Casanova ai Tolentini

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Casanova ai Tolentini almost by accident last spring, when I was weaving through the back alleys of Dorsoduro after getting off the vaporetto at Piazzale Roma – you know, that bustling hub where the buses and trains dump you into Venice proper. The hotel’s tucked away on Calle de la Cereria, this narrow little street that’s more like a hidden passageway than anything grand, right near the Tolentini church with its bells that chime softly in the mornings. Honestly, finding it was a bit of a treasure hunt; I mean, Venice’s addresses are notoriously tricky, and I ended up asking a local shopkeeper for directions – she pointed me down a quiet canal side where the water laps gently against mossy stone walls. But once I pushed open that unassuming door, it felt like stepping into a cozy slice of old Venice. The check-in was straightforward, no fuss – the owner, this friendly guy with a thick Venetian accent, handed over the keys and even tossed in a tip about avoiding the tourist traps over in San Marco during peak hours. My room was on the second floor, small but spotless, with these worn wooden beams overhead that creaked just a little when the wind picked up off the lagoon. It wasn’t fancy – think basic furnishings, a firm bed that actually let me sleep through the night without that canal-side humidity seeping in – but the view out the window onto the calle below, with locals chatting over morning coffee, made it feel authentic, you know?

What really sold me on the place, though, was how it sits in Dorsoduro, which is sort of Venice’s artsy, laid-back neighborhood – less of the pigeon-filled chaos around St. Mark’s Square and more real-life vibes. You’re just a short stroll from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, where I spent a rainy afternoon dodging tour groups and admiring those wild modern sculptures in the garden. Or head the other way toward Campo Santa Margherita, this lively square that’s buzzing with university students grabbing cheap spritzes at sunset – I grabbed a cicchetti there one evening, those little Venetian tapas, and it was way better (and cheaper) than anything near the Rialto. The hotel itself doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles – no spa or rooftop bar, since it’s a solid 3-star spot – but there’s a small breakfast room downstairs where they serve fresh pastries and strong espresso that hits just right after a night of wandering. Oh, and parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so leave the car on the mainland like everyone else. But the location means you’re steps from the Grand Canal without the constant hum of gondola touts – it’s quieter here, especially in the off-season like early May when I visited, though summers can get a bit noisier with backpackers filtering through. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi was spotty in my room, probably because of those thick stone walls, but hey, it forced me to unplug and actually explore.

All in all, if you’re after that genuine Venetian experience without breaking the bank – and let’s be real, Venice isn’t cheap – Casanova ai Tolentini is a gem. It’s got that lived-in charm, named cheekily after the famous lover (though don’t expect any scandalous history; it’s more about the neighborhood’s romantic nooks). I’d go back in a heartbeat for a quick getaway, especially if you’re the type who prefers meandering through galleries and hidden campi over fighting crowds. Just pack light – those stairs are no joke with luggage – and time your visit for shoulder season to snag the best rates. Trust me, you’ll wake up to the sound of seagulls and church bells, feeling like you’ve got a little secret corner of the city all to yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $145. Double Room with Private External Bathroom with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $194. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $205. Economy Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $226. Family Room with Canal View with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Yerko from Ireland – 30 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location is really good and the view it’s amazing.

• Francois from South Africa – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  The accommodation was centrally located and walking distance from the station. The room was clean and nice and warm which was great for our late December visit.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom and shower for room 105 were tiny, felt like a storage closet

• Ashlie from Australia – 21 October 2024 (8/10)

  Staff were incredibly accommodating and communication was great. Good location, only a short walk from train/bus station. Room had everything we needed.

• Sethavut from Thailand – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  location is very nice and private
  
  What could be improved: To confuse to find property , but not a big problem

• Ben from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (7/10)

  Ideal for one night, clean. Good communication
  
  What could be improved: Compact

• Amanda from United States – 28 September 2024 (9/10)

  The room and space was fabulous.
  
  What could be improved: The shower situation, the space was very small but also the plastic mat was slippery and the shower was slow to drain.

• Candice from South Africa – 22 September 2024 (8/10)

  The location was wonderful and the view down the canal was fabulous.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 2 September 2024 (9/10)

  It was very clean and in a perfect area not far from trains boats and buses, the property was touching distance to the canals
  
  What could be improved: Thought the shower could have been a bit bigger and the air conditioning could have been positioned away from the top of the wardrobe so that the air could circulate better

• Libby from New Zealand – 27 August 2024 (7/10)

  Amazing AC and nice space, lots of room.
  
  What could be improved: The shower pressure could be improved and quite small. Could do with a vacuum.

• Louise from United Kingdom – 18 August 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location within easy reach of train station and restaurants etc.
  we were able to leave our luggage outside the room on arrival before our check in time as the property was secure.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities