Casa Sul Molo

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Casa Sul Molo during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring – you know, when the crowds aren’t quite at their peak yet, but the sun’s starting to warm up the canals just enough to make everything smell like salt and old stone. It’s tucked away in the heart of San Marco, right on that little stretch near the waterfront at Sestiere San Marco 744, basically a stone’s throw from the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. I mean, I got off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria stop – which, honestly, is a lifesaver if you’re hauling luggage, since it’s way less chaotic than the main Rialto ones – and it was maybe a five-minute walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni, dodging the occasional pigeon and those street vendors hawking cheap masks. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian spots, all narrow and unassuming from the outside, with that faded pinkish facade that’s probably seen centuries of high tides. Stepping inside felt like a hug from an old friend – the lobby’s small, with this cozy clutter of antique mirrors and wooden beams that creak underfoot, and the staff greeted me like they’d been expecting me all day, chatting in that mix of Italian and English about the best time to hit Piazza San Marco before the tour groups descend (spoiler: early morning, around 8 a.m., when you can actually hear the bells ringing without the buzz of a thousand selfies).

What really won me over, though, was how it balanced that old-world charm with just enough modern touches to keep things comfortable – especially for a 3-star place with an 8.5 rating that feels earned, not inflated. My room overlooked a quiet side canal, nothing grand like the Grand Canal views you pay a fortune for elsewhere, but it had this peaceful vibe where I’d wake up to the soft lapping of water and the distant hum of delivery boats. The bed was firm but comfy, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just my imagination after too much prosecco), and the bathroom was tiny – well, it’s Venice, so expect to shimmy around the shower – but spotless and stocked with decent toiletries. No elevator, mind you, so if stairs aren’t your thing, request a lower floor; I lugged my bag up two flights and called it my workout for the day. Breakfast was a simple affair in the little dining area – fresh croissants, strong coffee, and those jams that taste like they came straight from a nonna’s kitchen – and it set me up perfectly for wandering to nearby spots like the Libreria Acqua Alta (that quirky bookstore with books in bathtubs, just a 10-minute stroll away) or grabbing cicchetti at a hidden bacaro off Campo San Zaccaria. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly quiet at night, even with the occasional gondola serenade drifting in, but yeah, during high season in summer, you might hear more foot traffic from the alley below.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels authentically Venetian without breaking the bank or pretending to be something it’s not, Casa Sul Molo is a gem. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and check-in might take a beat if they’re busy – but that’s part of the charm, right? I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venice life, not just passed through as a tourist. Go in shoulder season if you can; it’s when the place really shines, and you’ll thank me when you’re sipping an Aperol on the nearby waterfront without elbowing through hordes.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $126. Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $137. Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Double or Twin Room with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Double or Twin Room with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $167. Superior Double or Twin Room with City View with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $167. Superior Double or Twin Room with City View with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely apartment ! – Claudia from Austria – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful, cozy and clean room in a perfect location!
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing to complain about!

• My family enjoyed the stay – Ksenia from Switzerland – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  I booked this hotel for my family. They said they liked it a lot, especially the convenient location in the very center. They didn't mention any negative points so I assume that everything was great.

• Amazing! – Beatrix from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, really helpful staff, clean and well equipped room. We checked in after the designated hours due to the time our train arrived but they were so accommodating and helpful! Being able to communicate via WhatsApp was a real blessing too. The air-conditioning was really appreciated as a break from the 30°C heat outside.
  
  What could be improved: Literally the only thing that might deduct was the stairs. There's no lift, (as is quite common and typical of old venetian properties, and somewhat adds to the charm). The reception is on the third floor, and our room on the fourth. They are tightly turning stairs, so made me a tiny bit dizzy going round and round ( in fairness I get dizzy turning on the spot once, so this isn't surprising!). However some might struggle with luggage. We were only staying a short trip so our luggage was light, and the stairs didn't really bother us.

• Superb – Ricardo from Spain – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location the staff is friendly and the breakfast very generous.
  
  What could be improved: I have nothing to say it’s 10/10 for me

• Exceptional – Hakan from Turkey – 28 May 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel was very clean and comfortable. Also breakfast was so delicious.

• Lovely abode in Venice – Sarika from United Kingdom – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything ! The location , the morning breakfast , the clean rooms & the host .
  
  What could be improved: To be frank nothing

• Good place for short stay – Jukka from Finland – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

  Clean room and bed, like a new bathroom.
  Excellent and nice check-in
  Location is very good
  
  What could be improved: Well, hiking upstairs is not so nice

• I would defiantly recommend that place to my friends. – Aleksandra from United States – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  In my personal opinion that was the best location, and service.
  
  What could be improved: No elevator.

• Wonderful! – Kyriazi from Greece – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful room in central location close to Rialto. Room was very clean and the view of the church was amazing! Close to shops also!

• Exceptional – Alison from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, friendly staff.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities