Casa Alma

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Casa Alma after weaving through the labyrinth of narrow calles in Venice’s Castello district – you know, that part of town that’s a bit off the beaten path from the San Marco madness, but still close enough to everything. I’d just hopped off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria, and honestly, it was a relief to escape the throngs of day-trippers hauling suitcases over bridges. The hotel’s tucked away on Calle Celsi, this quiet little alley that feels more like a local’s secret than a tourist trap. When I arrived, the check-in was a breeze – no fuss, just a warm welcome from the staff who actually took the time to chat about the best nearby spots for cicchetti (those little Venetian tapas, if you haven’t tried them). The building itself has that classic Venetian charm, with weathered stone walls and wooden shutters that creak just a bit in the breeze off the lagoon. It’s not flashy, but there’s something comforting about it, like stepping into an old friend’s apartment – well, minus the faint salty scent of the canals that drifts in during high tide.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world feel with just enough modern touches to make your stay easy. The rooms are cozy – mine had these exposed beams and a view over a tiny courtyard where you could hear pigeons cooing in the mornings, sort of like a gentle wake-up call instead of blaring alarms. Breakfast is served in this intimate space downstairs, nothing over-the-top, but fresh pastries, strong coffee, and those little jars of local honey that make you linger. I mean, it’s not a massive buffet, which is actually a plus in a city where everything’s compact; it keeps things personal. Oh, and fair warning – like a lot of spots in Venice, there are stairs to climb (no elevator that I recall), so pack light if you’re not up for a mini workout. But the quiet at night? Blissful. Castello quiets down after dark, away from the noisy bars in Campo Santa Margherita, and I slept like a log, even during the busy summer months when the rest of Venice feels like a zoo. The staff were pros at little things, too – they pointed me toward the Arsenale vaporetto stop for quick rides to the Biennale gardens, which are just a short walk away and way less crowded than the main exhibits.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venice without the overwhelming hustle – you know, the kind where you can wander to a hidden osteria on Via Garibaldi for a spritz and feel like you’ve got the city to yourself – Casa Alma’s your spot. It’s got that 4-star polish with a 9.2 rating that feels earned, not inflated, and at the end of the day, it’s the small details that stick with you: the cool tile floors underfoot on hot afternoons, or the way the light filters through lace curtains at dawn. Sure, it might not have a grand canal view (that’s what the nearby Riva degli Schiavoni is for), but it delivers on that genuine, lived-in vibe that makes you want to come back. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like spring when the crowds thin out and the whole area blooms with that misty, magical fog.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $268. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 futon bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great place to stay in Venice just off the beaten track. – Oliver from United Kingdom – 20 July 2024 (9/10)

  Host was able to meet us with the keys at the apartment, gave us a tour of the apartment and the Venice map. And explain how to work the air con and electric windows & blinds. The apartment itself is kitted out to a high standard and the fresh coffee and coffee machine were much appreciated throughout our short stay.

• great location and easy reach of main attractions within walking distance. perfect for a small family – Anna-sophie from France – 6 May 2023 (9/10)

  location was perfect within easy reach of main sights
  
  What could be improved: everything was well explained, well equipped apartment and easy communication with Marika. small nag were the mosquitoes that seemed to always find their way inside the bedrooms 😉

• Had a fantastic stay here, enjoyed the complimentary bottle of wine that the owner left for us and the coffee and tea et – Adrian from United Kingdom – 17 April 2023 (10/10)

  Convenient, quiet, comfortable and well equipped.

• War alles okay! – Reinhold from Austria – 30 April 2025 (8/10)

  Hat alles gepasst! War sehr ruhig!
  
  What could be improved: Die Platzierung der Badewanne , besser wäre eine Dusche!

• Excelente espaço, localizado numa zona calma a 7 minutos do Gran Canal. Muito bom para famílias. – Donato from Portugal – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

  Localização calma, áreas do espaço e os dois WC completos.
  
  What could be improved: Gostei de tudo!

• Super séjour pour la découverte de Venise. – Pascal from France – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  Hébergement super bien situé dans Venise, proche de la place San Marco et au calme. Marika nous a super bien accueilli et nous a fourni un plan détaillé pour rejoindre Casa Alma ce qui nous a facilité notre arrivée
  
  What could be improved: Rien, tout était parfait

• Très bon séjour dans cet établissement loin de la foule ! – Jean from France – 7 January 2025 (9/10)

  Appartement bien entretenu , spacieux et confortable. Chacune des chambres possède sa propre salle de bain c’est un plus!
  
  What could be improved: peut-être le canapé très beau mais pas confortable (mais c’est un détail.)

• Beau duplex dans quartier calme et charmant – Tristan from France – 30 September 2024 (10/10)

  Un charmant duplex confortable et bien équipé. Un quartier tres joli, calme et authentique. Une bonne communication et un bon acceuil avec Marika. Séjour parfaitement réussi .

• We hebben genoten! – Ardjuna from Netherlands – 8 August 2024 (9/10)

  Prettig en behulpzaam ontvangst. Perfecte locatie. Schone accommodatie. Ideaal ingericht voor vriendengroep, bestaand uit stel en gezin met kind.
  
  What could be improved: Nvt

• Marika ci ha accolto con gentilezza. – Andrea from Italy – 2 May 2024 (9/10)

  Ci siamo trovati molto bene. La proprietaria è gentile e competente. Ha fornito tutte le indicazioni del caso. La Casa è attrezzata di tutto.

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