Casa Pusterla

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I stumbled upon Casa Pusterla, I was dragging my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones from the Arsenale vaporetto stop – it’s just a quick 10-minute walk, honestly, past that wide Via Garibaldi with its morning market stalls selling fresh artichokes and those tiny lagoon fish that locals snap up before the tourists even wake up. Castello isn’t the glitzy San Marco scene; it’s more like Venice’s backyard, where you hear kids playing football in the campos and laundry flapping from lines overhead. The hotel sits right on Campo Monte Grappa, this quiet little square that’s got a fountain trickling away and maybe a couple of old guys chatting on benches – no throngs of selfie-sticks here, thank goodness. I arrived a bit sweaty from the summer humidity (Venice in July, what was I thinking?), and the check-in was a breeze; the owner – this warm Italian lady named Maria, I think – greeted me with a glass of chilled prosecco and a map she’d scribbled on with her favorite hidden gelato spot nearby. The building itself is one of those restored palazzos, all faded frescoes on the walls and creaky wooden beams that make you feel like you’re stepping into someone’s family home rather than some sterile chain.

What really got me, though, was how the place balances that old-world charm with the stuff you actually need after a day pounding the pavements. My room overlooked the campo – well, sort of, through these tall shuttered windows that let in the evening bells from the nearby San Francesco della Vigna church, which rings out softly around dusk. The bed was plush, with linens that smelled faintly of lavender (they must use some local detergent, because it wasn’t that fake hotel scent), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger way too long. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard garden – think fresh cornetti, homemade jams from the owner’s aunt or something, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake the dead. It’s not huge, mind you, so if you’re traveling with a big group, it might feel intimate to the point of cramped during peak season, like August when the Biennale crowds spill over from the gardens just a stone’s throw away. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so you’re walking or boating everywhere, but they can arrange a water taxi pickup from Marco Polo if you ask nicely. I appreciated the little touches, like the free umbrellas for those sudden Adriatic downpours, and the staff’s tips on avoiding the tourist traps – they pointed me to a tiny osteria on Fondamenta San Gioachin for cicchetti that were miles better than anything in Rialto.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic slice of Venetian life without the chaos of the Grand Canal, Casa Pusterla is a gem – rated sky-high for a reason, and I get why after staying there twice now. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms during busy times, and if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional seagull squawk at dawn might jolt you awake. But honestly, that’s part of the charm, you know? It feels lived-in, like you’re borrowing a friend’s place in a neighborhood where Venetians actually live. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in spring when the square blooms with wisteria and everything’s quieter – perfect for wandering to the Arsenale or hopping a ferry to the islands. If Venice has worn you out with its crowds before, this spot might just restore your faith in the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $245. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Joel from United States – 14 August 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent property that made our stay in Venice unforgettable. Flavia welcomed us and we appreciate her kind explanations about the return to the airport in the early morning and how to get around the neighborhood.
  The apartment is beautiful and comfortable, although it is a bit far from the center, it is very easy to get around with the 2 vaporetto stations nearby, Santa Elena and Giardini. Only one water bus stop away if you consider visiting the beautiful island of Lido.
  Having an Italian coffee in the afternoon in the garden was a beautiful touch to our stay, as was walking through the beautiful gardens of the Biennale.
  A place where you feel like at home.
  Thank you Flavia!!!

• Alfred from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (10/10)

  Such a nice flat in such a lovely area. A really great stay

• Linda from United Kingdom – 14 August 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location for the Venice Biennale
  
  What could be improved: All excellent

• Amy from United States – 30 July 2024 (10/10)

  Our hosts Flavia and Marco were incredibly warm and kind and we absolutely loved our stay. The location was convenient to the vaporetto stops, and nice and quiet, away from the bustle of the tourist center.
  
  What could be improved: It was totally our fault, for not knowing Celsius conversion- we didn’t realize how cold the AC was set our first night, so I was super cold. I’m not complaining though- having an AC in the summer heat was amazing and a pleasant feature.

• milda from Lithuania – 15 July 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is located in a quiet area, has a beautiful garden, great interior and all the amenities you could imagine. All of us immediately felt at home. The hosts were super helpful as well, offering plenty of tips for the city and even helping to arrange additional activities.

• Sakai from Belgium – 8 November 2023 (10/10)

  Wonderful host, full of attention to her guest.

• Gabor from Germany – 18 October 2023 (10/10)

  What could be improved: the only toilet is in the bathroom

• Dant from United States – 11 October 2023 (10/10)

  The beds were really comfortable and Flavia was an amazing host. She met us super late when our arrival was delayed and got us into the apartment. She was also extremely helpful in providing information regarding the strike and how we could get back to the airport at the conclusion of our stay. The apartment is well equipped and had everything we needed for a great holiday in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: We knew the apartment was a bit further from everything we wanted to do and see but it was in a super quiet location so that made up for the distance.

• Dominik from Czech Republic – 27 August 2023 (9/10)

  Nice and calm location. Host was helpful. And very nice small private garden
  
  What could be improved: Only mosquitos were bothering us (which is kind of paradox, because it was caused by nice garden) and it would be better if there were Netliflix, Youtube etc. on tv.

• Linda from United Kingdom – 17 July 2023 (10/10)

  Brilliant place ! But hopefully it doesn't become TOO popular and difficult to book – ha !
  
  What could be improved: Niente

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Facilities