Hotel Ai Due Principi

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that bustling stop right by the Bridge of Sighs – and weaving through those narrow calli in Castello to find Hotel Ai Due Principi. It’s tucked away on Fondamenta Dell’Osmarin, this quiet little canal-side spot that’s honestly a godsend after the chaos of San Marco. I mean, Venice in summer can feel like a human pinball machine, but here in Castello, things slow down – you’re close enough to the action (a quick 5-minute stroll to the piazza) but far from the worst of the tour groups clogging up Riva degli Schiavoni. The hotel itself has this charming, slightly faded elegance, like an old Venetian palazzo that’s been spruced up without losing its soul. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals, I think – chatted with me about the best time to hit the nearby bacari for cicchetti (early evening, before the crowds descend), and they even pointed out a hidden gelateria on Calle de la Rasse that’s way better than the tourist traps.

What really won me over were the rooms – mine overlooked the canal, with these tall windows letting in that soft, watery light Venice is famous for, and yeah, you could hear the occasional gondola splashing by, but it was more romantic than annoying. The decor’s a mix of antique mirrors and modern touches, like comfy beds that actually let you sleep off the jet lag (a rarity in some of these older buildings, where the mattresses can feel like they’re from the Renaissance). Breakfast was solid – fresh cornetti, decent coffee, and those little jars of local honey – served in a cozy room that smells faintly of espresso and the sea air drifting in. Well, sort of – the air conditioning struggled a bit during that July heatwave I was there, but hey, it’s Venice; you open the windows and deal with a mosquito or two. And parking? Forget it, this is canal country, but they hooked me up with tips on the Tronchetto garage and water taxi shortcuts. Oh, and if you’re into history, the hotel’s right near the Arsenale – I wandered over one quiet morning and it felt like stepping back in time, with hardly anyone around before 10 a.m.

Honestly, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the full-on frenzy, this place is a smart pick. It’s not the flashiest 4-star out there – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and prices spike in high season like Carnevale – but it delivers that authentic feel, you know? Like you’re staying with friends who know all the backstreets. I’d go back in a heartbeat for a long weekend, maybe in shoulder season when the fog rolls in and the canals get all mysterious. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you linger over that last spritz before heading home.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $199. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $235. Exclusive Double Room with Canal View with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $264. Junior Suite with Canal View with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Udo from Ireland – 16 May 2024 (8/10)

  The view. Beautiful, spacious room. Good service.

• Graham from United Kingdom – 14 March 2025 (8/10)

  Very helpful staff
  
  What could be improved: A little too hot in room

• Monica from Switzerland – 13 February 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and central
  
  What could be improved: All was good

• Caroline from United Kingdom – 11 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location great 👍
  Staff great 👍
  Very comfortable and spacious room 👏
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Adam from Australia – 30 December 2024 (8/10)

  Convenient location, not far from a vaporetto or food. Room was quite large and the amenities were good.

• Thomas2137 from United Kingdom – 22 November 2024 (9/10)

  room very well located 5 minutes to st marls square
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Alan from Belgium – 22 November 2024 (8/10)

  Emplacement top personnel top chanbre top restaurant top

• Ryan from Ireland – 26 October 2024 (7/10)

  Location to main square very good
  
  What could be improved: The air conditioning wasn’t controllable from the room

• Clements from United States – 22 October 2024 (7/10)

  It was clean and the location was great!
  Decorated very nicely.
  It was very secure.
  
  What could be improved: It stated Elevator however you had approximately 23 steep steps to get to the elevator . It was echoing so when the staff came in – it disturbed our sleep at 8 am

• Chris from United Kingdom – 30 September 2024 (7/10)

  The hotel was conveniently located with restaurant seating beside the canal.
  
  What could be improved: To change the aircon setting required a call down to reception every time.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities