Doge’s House

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Doge’s House almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – I’d been wandering the back alleys of Castello after getting off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria, and there it was, tucked away on Calle Ruga Giuffa, this unassuming little gem that feels like it’s been waiting for you to find it. Honestly, in a city where everything’s either overcrowded or overpriced, this place is a breath of fresh air. It’s in that sweet spot – close enough to the action but far enough from the throngs around St. Mark’s Square that you can actually hear the church bells from Santa Maria Formosa without the constant hum of tour groups. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season (early October, when the summer crowds thin out but the weather’s still golden), and the check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly local guy at the desk who chatted about the best nearby osteria for cicchetti while handing over my key. The building itself has that classic Venetian vibe, with worn marble steps and high ceilings that echo a bit when you walk in, but it’s been spruced up without losing its soul. Oh, and fair warning: Venice being Venice, there’s no parking – you’ll want to leave your bags light if you’re hauling them from the train station, or splurge on a water taxi to avoid the bridges.

What really won me over, though, were the rooms – mine was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet canal where you could smell the faint saltiness of the lagoon in the mornings. It’s a solid 4-star setup, but with these thoughtful touches that make it feel more like a boutique hideaway: crisp linens on a bed that’s actually comfortable (not the rock-hard ones you sometimes get in older European spots), a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary water – which is a lifesaver after trekking around – and even a little balcony where I sipped espresso watching gondoliers glide by at dusk. Breakfast is included, and it’s no joke – fresh pastries from a bakery down the street, decent coffee (not the watery stuff), and eggs made to order, all served in this cozy courtyard that buzzes softly with other guests swapping stories. I mean, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s online, and the walls are a tad thin, so you might hear the occasional neighbor’s footsteps – but that’s Venice for you, sort of adds to the charm if you’re not a light sleeper. The staff, well, they’re the real MVPs – one evening, when I got turned around in the labyrinth of alleys near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, I called and they guided me back step by step, even recommending a hidden gelateria on the way.

All in all, if you’re heading to Venice and want somewhere that feels authentic without the tourist trap vibes, Doge’s House is where it’s at. It’s got that 9.5 rating for a reason – people rave about it because it’s the kind of place where you linger over breakfast instead of rushing out, or unwind with a glass of prosecco on your balcony after dodging pigeons in Piazza San Marco (which is just a 10-minute stroll away, by the way, past some great little shops on Salizada San Lio). Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but for what you get – that mix of history, comfort, and genuine hospitality – it’s worth every euro. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the quieter months like April or November when the city’s magic really shines through without the chaos.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $424. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Ann from United States – 15 May 2023 (10/10)

  Our stay was great! We loved the location – easy walk to St. Mark's Square. We were surprised with prosecco for the evening and coffee and biscuits for breakfast! The apartment was great with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths – and a washer and dryer!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Louisa from United Kingdom – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  New facilities. Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Great location. Everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Regina from United Kingdom – 22 October 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment in a great location. Met by host even though it was raining really hard! Great restaurants nearby
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Cheryl from United States – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great. It was close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Getting our suitcases from the water boat to the apartment was challenging. There were a few sets of steps crossing canals. There are also steps to go up into the apartment.

• Lillian from Hong Kong – 12 September 2024 (10/10)

  Very comfortable apartment, well fitted and equipped, located centrally. The host is very helpful in every way.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dorina from Romania – 14 August 2024 (10/10)

  The location is spacious, elegant and well positioned in front of the main tourist attractions, we were able to enjoy many facilities (kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and others), the staff was great, helped us with an earlier check in. It was a good choice for a bday trip!
  
  What could be improved: ——
  
  Everything was wonderful, beyond expectations

• Asmasadat from Portugal – 8 August 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was fantastic. Highly recommend it.

• Ram from United States – 28 July 2024 (10/10)

  Clean, comfortable beds, nice air conditioning and nice shower.
  
  What could be improved: None

• Sofi from North Macedonia – 27 May 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, very clean and comfortable.

• Madolyn from United States – 27 April 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely loved the location. Central to everything. The apartment was lovely. The host made sure we had all the creature comforts. Coffee and Tea bar well stocked. A nice cold bottle of Prosecco to enjoy upon our arrival. The bedrooms were large and the beds very comfortable. The apartment only a very short walk from the water taxi dock. Super easy to access. The host was very responsive, quick to assist and helpful in every way.
  
  I recommend private water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to the San Zaccaria Monument water port. Only a 5-7 minute walk from there to apartment. There will be a few canals you will have to take the steps up and over. Packing light is recommended.
  
  What could be improved: I have nothing to add here. There was truly nothing I did not like.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities