Casin dei Spiriti by LionHost

Hotel Description

Oh man, stepping off the vaporetto at the Madonna dell’Orto stop and wandering down to Fondamenta dell’Abbazia – that’s where Casin dei Spiriti by LionHost hides out in Cannaregio, you know? It’s this quirky little 3-star spot tucked right along the canal, and honestly, my first thought when I arrived was, “This feels like real Venice, not the tourist trap version.” The building itself has that weathered, centuries-old charm – apparently, the name means something like “Casino of Spirits,” which locals whisper about with tales of ghosts from back in the day, but don’t worry, it’s more atmospheric than spooky. I checked in late one evening after a long train ride from Milan, and the process was super straightforward – LionHost does this app-based key code thing, so no fussing with a front desk if you’re arriving off-hours. The neighborhood’s a gem, too; it’s quieter than the chaos around San Marco, but you’re just a short stroll from the Jewish Ghetto or that stunning church with Tintoretto’s paintings. Actually, I grabbed a spritz at a tiny bacaro nearby on Strada Nova – nothing fancy, but the kind of place where Venetians actually hang out, chatting over cicchetti while the sun dips low.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world vibe with just enough modern touches to make it comfy for a traveler like me. My room overlooked the canal – well, sort of a side view, but close enough to hear the gentle lap of water against the stones at night, which is oddly soothing after a day dodging crowds on the Rialto Bridge. The bed was firm but cozy, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just Venice’s humid air playing tricks), and there’s a little kitchenette if you want to whip up espresso from the local market instead of splurging on hotel breakfast. I mean, it’s not huge – rooms in these historic buildings never are – and the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak season in summer when everyone’s streaming, but hey, that’s Venice for you. Parking? Forget it; this is car-free territory, so plan on walking or a water taxi from Piazzale Roma. Noise-wise, it’s blissfully peaceful compared to the center – no late-night revelers, just the occasional boat chugging by in the morning. I did notice a bit of mustiness in the air during my September stay, probably from the lagoon humidity, but cracking a window fixed that quick. And if you’re here in quieter months like November, it’s even better – fewer people, and the fog rolling in adds this magical, almost ethereal feel to the whole area.

Look, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venetian life without the overpriced glitz, Casin dei Spiriti is a solid pick – that 8.9 rating doesn’t lie. It’s not perfect (who needs a gym when you’re hiking bridges all day?), but it puts you right in the heart of Cannaregio’s hidden alleys, close enough to hop over to Murano for a day trip but far from the selfie-stick hordes. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a bit of the city, not just passed through – and isn’t that what travel’s all about?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $149. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $178. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $218. Superior Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $234. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $239. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Amazing space and location! – Alice from United States – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment! My family of 5 joked that we were ready to move it. Huge amount of space, private, great AC. A couple of minutes walk to gelato, a grocery store, and amazing restaurants and cicchetti in the foodie neighborhood of Cannareggio. Our favorite apartment from the vacation!
  
  What could be improved: Very minor – there is no oven but only a microwave. We didn’t plan to cook so this wasn’t an issue for us. Also for having such a big living room, I would suggest a second couch.

• This was a great apartment in a really nice location. The manager was helpful with suggestions – Shannon from Australia – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Very spacious apartment

• Best place to stay in Venice – Tal from United States – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, modern, great vibe, good AC.

• Exceptional – Marc from Qatar – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very well arranged .
  With an inner garden which is a rarity in Venice
  
  Extremely well mannered guest ( Mr. Simone )
  
  We will come back
  
  What could be improved: –

• Peaceful restful stay in a lovely location. – Angela from United Kingdom – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely quiet location all attractions easy to reach. Interesting property in an art gallery, modern and very clean. Outdoor area to have breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing I didn’t like.

• Awesome place – Aleksandra from United Kingdom – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful decor, comfortable flat, great area

• Simon was so friendly and helpful. The apartment was in a lovely location and very spacious – Tracey from Ireland – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Iliana from Bulgaria – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Nice location, beautiful and very extraordinary place, friendly people.

• Great stay, fantastic location. Would definitely recommend – Victoria from United Kingdom – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely property and very spacious

• Almost perfect. Great place to stay in an amazing city. – David from Australia – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  It was great accomodation in a superb location. Highly recommend.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities