Charming large palazzo in center Venice for up to 9 people

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon this place during a trip to Venice last spring, right when the crowds were starting to thicken but before the summer madness hit. It’s called the Charming Large Palazzo in Center Venice – yeah, the name’s a bit of a mouthful, but honestly, it fits. Tucked away at 5826 Cannaregio, in that labyrinth of narrow alleys off the Strada Nova, it’s in one of those spots where you feel like you’ve escaped the tourist crush around San Marco. I remember arriving by vaporetto from the Santa Lucia station – it’s just a 10-minute walk if you don’t get lost in the calle (which, let’s be real, everyone does the first time). The exterior is this grand old palazzo facade, all weathered stone and arched windows that whisper stories from the Renaissance – or at least that’s what I imagined as I lugged my suitcase over the uneven pavements. No parking worries here, obviously, since Venice is car-free, but if you’re coming with a group, pack light because those bridges can be a workout.

Stepping inside, well, it’s like being handed the keys to your own slice of Venetian history. This place sleeps up to nine, spread across what feels like a sprawling apartment in a converted palace – think high ceilings with exposed beams that creak just a little when the wind picks up off the lagoon, and those classic terrazzo floors that stay cool even in the humid afternoons. The rooms are a mix: some with views over the canal where you can hear the gentle lap of water and the occasional gondolier humming (romantic, sure, but earplugs help if you’re a light sleeper during busy seasons). The kitchen’s fully kitted out – I whipped up pasta with fresh clams from the nearby Rialto market, which is a quick 15-minute stroll away, dodging the fruit vendors on Campo San Felice. It’s got that lived-in charm, you know? Not overly polished like some chain hotels, but with quirks like slightly uneven stairs (watch your step after a few spritzes) and a communal living area that’s perfect for groups – we played cards there late into the night, the air thick with the scent of espresso and that faint, briny canal smell that seeps in everywhere in Venice. Check-in was a breeze; the host met us with keys and a map scribbled with insider tips, like the best cicchetti bars in the Jewish Ghetto just around the corner – try the one on Fondamenta della Misericordia for sardines that melt in your mouth.

All in all, if you’re traveling with family or friends and want something more authentic than a sterile hotel room, this palazzo nails it – rated a solid 9.1 for good reason, though it’s only three stars, which sort of undersells the vibe. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and during high water in fall, you might need wellies to venture out. But that’s Venice for you – unpredictable and utterly captivating. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when Cannaregio feels like your secret neighborhood, away from the day-trippers. If you’re after space, history, and that real-deal immersion without breaking the bank, book it – just remember to wander over to the Madonna dell’Orto church nearby for Tintoretto’s masterpieces; it’s one of those quiet gems locals love.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $603. Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 single bed for Max persons: 9

Reviews

• Perfect, nothing else to say. – Susan from United Kingdom – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful property, great location
  
  What could be improved: Quite a lot of stairs so not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. But that wasn’t a problem for us.

• The seven of us had a wonderful three days in Venice. – Eric from United States – 16 April 2025 (10/10)

  Convenient location.
  Nice view of the canals from the balcony.
  Large spacious rooms in common area.
  Very responsive host who was helpful in making our arrival plans and agreeable to letting us store our luggage earlier in the day, prior to check-in time.

• Exceptional – Murali from Australia – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Hands down the best stay I have ever had in my life.
  
  A historic building 400 to 500 years old ( So I was told) with ample space for 2 families to be generously accommodated and tastefully decorated with so many artefacts that gave us a regal feeling while staying.
  
  The owner is clearly a connoisseur of art, making each of the 5 bedrooms a unique proposition to stay each night. Not only was the accommodation reeking of comfort, there were also ample amenities to make our stay absolutely memorable.
  
  The dining room was the highlight of all, and the copper cutlery, cups, and plates provided even made us consider recreating "the last supper" image 😀
  
  The host Guilia was fabulous, not to forget she has a one year old that requires her dedicated attention. She was always responsive and was kind enough to send her brother Lorenzo to pick us up from the Rialto ferry station and take us to the apartment in person explaining all the facilities.
  
  But one must have to climb up quite some stairs and thus is not recommended for those with weak knees.
  
  The gorgeous venice settings added their own charm to the apartment, and the stay was totally memorable.

• Great location, apartment was very spacious – Holly from Canada – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great stay, host was very accommodating. Would recommend. We were a party of 8 and were very comfortable with these accommodations.

• Exceptional – Alexander from United States – 6 February 2025 (10/10)

  I'm a professor from the States. I brought students to Venice to hole up and write ghost stories. This was the perfect homebase. Huge. Atmospheric. Very comfortable. Great view. Great location. Unique decor. Quiet courtyard. They say Venice IS imagination. This was imagination, too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Superb – Mary from Ireland – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  Loved the spacious

• Exceptional – Olga from Russia – 19 December 2024 (10/10)

  autentic venezian atmosfer 🤩
  
  What could be improved: no

• Only stayed 2 nights .everything so is easy to reach, Rialto bridge in 2 minutes walk – Joseph from United Kingdom – 6 September 2024 (10/10)

  Everything, this apartment is stunning.
  
  What could be improved: Quite a few steps to reach as a second floor apartment, would not recommend for anyone disabled, but for others this place was beyond fabulous.

• Superb centrally located , character and spacious 1st floor apartment. – Clare from United Kingdom – 5 September 2024 (8/10)

  Amazing central location. 5 minutes stroll to Rialto and exceptional views of three canals from windows. Enormous space and loads of character. Shabby chic! Was met personally at water dock.
  
  What could be improved: No freezer compartment and ice machine broken . 30 degrees all week so needed ice ! Poor shower flow and temp regulation. Balcony windows need shutters or blinds as very hot without shade. Facility needed to pay tourist tax online /by card.

• It's a real-life Palace!!! – Courtneyb17 from United States – 23 August 2024 (9/10)

  What a place! This palace was over the top, it made us feel like royalty! Traveling with 3 adults and 3 teenage boys, we all had our own rooms and bathrooms for the most part. We used the dining room the first night and stayed up talking until 3 AM! The balcony and sitting area were the boys' favorite spots to hang out when they weren't out wandering the streets. We loved that the entrance was in a dead-end courtyard. The location was close enough to the Rialto and Piazza San Marco but still far enough away that we didn't feel like tourists. This may be our new favorite spot to stay when we visit Venice in the future.
  
  What could be improved: Given that it was a large early-century palace, air conditioning "penguins" were only available in 2 of the rooms while the others had fans. Staying here in the middle of summer was probably not the best idea but a shower at night before bed helped keep everyone cooler when sleeping.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities