Casanova Fenice – Canal View

Hotel Description

You know, stepping into the Casanova Fenice – Canal View for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel that classic Venice magic – the kind that hits you when you’re weaving through those narrow calli off San Marco, dodging tourists with gelato cones, and suddenly there’s your hotel tucked right on the edge of a quiet rio. It’s at 2562 San Marco, smack in the heart of things but not overwhelmingly so; I mean, you’re just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco – maybe five minutes if you don’t get sidetracked by the mask shops on Calle Larga XXII Marzo. I arrived by vaporetto from Santa Lucia station, lugging my bag over a couple of bridges (no cars in Venice, remember?), and check-in was a breeze – the front desk guy, Marco, was chatting away in that warm Italian way, offering tips on avoiding the crowds at the Rialto. The lobby’s small, sort of cozy with these old wooden beams and a faint scent of polished oak mixed with that briny canal air drifting in. Honestly, it felt like staying at a friend’s place rather than some sterile chain – though, fair warning, the building’s historic, so no elevator, and those stairs can be a workout after a day of walking.

What really sold me on this spot, though, was the canal view – my room overlooked this serene little waterway where gondolas glide by in the evening, their oars splashing softly against the water, and you can hear the distant hum of opera rehearsals from Teatro La Fenice just around the corner (the hotel’s named after it, after all, with a nod to old Casanova himself). It’s a solid 3-star setup, nothing flashy, but the rooms are clean and charming – think exposed brick walls, comfy beds with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender soap, and a bathroom that’s compact but functional (hot water’s reliable, which isn’t always a given in these old palazzos). I loved grabbing breakfast on the tiny terrace – fresh cornetti, strong coffee, and watching the city wake up – though it gets a bit noisy around 9 a.m. when the delivery boats start putt-putting along the canal. Well, Venice being Venice, expect some summer crowds spilling over from St. Mark’s, but in the off-season, like early spring, it’s blissfully quiet, almost like you’ve got the neighborhood to yourself. Oh, and parking? Forget it – leave your car on the mainland and embrace the boat life; the hotel can arrange transfers if you ask nicely.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venetian life without breaking the bank – that 8.9 rating doesn’t lie – this place is a gem. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and portions at the included breakfast are on the lighter side (grab an extra pastry from the bakery on nearby Campo Santo Stefano if you’re famished). But honestly, waking up to that canal symphony and being steps from hidden gems like the Palazzo Fortuny museum makes it worth it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for a romantic getaway – just time it for shoulder season to dodge the hordes. You won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $478. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Stanislava from Canada – 31 August 2024 (9/10)

  We loved basically everything about the hotel. and the owners were amazing who always were extremely helpful.
  
  What could be improved: We thought it was a little bit hard to access the room at first but it got a lot easier.

• Robin from United Kingdom – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is just as described and the photos are accurate. It was a much bigger space than I imagined. The living room is a good distance away from the bedroom. From two rooms you can see gondoli passing on the canals.
  The kitchen is well equipped, bedrooms large and comfortable. Plenty of hot water. The location is excellent, yet quiet. Being next door to the opera house, it was great to hear the artists warm up for their performance.
  
  Audrey was very communicative and offered advise on taxi / restaurants. She kindly allowed us leave our luggage in the building after check out as we had several hours before our flight.
  
  What could be improved: It may have been my misunderstanding, but there is no baby cot. There were however plenty of bedding for a make shift bed.

• Georgia from Cyprus – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

  We had a wonderful time at this apartment. It was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The location was very convenient, close to shops, restaurants, and main attractions.
  
  The host was friendly and helpful, making the check-in process smooth and stress-free. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back in the future.
  
  Highly recommended!

• Gauthier from Switzerland – 8 March 2025 (8/10)

  very good for 4 people
  
  What could be improved: the quality of the sofa bed

• John from United Kingdom – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location was excellent, very central and lots of cafes and restaurants in the vicinity. Ideally situated for sight seeing. Apartment was spotlessly clean, spacious and warm. The hosts were very responsive with some great restaurant suggestions and help with booking trips etc.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing we disliked about our stay in Venice.

• Rudenc from Albania – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  The Location was great, and the host was really helpful.

• Sarah from Portugal – 13 November 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was awesome. The communication was perfect and they were so helpful when we had questions and helped us book a few things. The views of the canal was something else. So charming to see a gondola ride by and at night we heard them softly singing. It was three flights up, but we didn't mind and neither did our toddlers. It was clean, warm and a great layout with the bedrooms on one side and the living room on the other. Great kitchen stocked with everything you needed. Couldn't beat the location. Easy to get to by water taxi and we walked everywhere once we got there. Would definitely go back! Thanks again.

• Emer from Ireland – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect for all the areas. Very central. The hosts were always on WhatsApp with any questions I had regarding the apartment or location

• Preston from Italy – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location in San Marco / Fenice district. Almost exactly between San Marco and Academia. 3rd floor walk-up with surprisingly large amount of space. Air conditioners worked great, could hear the singing gondoliers, etc.
  
  What could be improved: The amenities were excellent and abundant, but a couple coffee pods for the coffee maker would have been a nice thing to have. We opted for tea instead because we didn't want to go shop for coffee (plus you can just walk to a cafe)

• Rosetta from Australia – 2 October 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment and great location. The view of the canal from the balcony and listening to them sing and play the violin on the gondola was amazing.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities