Domus Cavanis

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Accademia – you know, that stop right by the bridge over the Grand Canal – and weaving my way down Rio Terà Foscarini with my suitcase bumping along the uneven stones. It’s one of those tucked-away spots in Dorsoduro that feels more like real Venice than the tourist crush around San Marco. Honestly, Domus Cavanis caught my eye right away; it’s this unassuming three-star place attached to a convent or something – wait, actually, it’s run by a religious group, which gives it this calm, no-frills vibe. No flashy lobby here, just a simple check-in desk with a friendly nun-like receptionist who handed over the key without much fuss. I mean, if you’re arriving late like I did, after a delayed train from Milan, it’s a relief not to deal with crowds or attitude. The building’s got that classic Venetian charm – think faded pink walls and wooden shutters creaking in the breeze – but inside, it’s clean and straightforward, with a faint scent of fresh laundry drifting through the halls. Oh, and parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so you’re on foot or by boat, but the location makes up for it – you’re steps from the Zattere promenade, where locals grab gelato and watch the sunset over the Giudecca Canal.

What really stuck with me about staying there was how it sort of blends into the neighborhood without trying too hard. My room was on the smaller side – typical for these old buildings, you know? – with a bed that was comfy enough after a day of pounding the pavements, and a tiny balcony overlooking the rio, where I could hear the gentle lap of water against the boats in the morning. No air conditioning blasting like in some over-the-top hotels, but the thick walls kept it cool even in July’s humidity, and there was this old-fashioned ceiling fan that hummed softly at night. Breakfast was included, nothing gourmet – just croissants, coffee from a machine, and those little yogurts – served in a courtyard that felt peaceful, especially early before the day-trippers flood in. I appreciated the practical touches, like the free Wi-Fi that actually worked (a rarity in some Venetian spots) and the fact that it’s quiet here; Dorsoduro isn’t party central, so you won’t get woken by rowdy groups stumbling back from Campo Santa Margherita, which is just a short walk away if you want that scene. Well, sort of – there was a bit of church bell ringing from nearby, but it added to the atmosphere, you know? And for a 3-star with a solid 7 rating, it’s honest value; not luxurious, but reliable, especially if you’re traveling solo or on a budget and want to splurge on vaporetto passes instead.

Look, if you’re planning a trip to Venice and don’t want to blow your euros on something flashy, Domus Cavanis is worth considering – especially in shoulder seasons like April or October, when the crowds thin out and you can actually enjoy wandering to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is literally around the corner. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are basic, with those skinny showers that make you contort a bit, and if you’re picky about elevators, note that it’s a walk-up for some rooms. But that’s Venice for you – charmingly imperfect. I left feeling like I’d gotten a genuine slice of the city, not some sanitized version, and I’d go back in a heartbeat for that quiet authenticity.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $116. Single Room for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $161. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $224. Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $289. Quadruple Room with 1 sofa bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 bunk beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Zohra from United Arab Emirates – 14 November 2022 (7/10)

  the Italian man was amazing amaaaazing he made me feel so happy and welcomed so polite
  
  What could be improved: an other blond lady in the morning did exactly the opposite thing , she was rood to say that breakfast time is over , without showing any empathy, she even continued saying no no , when could say I’m sorry that breakfast is over but we can do something chargeable exp she also gave more than double price for next night

• Megi from Albania – 16 January 2025 (6/10)

  quiet neighboorhood
  
  What could be improved: thin walls

• Deepak from India – 9 November 2024 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: It is not main hotel but a extended part of another hotel
  For every need you have to come out and reach to reception at another hotel

• Rebecca from Australia – 7 November 2024 (8/10)

  Loved the location , loved the world of Venice . Convenient easy to find location . I enjoyed the privacy , it's just a door on the street with a code and you enter a world of old magnificence of a by gone era . There's no one to bother , you just make your own way to the room . The reception is actually in a building on the opposite side of the street , where the breakfast is also .
  
  What could be improved: Really small room , quite dark and closed in but the bathroom was spacious and light with fresh air and windows that opened that balanced out the small room .

• Brooke from Australia – 9 October 2024 (6/10)

  Great for a movie set, room was renovated really beautiful however they forget the fix up the bath room. Breakfast served off site. Quite inclusive breakfast though.
  
  What could be improved: WiFi , hair dryer, shower, toilet cistern were not working well, we booked king size bed but was two beds together

• Andrea from France – 6 October 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The breakfast. Room too small and very crowded, long wait to eat

• Mahesh from Germany – 27 August 2024 (6/10)

  Location was super central…
  
  What could be improved: Facilities and comfort…

• Evaldas from Lithuania – 19 August 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Breakfast Cafe lady was annoying af.

• Maria from Canada – 10 August 2024 (8/10)

  Very good

• Katie from United Kingdom – 4 August 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Room was very hot

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities