info on Venice and showing us how to operate everything. Another added bonus they had a washer and dryer in the unit. One thing I was very pleased with is the bathrooms, they are clean and well laid out and the shower was big and had great pressure, something we often lack when traveling in Europe.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, the apartment was perfect!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities