Elegant Fornasa Vecia, canal view with a beautiful garden R&R

Hotel Description

Oh man, I remember the first time I wandered into Cannaregio – it’s that underrated slice of Venice where the locals actually live, you know? Away from the San Marco circus with its endless pigeon flocks and overpriced gelato stands. I was dragging my suitcase over those bumpy bridges from the Santa Lucia train station, which is just a 10-minute stroll if you’re not lugging too much – pro tip: pack light, because Venice doesn’t do elevators in most spots. Anyway, I turned down Calle della Fornasa Vecia, this narrow little alley that feels like it’s straight out of a forgotten postcard, and there it was: Elegant Fornasa Vecia. Honestly, the name doesn’t do it justice – it’s got this elegant, old-world vibe without trying too hard, like a well-kept secret tucked right against a quiet canal. I checked in around dusk, and the staff were super chill, chatting about the best nearby bacari (those tiny wine bars) while handing over my key – no fuss, just a quick “benvenuto” and a smile that made me feel like I wasn’t just another tourist.

What really hooked me was the garden – oh, that garden. It’s not some manicured showpiece; it’s this lush, rambling space with overgrown vines climbing the walls and a few weathered benches overlooking the canal. I spent mornings out there with my coffee (they brew a decent espresso in the breakfast room, by the way – nothing fancy, but fresh pastries and fruit that hit the spot after a night of wandering). You’d hear the gentle lap of water against the stones, maybe a distant church bell from the Madonna dell’Orto nearby, and if you’re lucky, the scent of jasmine cutting through that faint, briny canal smell – Venice’s signature, I suppose, though it can get a bit ripe in summer heat. The rooms? Cozy and clean, with those classic wooden beams and canal views that make you want to fling open the shutters at dawn. Mine had a comfy bed that swallowed me up after dodging crowds on Strada Nova (great for picking up cheap masks or a quick bite at a cicchetti spot like All’Arco, if you venture a bit further). Well, sort of a minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, you’re in Venice – put the phone down and listen to the gondoliers humming outside. It’s a solid 4-star spot, rated around 8.9 for good reason, but it’s the quiet that seals it; Cannaregio winds down early, so no late-night racket except maybe a boat puttering by.

Look, if you’re plotting a Venice trip – especially in shoulder season like April or October when the fog rolls in and the hordes thin out – this place is gold for some real R&R. It’s not about flashy amenities; it’s that authentic feel of staying in a lived-in neighborhood, steps from the Jewish Ghetto’s hidden synagogues or a vaporetto stop to hop over to Murano. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just snapped photos of it. You know what? Book it if you want to wake up to birdsong in the garden instead of tour groups chanting below your window – trust me, it’s worth every euro.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $283. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Nice stay for only 4 people – Marie from United States – 2 July 2025 (9/10)

  Property was spacious and clean. In a quiet and nice area. The beds were comfortable, but the sofa bed is NOT comfortable at all.
  
  What could be improved: The sofa bed is not to sleep on it… it will hurt your back so much.

• Great apartment in quiet area – Ann from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely apartment in quiet area. Very comfy beds , bedrooms a good size and well equipped kitchen

• Great to be in Venice but a bit far from the center – Paul from Switzerland – 27 February 2025 (8/10)

  The size & some of the amenities (coffee machine, garden)
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom has no place to put stuff down.

• Great little apartment close to everything we needed – great value for money – Rhonda from Australia – 21 September 2024 (9/10)

  Once we found the place (a little tricky), we met the host who was very helpful. The apartment itself was lovely – very clean, comfortable and only a short walk to the water bus stop. Supermarket within 100m which was fabulous and plenty of good restaurants along the canal just behind us. Would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: A small bottle of milk in the fridge would be great so we could make tea/coffee on arrival, but not necessarily a complaint.

• Exceptional – Christina from Denmark – 3 August 2024 (10/10)

  The most amazing apartment in a very quiet neighborhood of Venice. Canal view and own patio. Supermarket 50 m away. Huge recommendation.

• Very good stay – Paula from France – 21 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location was just perfect for us because it was very calm and restful. The apartment is very well equipped.
  
  What could be improved: The floor was dirty, I sent a message to mention it but nobody answered neither cleaned it while we were here…

• Excellent property in a nice quiet part of Venice. Very well appointed with washing machine, dish washer, iron etc – Anne from United Kingdom – 19 April 2024 (9/10)

  Fully renovated, nice quiet area
  
  What could be improved: Some work being carried out on the canal, a bit of noise from 8am

• Exceptional – Jayanthi from United States – 10 March 2024 (10/10)

  Location is great. It's close to the water taxi station and easy walking distance to restaurants and bacaros.

• Fantastic – Caroline from United Kingdom – 29 October 2023 (10/10)

  Location. My favourite part of Venice. Lovely bars and restaurants nearby and a supermarket.
  
  What could be improved: Extra towels would of been great

• Superb – Inbal from Israel – 29 August 2023 (9/10)

  Close to water bus station and supermarket. Apt. Very clean. 2 showers. Aquiped kitchen. Washing macine+drier. Good AC.
  
  What could be improved: Alot of mosquitos.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities