Grimaldi Apartments Ca Del Moro

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Grimaldi Apartments Ca Del Moro kind of by accident last spring – I was wandering through Venice’s Castello district after ditching the overcrowded vaporetto at Arsenale, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a quieter, more lived-in side of the city. The address is tucked away on Calle del Pignater, this narrow little alley that’s all uneven cobblestones and faded frescoes on the walls, right off Via Garibaldi where locals grab their morning espresso and gossip over newspapers. It’s not smack in the middle of the San Marco chaos, which is a relief if you’ve ever tried navigating those packed bridges during high season – think May through September, when the crowds make everything feel like a mosh pit. I arrived a bit sweaty from the walk (no taxis in Venice, obviously), and the check-in was this low-key affair with a friendly manager who handed over keys and a handwritten map of nearby spots – no fancy lobby, just a creaky wooden door that opens into a courtyard smelling faintly of damp stone and blooming jasmine from someone’s window box.

What really won me over, though – well, besides the fact that these are actual apartments, not cookie-cutter hotel rooms – was how it captured that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. My place was on the second floor (stairs only, mind you, so pack light if you’re not into lugging suitcases), with these high ceilings and exposed beams that made it feel like you’d time-traveled a bit. The kitchenette was a godsend – I whipped up pasta with ingredients from the Rialto market, which is just a 15-minute stroll away, crossing over to San Polo if you’re up for it. Mornings, I’d hear the distant hum of boats on the lagoon and the chatter from the nearby bacari (those tiny wine bars locals love), but it was surprisingly peaceful at night, no blaring tour groups or street performers like you’d get closer to Piazza San Marco. The WiFi was decent for streaming, though it dipped a little in the evenings – nothing major, but hey, you’re in Venice, put the phone down and watch the sunset from the tiny balcony overlooking the rio. Oh, and the beds? Super comfy, with those crisp linens that smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sea air. It’s rated 8.9 for a reason, but if I had one nitpick, it’s that the bathroom’s on the smaller side – functional, sure, but you might bump elbows if you’re sharing with someone.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re actually living in Venice rather than just visiting, this place is a gem. It’s in Castello, so you’re close enough to hop over to the Biennale gardens for a shady walk (especially nice in the heat of July), or wander to hidden gems like the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore – that’s about a 10-minute meander past old shipyards. I mean, for a 4-star spot, it punches above its weight in charm and value, especially off-season when rates drop and the whole area quiets down to just the lap of water against the walls. I’d go back in a heartbeat – just remember to book early if you’re eyeing summer, or you’ll miss out on that perfect, unhurried slice of la dolce vita.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $383. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Laura from Italy – 12 June 2022 (10/10)

  location (good location while being in a relatively quiet area)
  appartment size (perfect for 4 people)
  services (small supermarkets and bars / restaurants all very close by)
  hosts (very helpful and always available)

• Timmee from Australia – 27 September 2024 (8/10)

  Great location. Quite a well equipped kitchen. Comfy kitchen table & having a sofa was good. Bathroom was excellent – plenty of towels, hot water, toiletries etc. I really appreciated the insect screens on the windows – meant I could sleep with windows open without being eaten alive.
  
  Outstanding communication from the owner … easy to get in & out & they checked in halfway through to make sure all ok.
  
  A greeting baskets of sweet treats & a cold bottle of water & beer were lovely touches.
  
  What could be improved: Very little (tiny things like more dishwashing liquid was needed & a second tea towel for my stay of 4 days. A sharper knife would have been good. I also found the bed hard but this has been a common experience in Italy so I think it may be just a country difference.)

• Lisa from United Kingdom – 3 July 2023 (8/10)

  Great location not too far from Arsenale Vaporetto stop. Apartment was clean and well presented, comfy beds and the air conditioning work seamlessly, really lovely place to stay.

• Hocenski from Croatia – 6 April 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment was absolutely perfect. Everything new and beautifully decorated, clean and equipped with everything you need. The location is also perfect, it is a quiet little street with a lovely restaurant, close to everything you want to see while in Venice. The owners are very helpful and easy to communicate with. We will definitely pick this apartment for our next stay in Venice!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect!

• Silin from Germany – 19 August 2022 (9/10)

  great location , and really clean!
  
  What could be improved: air conditioner doesn’t work. 🙁

• Shayla from United States – 20 June 2022 (10/10)

  The apartment was very cute and clean with necessities provided. The location was great! On such a cute street and close to everything. But the best part was the owner. She was so helpful and nice. She was very detailed in directions to apartment, but also gave other advice about the city itself, where to store luggage, what water bus to take. She made our stay extremely enjoyable. If I have the pleasure of coming back to Venice, I will definitely stay here again.

• Nikkisha from United States – 7 June 2022 (10/10)

  I liked that the apartment was in a good location and that it was not on the ground level, and also that the rooms were on different floors so we could have a little more space. The beds were comfortable and the air conditioner worked great.
  
  What could be improved: The trash situation was a little different but that is through the city and not a reflection of the host.

• Martin from Switzerland – 21 April 2022 (10/10)

  Before, during and after our stay we were very well looked after. The apartment is located very centrally – makes you feel the vibe of the city. It’s well equipped for a longer stay – we will come back!
  
  What could be improved: I know that there are people who would nick everything that looks precious. It’s a shame that for that reason hosts can’t go for a slightly higher standard in cutlery and dishes. But this host at least tried.

• Teemu from Finland – 5 July 2022 (8/10)

  We participated in Biennale Theatro and were pleased with our selection of accommodation. Location was good. Arsenale vaporetto/alilaguna stop was near. Good restaurants, bars/cafes and grocery shops near and you can walk easily to many destinations (if you don't mind bridge steps). Apartment was clean and equipped well. Staff answered questions and check-in was easy enough. Washing machines were helpful and ironing board and iron was found, although not mentioned in room details.
  
  What could be improved: Air-condition machines need some maintainence. Although it worked, adjustments did not always function properly. Also, instructions for the machine would be nice (I found them on the internet, though).
  
  Please check details with staff, since all information in Booking.com was not accurate – luckily for our benefit.
  
  Recycling would be easier, if there were designated trash cans and clear labels and instructions, as in many accommodations in Italy.

• Paola from Italy – 29 October 2024 (9/10)

  buona posizione per la colazione
  
  What could be improved: materassi (un po' troppo duri)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities