Casa delle Ortensie

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Casa delle Ortensie during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring, right when the tourists start flooding in but before it gets unbearable. It’s tucked away on Strada Nova in Cannaregio – that’s the neighborhood north of the Grand Canal, less flashy than San Marco but way more authentic, if you ask me. I mean, you’re steps from the Jewish Ghetto, with its hidden synagogues and that killer falafel spot on Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, and it’s an easy 10-minute wander to the Rialto Bridge without dodging a million selfie sticks. Honestly, arriving by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station (just a short walk, no taxis needed since, well, Venice and cars don’t mix), I felt like I’d escaped the chaos. The building itself is this unassuming Venetian townhouse, painted in faded terracotta with those classic shuttered windows – and yeah, the name means “House of Hydrangeas,” so expect bursts of purple blooms in the tiny courtyard if you time it right in May or June.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like staying with a local aunt who’s got her act together but isn’t trying too hard. The rooms are on the smaller side – three stars, after all – with creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you’re unpacking, and bathrooms that are clean but compact, like squeezing into a gondola with luggage. But oh man, the details: fresh linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe it’s the nearby rio’s salty breeze sneaking in), and breakfast in this cozy communal area with actual homemade pastries – think cornetti still warm from some bakery down the calle, not the stale buffet stuff you get in bigger hotels. I remember chatting with the owner, Marco, during check-in; he’s this chatty guy who’ll sketch out a map to avoid the tourist traps, like steering you toward Osteria al Portego for cicchetti instead of overpriced spots by the bridge. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly quiet at night – Cannaregio winds down early, though you might hear the occasional boat horn from the canal if your room faces Strada Nova. And parking? Forget it; leave your car in Mestre and embrace the walking (or water bus) life. One minor gripe: Wi-Fi can be spotty in the upper floors, especially during peak season when everyone’s streaming – but hey, that’s Venice for you, forcing you to unplug and actually look at the architecture.

All in all, if you’re after that real-deal Venetian vibe without breaking the bank – we’re talking solid 8.1 rating for a reason – this place is a gem. It’s not luxurious, but it’s got heart, you know? Perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to feel like they’re living in Venice rather than just visiting. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season when the fog rolls in and the whole area feels like a secret. Just pack light and prepare to fall in love with the little things, like the sound of church bells mixing with market chatter outside your window.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $176. One-Bedroom Apartment – Ortensia Bianca with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Kristina from Malta – 18 March 2025 (9/10)

  Very friendly hosts. The apartment is in perfect location, was clean and well equipped.

• Kirils from Latvia – 18 September 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious, bright, clean apartment in the very center of Venice.

• Gillian from United Kingdom – 8 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Nice apartment. Comfy beds. We really enjoyed our stay.
  
  What could be improved: Could do with a mirror to do hair and make up.

• Inka from Finland – 30 March 2023 (8/10)

  Good location, extremely kind and helpful staff!
  Clean and there was air-conditioning
  
  What could be improved: There is a lot of noise, since its at busy street

• Olena from Ukraine – 24 October 2022 (9/10)

  Location, cleanliness, staff
  
  What could be improved: No cups

• Sofie from Italy – 12 August 2022 (7/10)

  It was fine and on a good location.
  
  What could be improved: The facilities were a bit worn out, and the aircon pretty noisy. Also, you have to pick up the keys somewhere else.

• Carole from United Kingdom – 21 July 2022 (8/10)

  fantastic location
  
  What could be improved: only one mirror in the tiny bathroom

• Ian from United Kingdom – 3 June 2022 (8/10)

  it was spacious and very comfortable,
  very clean
  
  What could be improved: could do with some more kitchen utensils

• Ciprian from Romania – 4 November 2024 (8/10)

  The location is top. It's located in the city center, on a very nice street full of shops, bars, restaurants and you can walk everywhere from there. Ponte di Rialto is just 7 min away and Piazza San Marco 15 min away.
  The building itself is also very nice, a historical building very well preserved.
  The room has everything you need: TV, large wardrobe, mini fridge, AC which also works as a heater for the colder months.
  The hosts (Hotel Cannaregio 2357) are super friendly and give you a map with directions and useful information on how to easily move around Venice and the surrounding islands. The fact that they store your luggage if you arrive early or after checkout is a big plus.
  
  What could be improved: The room needs some repainting since the walls and ceiling had some sort of stains and the furniture was a bit deteriorated.
  You are being required to take out your trash, otherwise I understand you get charged an extra fee. It is a common practice in other cities as well and it is no problem for us, if it weren't for the complicated system in Venice. We found out during the last day that you can only take out the trash to the collection points between 6:30 am – 8:30 am and since we had the flight very early we had to leave at 4:30 am. Given that you don't have a collection point available all the time, I think the hosts could install some sort of trash bin the building, to make it easier for their tourists.

• Julie from Canada – 17 July 2024 (7/10)

  Very good location. Near restaurants, groceries and Vaparetto stop. The city, including San Marco square and Rialto bridge were all an easy walk away . Even on the hottest days getting around the city was easily achieved by walking in the shade on the narrow passageways.
  
  What could be improved: Our evening gondola ride was a great disappointment. We paid for a 35 minute experience and received slightly more than 20 minutes. Our gondolier spent more time talking to other gondoliers than interacting with us. Definitely, in our opinion, not worth the money.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities