Casa di San Martino

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Casa di San Martino almost by accident last spring, right after hopping off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro – it’s just a short wander down those twisty alleys in Cannaregio, away from the San Marco madness. The address is Cannaregio 3526 A, tucked along a quiet rio where the water laps gently against weathered stone walls, and honestly, that first glimpse of the place felt like stepping into one of those old Venetian postcards, but without the crowds shoving past you. It’s in this residential pocket, near the Strada Nova if you’re coming from the train station, and let me tell you, arriving on foot with luggage isn’t the easiest – those bridges can be a workout, especially if you’ve got a heavy bag – but the staff were waiting like they’d known I was coming, whisking everything up the stairs without a fuss. Check-in was a breeze, no long lines or that impersonal hotel vibe; the owner even chatted about the best time to hit the nearby Jewish Ghetto for a sunset walk, which is just a five-minute stroll away. And the building itself? It’s this charming 18th-century palazzo – think exposed brick and wooden beams that creak just a little underfoot, with that faint, salty canal scent mixing with fresh coffee from the breakfast room downstairs.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that authentic Venice feel without skimping on the comforts – I mean, it’s a solid 4-star spot with a 9.4 rating for good reason, but it doesn’t scream “luxury” in a flashy way. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard garden, complete with climbing vines and the occasional pigeon cooing (which, fair warning, might wake light sleepers at dawn, but earplugs sorted that out quick). The bed was plush, the kind that makes you sink in after a day of pounding pavements, and the bathroom had these handmade tiles that felt cool and smooth under bare feet – plus, the shower pressure was surprisingly strong for an old building like this. Breakfast was a highlight, served in a cozy salon with views of the rio: fresh pastries, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that rival the ones at those hidden spots along Fondamenta della Misericordia, where locals grab aperitivi in the evenings. It’s not huge, so it stays intimate – no tour groups overwhelming the place – and during quieter months like early May, it’s blissfully peaceful, though summer might bring more boat traffic noise from the canal. Oh, and if you’re into practicalities, there’s no parking (duh, it’s Venice), but they can arrange water taxi pickups, and the Wi-Fi held up great for streaming those inevitable trip-planning sessions.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venice without the tourist trap feel – you know, dodging selfie sticks in Piazza San Marco – this is your spot. It’s close enough to the action (Rialto Bridge is a 15-minute walk) but far enough to unwind, maybe with a glass of prosecco on your balcony as the sun sets over the rooftops. Sure, the lack of an elevator means stairs for everyone, which could be a drag if mobility’s an issue, but that just adds to the old-world charm, right? I’d go back in a heartbeat – well, maybe in the off-season to avoid the heat – because places like this remind you why Venice steals your heart, one quiet canal at a time.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $155. Superior Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Victoria from United States – 21 December 2024 (10/10)

  Host was very accommodating, always responsive. Perfect location, very safe and had all comforts of home.

• Henrietta from United Kingdom – 16 October 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is clean and well equipped. The host is exceptionally helpful and goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable. The location In Canareggio it just perfect. It is quiet and away from the crowds. The area has a very authentic feel about it and there are some good restaurants nearby.

• Nigel from United Arab Emirates – 5 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location was perfect, just 5 mns walk from the waterbus station and overlooking the canal. Just a couple of hundred metres away from some really nice canal side restaurants. Host was super helpful. Room was large and had AC. Separate fully usable kitchen with fridge and microwave.
  
  What could be improved: can't really find anything to criticise

• Andres from Spain – 16 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect: cleanliness, wifi, hot water, air conditioning…
  Alyosha is a great host. He helped us every time we need him.

• George from India – 8 July 2024 (9/10)

  Alosya & his uncle were very helpful. They give us all the informations and treated us like their own family.

• Stefania from United Kingdom – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  It was great! Very quite place and clean and close to everything

• Przemyslaw from Luxembourg – 7 April 2024 (10/10)

  Clean
  Comfortable
  Approachable owner

• Victoria from Germany – 23 December 2023 (9/10)

  Friendly and helpful owner, perfectly functioning bathroom and heating system (it was my major concern in December), coffee and coffee machine were provided, quite area with a lot of authentic bars within a walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: It was not very well cleaned (hairs on the carpet, some dust here and there), but it was still a great value for money.

• Janet from South Africa – 1 October 2023 (10/10)

  Really most comfortable stay with everything you could want and more( even a First Aid kit) Practical kitchen, coffee, extra towels, pillows shampoo and shower gel.Even a washing machine and iron. .Very helpful landlord.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Günther from Czech Republic – 4 August 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment is situated in a cosy and quiet neighbourhood off the beaten tourist tracks. It is easily reachable by vaporetto directly from Piazzale Roma or the main railway station. The place is spacy, clean, has everything one needs for a longer stay (kitchen etc.) and offers a pleasant view on the local rio. The communication with the owner was easy and friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities