CasaMisa Paste

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon CasaMisa Paste during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring – you know, when the canals are just starting to buzz with the first wave of tourists but the air still has that crisp, salty bite from the lagoon. It’s tucked away on Castello 5994, right in the heart of the Castello sestiere, which honestly feels like a breath of fresh air after dodging the crowds around San Marco. I mean, you’re only a quick 10-minute stroll from the vaporetto stop at San Zaccaria – super handy if you’re lugging bags from the airport water bus – but once you turn down that narrow calle off Campo San Filippo e Giacomo, it’s like you’ve slipped into a quieter, more local side of the city. The building itself is this charming old palazzo with faded ochre walls and those classic Venetian shutters that creak a bit in the breeze; nothing flashy, but it has that lived-in warmth that makes you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s place rather than checking into a hotel. Check-in was a breeze – the staff, a mix of locals and one guy from the mainland who chatted about the best spots for cicchetti nearby – handed over the keys with zero fuss, even though I showed up a tad early after getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys (pro tip: use your phone’s GPS, but don’t rely on it entirely; Venice loves to mess with signals).

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world Venetian charm with just enough modern perks to keep things comfortable – it’s a solid 4-star spot with a 9.1 rating that feels earned, not inflated. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard with potted geraniums and the faint hum of neighbors chatting in dialect, which was sort of magical at dusk when the church bells from Santa Maria Formosa echo through. The bed was plush, with linens that smelled faintly of lavender (they must use some local detergent), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works – none of that weak trickle you get in some budget spots. Breakfast is served in this cozy ground-floor room with exposed brick and mismatched chairs; think fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake you for a full day of wandering. It’s not massive, so it can get a bit crowded around 9 a.m. during peak season – well, Venice is always peak something – but they do a great job with gluten-free options if you ask ahead. Oh, and noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night compared to the racket near Rialto; the only sounds are the occasional boat horn from the nearby canal or seagulls at dawn. That said, if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs for the odd early-morning delivery scooter zipping by (yes, even in car-free Venice, they find ways).

Honestly, if you’re the type who wants to experience Venice without the constant tourist crush – like dipping into hidden gems such as the Arsenale or grabbing an aperitivo at a no-name bar on Via Garibaldi – CasaMisa Paste is your spot. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can lag in the upper rooms during busy times, and there’s no elevator, so stairs might be a haul with heavy luggage (but hey, that’s authentic Venice for you). Still, at that price point, with views that make you linger over your morning espresso and staff who’ll point you to the real-deal trattorias instead of tourist traps, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season when Castello feels like your own private slice of the city – just book early, as word’s getting out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $287. Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Katia from Canada – 18 May 2023 (9/10)

  I really liked how close the Rialto bridge was and also St. Mark’s Square. All within minutes of walking. The host was quick and efficient to answer our questions and so very kind. It was very sweet of her to leave a basket full of biscuits (that tasted so good). The entire apartment is so beautiful and my family and I loved it very much and wished we stayed longer than one night! We will definitely be booking this place again when we come back to Venice. It is hands down the best place we stayed at.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!! Everything was amazing.

• Hamsam from Australia – 18 January 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was very inviting and welcoming. The rooms are a comfortable size, the kitchen is equipped well to self-cater. It is two interconnecting units up a flight of steps. At the top on the left is a master bedroom with a generous sized bathroom that has a bath (no shower) and washing machine. Across the small landing is a unit with kitchen, sitting area, bathroom with a shower and another bedroom with two beds – 1 x double, 1 x single. We booked them both as interconnecting rooms and had a delightful apartment for our use. The location is very convenient. Would definitely stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: The central heating was set a little too high for our comfort despite attempts to turn it down. But the windows open to allow some fresh air, so all good.

• Margaret from United States – 16 December 2024 (9/10)

  We had a lovely stay. The apartment is in a fantastic location – Near the Ponte Rialto and San Marco- with lots of restaurants and cafes nearby. The host sent check-in information early and even left a small gift at arrival. Having 2 full bathrooms is a definite bonus.

• Judi from United Kingdom – 23 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location was very convenient, both for its closeness to facilities and also very easy to walk or catch the vaporetto. Although close to an osteria, the noise level was acceptable.
  
  What could be improved: Bedroom lighting not very good for reading. Also, an iron should have been provided but we were unable to find one.

• Xiaoyu from United Kingdom – 28 August 2024 (9/10)

  Location is excellent. Host is super helpful. The apartment has everything you need. The host also allowed us to drop off luggage early. We all loved our stay. Thank you

• Elena from Luxembourg – 6 April 2024 (9/10)

  Location and space
  
  What could be improved: Difficult to manage the temperature in one of the bedrooms

• Ruth from Australia – 23 January 2024 (9/10)

  I can highly recommend this property, the host is truly outstanding, she was always contactable and responded in a timely manner to each question we had. Her instructions on how to travel to and access the property were clear and easy to understand. The location was fantastic, two ferry stops from the train station and walking distance to all sites. The apartment had everything we needed for our stay and there was only one flight of stairs to gain access. If I was lucky enough to visit Venice again I would definitely stay here again.

• Brooke from Australia – 30 October 2023 (9/10)

  Wonderful apartment located near the Rialto Bridge and near some fabulous pastry shops, restaurants and cafes. Nice large bedrooms and bathrooms. We like to cook some meals from market fresh ingredients while travelling, so appreciated the kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: Sofa needs to be upgraded and wold be nice to have screens in the windows to keep the mosquitoes out and fresh air in!

• Joan from United States – 24 October 2023 (9/10)

  Spacious, clean, air conditioning, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, lovely kitchen and dining room, kind and caring host!!💕
  
  What could be improved: We loved it all.

• Janee from United States – 17 October 2023 (9/10)

  Great location in the busy part of Venice. Very central. Clean and well appointed with extras and a washing machine. Bathrooms and bedroom separate in the apartment for great privacy.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great… it’s a bit tucked back but once found… excellent.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities