City Apartments Corner Canal View

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon City Apartments Corner Canal View during one of those hazy Venetian afternoons last spring – you know, when the fog rolls off the lagoon and everything feels a bit dreamlike. I’d just hopped off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro, dodging the usual throng of day-trippers with their gelato cones, and wandered down those narrow calli in Cannaregio. The address is right there at Cannaregio 5915, tucked away on a quiet corner where the Rio di San Felice meets the bustle – well, relative bustle, since this neighborhood’s more about locals grabbing their morning espresso than the San Marco crowds. Honestly, finding it was a breeze if you follow the signs from Strada Nova; it’s not one of those hidden gems that leaves you circling for hours with your luggage. Check-in was straightforward, no frills – the staff (a mix of friendly Venetians and a helpful guy from the mainland) handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti. The building itself has that classic Venice vibe: creaky wooden stairs (mind you, no elevator, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor), exposed beams, and this faint, salty scent from the canal that seeps in through the windows. It’s not overly polished, but that’s part of the charm – feels like you’re crashing at a friend’s place rather than some sterile hotel chain.

What really hooked me was the canal view – I mean, the name doesn’t lie. My apartment overlooked the water, with these floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the golden light at sunset, turning the whole room into something out of a postcard. It’s set up like a proper little home: a kitchenette with a decent stove (perfect for whipping up pasta from the market at Rialto, which is just a 10-minute stroll away), comfy beds that don’t sag like some budget spots I’ve tried, and even a washer-dryer combo – a godsend after traipsing through puddles during acqua alta season. Mornings were my favorite; you’d hear the gentle lap of boats below, maybe a gondolier humming off-key, and the smell of fresh bread wafting from the panificio around the corner on Fondamenta della Sensa. It’s rated an 8, which feels spot-on – four stars without the pretension, you know? Sure, the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak tourist months (April to October, when everyone’s streaming their Venice vlogs), and the walls are thin enough to catch snippets of neighbors’ conversations, but that’s Venice for you. I spent evenings on the tiny balcony, sipping cheap prosecco, watching the world float by – beats any overpriced terrace in Dorsoduro.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to dive into real Venice without the tourist crush, this place is a solid pick. It’s close enough to the action – like a quick walk to the Jewish Ghetto for some history or a vaporetto ride to the islands – but far enough that nights are peaceful, save for the occasional church bell. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when rates dip and the canals aren’t jammed. Just remember to bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, and maybe skip the ground floor if you don’t fancy the humidity. All in all, it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret side of the city – authentic, unhurried, and worth every euro.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $210. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• great location, easy to get to all attractions and surrounded by great restaurants – Mark from Australia – 8 April 2023 (8/10)

  location
  
  What could be improved: shower and kitchen

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities