Castello Canal View

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Castello Canal View kind of by accident last spring – I’d been wandering around Venice for a couple of days, dodging the crowds in San Marco, and honestly, I was ready for something a bit more low-key. It’s tucked away in the Sestiere di Castello, on the second floor (piano 2, as they say here) of this old building right off Via Garibaldi – you know, that wide street where locals actually hang out, grabbing espresso at little bars or picking up groceries from the floating market boats. Getting there was a breeze; I hopped off the vaporetto at Arsenale stop and it was just a five-minute stroll, lugging my bag over those uneven stone paths that make Venice feel so timeless. Check-in was straightforward – the owner, this chatty guy named Marco, greeted me like an old friend, handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood spots, no fuss with long lines or anything. The place isn’t flashy; it’s more like staying in a converted palazzo, with those high ceilings and creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when you walk (which, I mean, adds to the charm, but pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper).

What really won me over was the view – oh man, the name doesn’t lie. My room overlooked this narrow canal, and in the mornings, I’d wake up to the soft lapping of water against the walls and gondoliers calling out to each other. It’s not one of those massive Grand Canal vistas, but it’s intimate, you know? Like peeking into real Venetian life – laundry hanging from lines across the way, the occasional speedboat zipping by with deliveries. The rooms are cozy, sort of understated elegant with those heavy drapes and marble bathrooms that feel luxurious without trying too hard. Breakfast was a highlight too; they serve it on a little terrace if the weather’s nice – fresh cornetti, strong coffee, and that salty sea air mixing with the smell of baking bread from nearby forni. It’s a solid 4-star spot, rated around 8.3 last I checked, which feels spot-on; nothing over-the-top, but everything’s clean and thoughtful. Well, one minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s online, but hey, you’re in Venice – put the phone down and go explore. And speaking of seasons, avoid peak summer if you can; Castello gets quieter then, but the humidity makes everything stickier.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Venice rather than just visiting, this is your spot. It’s away from the tourist crush – think easy walks to the Biennale gardens or that hidden gem of a church, San Pietro di Castello, where you can sit and watch the world go by without a soul around. Prices aren’t outrageous for what you get, especially off-season, and there’s no parking hassle since, well, cars don’t exist here – just boats and your own two feet. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little secret, and honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back to places like this. If you’re planning a trip, book a canal-facing room – trust me, those sunsets over the water are worth it. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $196. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 bunk bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Rea from Slovenia – 2 March 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, very nice apartment. Particularly the view to the canal is fantastic. Excellent to visit the Biennale or Piazza San Marco

• Iva from Czech Republic – 16 April 2024 (9/10)

  Tasteful and clean, in authentic place. Pleasant large kitchen and living room.
  
  What could be improved: We prefer separated bed sheets, not big blankets, when it is cold season, but it is usual in Italy. And we were little missing wardrobe for hanging dresses (just drawers)

• Ana-maria from United Kingdom – 15 April 2024 (9/10)

  Property is beautiful and perfectly located, in the middle of a buzzing neighbourhood but away and tranquil with a view of the canal!!
  Very well equipped and with great character. The host had great recommendations for eateries and things to do and very easy to communicate and available all the time.

• Ana from Romania – 28 March 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing apartament, view of the canal, venetian furniture very original but also modern

• Andrea from Slovenia – 14 March 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, close to the Biennale and San Marco, at the same time in a quite street close to a lively neighbourhood. House furnished with taste and care. Fantastic view of the canal and the Arsenale
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Pandora from United Kingdom – 27 May 2024 (7/10)

  The host reached out to me on Whatsapp a week before my arrival to give me instructions, which was nice and gave me an easy way to contact them. They were accommodating with my late arrival and had a lock box prepared. On departure they offered to store our luggage for the day which was very convenient. The host answered my call on whatsapp immediately when needed.
  
  What could be improved: There was an issue with the power when we tried to use the oven and hob and the power to the entire unit cut out. The host came within 5 min to help us out, but told us we can't use multiple appliances at the same time, such as dishwasher and hairdryer or hob and oven, which severely affected our ability to use them. The floor was dusty on arrival.
  Edit: The host contacted me to say they have fixed the electricity issue for future visits.

• Lukáš from Czech Republic – 5 July 2024 (9/10)

  Klid a čistota.

• Maiana from Brazil – 4 June 2024 (9/10)

  A localização foi otima, porque ficava a 10 minutos a pé da entrada da Biennale. Na rua principal tinha supermercado que usamos para comprar todo o cafe da manha e lanche. Tinha otimos restaurantes também. Além disso tem um quarto pequeno separado que cabe duas pessoas.
  
  What could be improved: Ficava no segundo andar e tivemos que levar as malas. Não tem elevador.

• Katarzyna from Poland – 5 May 2024 (9/10)

  Lokalizacja
  Wnętrze
  Miły personel

• Jole from Italy – 7 April 2024 (9/10)

  tutto
  
  What could be improved: nulla

SURROUNDINGS

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