Dimora Contarini Charm Apartment on Grand Canal

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Ca’ Rezzonico stop – you know, that elegant palace museum just a stone’s throw away – and weaving through those narrow calli in Dorsoduro to find Dimora Contarini. It’s tucked right on the Grand Canal at 1057 Sestiere Dorsoduro, ground floor, which honestly makes it feel like you’ve scored a secret hideaway in Venice’s artsy quarter. No grand lobby or doorman fuss; check-in was this casual handover from the host, who popped by with keys and a quick chat about the best cicchetti spots nearby – like that little bacaro on Campo Santa Margherita where locals grab spritzes after work. The place is more apartment than hotel, with that lived-in charm of exposed beams and terracotta floors that creak just a bit underfoot, reminding you this building’s been here since, well, forever. I mean, it’s rated a perfect 10 for a reason – four stars, but it punches way above with those massive windows framing the canal like your own private postcard. Waking up to the soft lap of water against the stone and the distant hum of a gondolier’s oar? That’s the Venice you dream about, not the San Marco crowds.

What really sets it apart, though – and this is from someone who’s wandered these sestieri enough times to know – is how it blends that old-world elegance with practical touches that make staying put a breeze. The kitchenette’s stocked just right for whipping up a quick pasta with ingredients from the Rialto market (pro tip: go early to beat the tour groups), and there’s even a washer-dryer, which saved me after a rainy day slogging over the Accademia Bridge. It’s quiet here in Dorsoduro, especially off-season in late fall when the fog rolls in and the canal smells faintly briny, almost romantic – though, fair warning, ground floor means you might catch a whiff of high tide if Acqua Alta decides to visit, but they’ve got barriers ready. I loved curling up on the plush sofa with a book, listening to the faint chatter from Squero di San Trovaso down the way, where they still build gondolas by hand. No parking headaches, obviously – this is car-free Venice – but if you’re hauling luggage from Piazzale Roma, it’s a doable 20-minute walk or a short water taxi ride. Sort of pricey in peak summer, when everything’s buzzing, but that’s when the outdoor terrace (yeah, it has one) becomes your sunset sanctuary, away from the vaporettos churning by.

Honestly, if you’re after that authentic slice of La Serenissima without the tourist trap vibe, this is it. Couples will adore the intimacy – picture sharing prosecco on the canal-facing balcony – and families get space to spread out. It’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi can glitch if too many folks are streaming, but who comes to Venice for screens? Book it for a week, wander to the Peggy Guggenheim nearby, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually lived here, not just visited.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $302. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Penny from Spain – 22 November 2024 (10/10)

  Location perfect, being on the grand canal was magical, quiet area but close enough to walk to the busier areas, close to the water bus station useful, warm and cosy which in November was a necessity!
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing to dislike!

• Evi from United States – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  This place exceeded our expectations! First, its location is unbeatable—right on the canal. You take a water taxi to get to the palace, the stunning view right from the window and everything is within walking distance. Second, the host was incredibly gracious, offering recommendations for local restaurants (the two of his recommendations were superb!), checking in to see if we needed anything, and making sure we felt at home. The apartment itself is spacious, full of historical charm (16th century), and even comes with a washer-dryer combo as a bonus. We feel so lucky to have stayed here!!

• Fabrice from France – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  An amazing XVI vénitian palace
  Amazing place
  And Thank you Alessandro for amazing restaurant adresses
  All was perfect

• Kathy from United States – 14 March 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment, great size, well-equipped, very modern, spotless, drop off and pick up on the dock was so convenient and gorgeous views onto the Grand Canal.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing, it was perfect for my husband and I.

• Lesley from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was perfect ! Everything immaculate , so many extras left by the host Alessandro , beautiful bed linen and huge towels – fabulous superking extremely comfortable bed, masses of storage , superb
  shower room , excellent
  power shower ,
  everything you needed in
  the kitchen – everything !
  Stunning views from the
  sitting room right onto
  the canal . Location perfect – Alessandro arranged everything for us , taxi at airport and water taxi right to the door – and back again 👍🏻👍🏻 recommend a lovely restaurant for our first night – I cannot recommend this apartment highly enough . If you are lucky enough to find it available DO NOT hesitate to book it ! Thank-you Alessandro for making our first experience of beautiful Venice so memorable 🤗🤗
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing !

• Zoe from Greece – 21 February 2025 (10/10)

  Alessandro was the perfect host. Extremely attentive, he answered all our questions and recommended fantastic restaurants. Could not ask for more. It was such a great experience to stay in a palazzo and the flat was beyond our expectations.

• Htein from United Kingdom – 16 February 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Very friendly host. Very good view ( from outside of apartment ). We really enjoyed staying there!
  
  What could be improved: We really enjoy staying there. So no complaint!

• Emma from Austria – 11 February 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location
  Alessandro was a friendly host and did everything possible to make sure our stay was comfortable.

• Cielo from United States – 5 January 2025 (10/10)

  This was the best place we could have stayed in while in Venice! Staying at this beautiful apartment truly elevated our experience in the city and made for an unforgettable trip. The apartment is a blend of antique Venetian style with a modern kitchen and bathroom. It was perfect for our family of 4, the beds were super comfortable and the place was spotless. Everything was fully equipped and our host, Alessandro, even left us some delicious goodies for our stay. Alessandro was the best host we could ask for! He was very attentive and communicative from the start. He met us at the waterbus station when we arrived and gave us a very detailed tour of the surrounding neighborhood and the apartment itself. The apartment is located right on the Grand Canal, so its in a central and safe area and its super easy to get to the main sites on foot. Not only that, but he also gave us the best restaurant recommendations and even made a reservation for us to catch a watertaxi upon our departure (which picked us up right on the apartment’s dock)! He was extremely kind and really made our stay at his place a dream. We won’t hesitate to come back to Alessandro’s place on our next trip to Venice!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Zdenek from Australia – 1 January 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is in a convenient location by Academia bridge, with views on of Grand Canal traffic and boat access. Spotless clean place recently renovated in modern functional style. This is complemented by carefully selected furniture pieces resembling the artistic traditions of Venice. The exceptional assistance received from the owner went beyond our expectations considering our short stay.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities