Corte Emo

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Corte Emo kind of by accident last spring when I was wandering through Cannaregio after ditching the crowds at the Rialto Bridge – honestly, that area’s a madhouse in high season, all those tour groups clogging the bridges. It’s tucked away on Calle Emo, this narrow little alley off the main drag of Strada Nova, where locals actually shop for their daily bread and cheese at those tiny markets that smell like fresh prosciutto and aged Parmesan. I mean, Venice is all about getting lost in those calli, right? But finding this place felt like a win – no big signs screaming “hotel,” just a discreet door leading into a quiet courtyard (corte, as they call it here) with potted geraniums spilling over the edges and the faint echo of church bells from nearby Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this chatty Venetian guy named Marco – well, I think that was his name – handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood, warning me about the high water in November if I ever come back then. No parking to worry about, obviously, since cars are a myth in Venice, but it’s a short walk from the Santa Lucia train station if you’re hauling luggage (pro tip: take the vaporetto from there to avoid the hassle).

What really sold me on Corte Emo was how it captures that old-school Venetian vibe without trying too hard – it’s a 3-star spot, so don’t expect marble spas or infinity pools, but the rooms are cozy, with these creaky wooden beams overhead and windows that let in the morning light filtering through the canals. Mine overlooked a sliver of the Rio di San Felice, and yeah, there was that occasional whiff of brackish water, but it’s part of the charm, you know? Breakfast was simple but solid – fresh croissants, cappuccino that actually tastes like it’s from Italy, not some watered-down tourist trap – served in a little dining area where you can hear the gondoliers calling out early in the morning. It’s in a sweet spot for exploring: a 10-minute stroll to the Jewish Ghetto with its hidden synagogues and kosher bakeries (grab a falafel from that spot on Campo del Ghetto Nuovo if you’re peckish), or hop on a vaporetto from Fondamente Nove for a quick ride to Murano. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night – no blaring music from bars like you’d get in San Marco – though the bells do ring at dawn, which sort of wakes you up in the best way. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, especially during peak tourist months like July, but hey, who needs Instagram when you’re in Venice?

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of the city without the hefty price tag – we’re talking an 8.3 rating for a reason – Corte Emo is a gem. It’s not perfect; the stairs might be a workout if you’ve got heavy bags (no elevator, classic old building), and rooms are on the snug side, but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat for that feeling of living like a local, sipping espresso while watching the world – or at least the canal traffic – go by. If you’re planning a trip, aim for shoulder season like April or October; it’s less crowded, and places like this shine even brighter.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $199. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Corte Emo – Louisa from New Zealand – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Fabulous location close to everything. Easy 7 mins walk from train station and 9 mins from bus stop for airport.
  Really spacious apartment that had everything we needed.
  Comfortable beds.
  Would definitely recommend and return to this accommodation.
  Allowed us early check-in, which was very useful.

• Adorable accommodation with balcony and spiral staircase. – Christopher from United States – 3 June 2025 (9/10)

  I was absolutely charmed by this accommodation. I LOVED the spiral staircase leading up to the second bedroom, and the balcony room. It was super easy to get to from the train station, and is near the fruit market. Due to the train strike, we were delayed in our arrival, but I was able to communicate with Nicoletta via Whatsapp, and she send me the code to get in, so we had no problems checking in when we finally arrived at 11 pm. The place felt really big, and it felt like we had a whole house to ourselves. I would have loved to stay there for longer.
  
  What could be improved: If you're on the taller side, you'll have to duck upstairs and in the upstairs bathroom since it has the ceiling slant.

• Good – Ivan from Bulgaria – 1 May 2025 (7/10)

  – Great location, picked it specifically because it is close to the bus and train stations and I also love the neighborhood.
  – Classic pretty old venetian home, just as expected.
  – The host was there when we arrived as promised.
  
  What could be improved: – We were asked to pay an unexpected additional fee of 80 euro (4 people, 5 nights).
  – Bathroom and toilet doors could not be locked.
  – Sent a question to the host – it's been over 30 hours, still no response. Doesn't matter what the answer would be, it would have been to have received it.
  – Just one set of keys – not a big issue but an additional set would make sense, the property hosts 4 people.

• Beautiful apartment, challenging access. – Isolina from United States – 17 April 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location, large and spacious, quiet, nice kitchen, responsive owner
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs to reach entrance, awkward access via spiral stairs to second set of rooms.

• Great base for a family to explore Venice – Aoife from United Kingdom – 31 August 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is in a great location for exploring Cannereggio and beyond. Plenty places to eat and buy food within a short walk. Nicoletta was very responsive in communicating beforehand and flexible when we had to change our check in time. Highest praise goes to her very kind and patient Dad who rescued my engagement ring after if slipped down the sink. The apartment was fully equipped with everything we needed. The air conditioning in both main rooms was very welcome in the August heat.

• It was very nice. The air conditioning was great. – Richard from United Kingdom – 26 August 2024 (7/10)

  Location and lots of room
  
  What could be improved: Little water pressure

• Superb – Jiyoung from South Korea – 30 July 2024 (9/10)

  way better than I expected.
  clean , cool , spacious with beautiful pictures and decorations. felt like home. spent perfect last two days in Venice there in Corte emo.
  thank you.

• Very clean good location staff really helpful – Jacqueline from United Kingdom – 3 June 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: The shower and seating in the evening no relaxing chairs

• Excellent Location, good facilities, upstairs balconies and drying room. – Jones from Australia – 27 May 2024 (7/10)

  Excellent Location, good facilities, upstairs balconies and drying room.
  
  What could be improved: Both showers need a complete overhaul. Both bathrooms need more shelves to store shower bags makeup etc.

• Clean and tidy apartment in a great location. – Chris from New Zealand – 25 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, near Venice SL station and multiple supermarkets. Clean and tidy apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities