Guesthouse Ca’ San Marcuola 1

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Guesthouse Ca’ San Marcuola 1 during a solo trip to Venice last spring, right when the crowds were starting to thin out after Easter but before the summer hordes descended. I’d just hopped off the train at Santa Lucia station – it’s literally a 10-minute walk from there, dodging the occasional suitcase-wheeling tourist along the Strada Nova. The check-in’s a bit quirky; it’s not at the actual guesthouse on Cannaregio 1763, but over at Campo San Geremia 290/A, this little square with a church that’s got that classic Venetian patina – you know, weathered stone and bells that chime softly in the afternoon. Honestly, it threw me off at first, lugging my bag across the campo, but the staff were so laid-back about it, handing over keys with a quick chat about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti. The guesthouse itself is tucked into one of those narrow calli in Cannaregio, away from the San Marco madness, which means you’re in the real Venice – think locals chatting in dialect over morning coffee, not just selfie sticks everywhere.

Stepping inside, it’s got that cozy, lived-in vibe of an old Venetian palazzo turned guesthouse – three stars, sure, but with way more charm than some flashy spots I’ve stayed in. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet canal where you could hear the gentle lap of water against the walls at night, and occasionally a gondolier’s distant hum (though, fair warning, it can get a tad echoey if there’s a late-night boat passing). The bed was firm but comfy, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender soap – nothing extravagant, but spotless and practical for crashing after a day of wandering. I mean, the bathroom’s compact, like most places in Venice, with a shower that takes a second to warm up, but hey, it works, and there’s even a little kitchenette if you want to brew your own espresso from the market on Rio Terà San Leonardo, just a stone’s throw away. What really sold me was the location – you’re steps from the Jewish Ghetto, with its hidden synagogues and that poignant history, or you could wander to the vaporetto stop at Ca’ d’Oro for a quick ride to the Rialto. And in the evenings, it’s surprisingly peaceful; no blaring restaurant noise like in Dorsoduro, just the soft glow of street lamps on the water. Oh, and parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car on the mainland, but the proximity to the station makes it a breeze for day trips to Murano.

All in all, with its 8.6 rating, Ca’ San Marcuola feels like a smart pick if you’re after authenticity without breaking the bank – I paid way less than those overpriced spots near St. Mark’s, and it left me feeling like I’d actually experienced the city, not just skimmed the surface. Sure, it’s not luxurious (the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours), but for travelers who want to wake up to the scent of fresh bread from the panificio down the calle and explore off the beaten path, it’s gold. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the quieter fall months when the fog rolls in and makes everything magical. If Venice is on your list, skip the tourist traps and settle in here – you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $177. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $213. Double Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $237. Superior Double Room with Canal View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $221. Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $270. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Bilyana from Bulgaria – 27 April 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, good location, comfortable beds, everything was perfect!

• Lynn from United States – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Good location
  Not enough towel hooks in bathroom
  Need a better city map with larger print and better directions to get to hotel from San Geramia

• Hatem from Malta – 1 April 2025 (8/10)

  No fork no spoon no coffe

• Petros from Greece – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect, clean room, big enough, staff was very polite and helpful. Also is at a good location because it is about 15 minutes from bus-train station, so you can go easily on foot.

• Giulia from Netherlands – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent central location with bacari and bars and shops around. Easy checkin and friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Walls are quite thin being an historical building in Venice, thus be aware of this, in case you're bothered by noises from the street or other guests in the corridor

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

  Location and the view of canals
  
  What could be improved: The pillows were hard, and there was not safe but they are minor things.

• Mrld from Sweden – 2 November 2024 (9/10)

  Nice room, not new but well kept. Cleaned every day. Our room had fridge, kettle, hairdryer. Some noise from the street if open windows, but good sound insulation when closed. Close to vaporetto, food stores and restaurants.

• Katrina from United States – 19 October 2024 (8/10)

  Central, clean and comfortable, close to vaporetto stop and to all the restaurants and shops.
  
  What could be improved: At night or early morning, it can be sketchy to walk back to the property as the area is not very well illuminated and it is solitary.

• Elouyze from Australia – 7 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location is excellent. Facilities were clean.
  
  What could be improved: Small room and bathroom for two people and a baby. There was a kettle to boil water but only disposable cups and no tea or coffee provided. There was a shared fridge downstairs. Very thin walls – could hear people in other rooms at night.

• Azmy from Egypt – 9 September 2024 (9/10)

  location is great, and privacy
  
  What could be improved: price is high when we check other rooms

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities