Hotel Ca’ Formenta

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Hotel Ca’ Formenta almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – I was wandering off the beaten path after getting tired of the San Marco crowds, and there it was, tucked right on Via Garibaldi in the Castello district. It’s not one of those flashy spots near the Grand Canal, but honestly, that’s what makes it feel real. I arrived via the Arsenale vaporetto stop, just a short stroll away – maybe five minutes if you’re not dragging luggage over those uneven pavements. Via Garibaldi itself is this lively, wide street that’s more for locals than tourists; think casual osterias serving cicchetti (those little Venetian tapas) and tiny shops selling fresh produce or cheap wine. The hotel’s facade is unassuming – classic Venetian with those shuttered windows and a bit of weathered charm – but stepping inside, it’s like entering a cozy aunt’s house. The lobby smells faintly of old wood and fresh coffee, and the check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly friendly Italians who speak decent English – sorted me out in no time, even with my late arrival after a delayed train from Milan. Oh, and a heads up: Venice being Venice, there’s no parking here (good luck finding any in Castello), so if you’re driving, you’ll need to stash your car on the mainland and ferry over.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-world feel with just enough modern comforts for a 3-star spot. My room overlooked a quiet canal – not the bustling kind, but one with gentle lapping water and the occasional gondola repair guy shouting in dialect – and it was spotless, with these high ceilings and simple furnishings that didn’t try too hard. The bed was comfy, if a tad firm (I mean, it’s Europe, right?), and the bathroom had one of those rainfall showers that actually works well, though the hot water took a minute to kick in during peak morning hours. Breakfast is included, served in a sunny little room – nothing extravagant, just fresh croissants, cappuccino that hits the spot, and some local cheeses – but it’s perfect for fueling up before hitting the nearby Biennale gardens or the Arsenale museum, which are literally a stone’s throw away. I appreciated the free Wi-Fi that didn’t glitch out, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in July’s humidity. That said, the walls are on the thin side, so you might hear neighbors chatting late at night – earplugs helped, or just embrace the ambient hum of the city. The staff were great about recommendations too; one guy tipped me off to a hidden gelateria down a side alley off Via Garibaldi, away from the tourist traps.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Venice without the hefty price tag – we’re talking solid value for that 8.8 rating – Hotel Ca’ Formenta is a gem. It’s ideal for travelers who want to feel like they’re living in the neighborhood, not just visiting; skip it if you need five-star pampering or elevators (there aren’t any, so pack light). I left feeling like I’d discovered a secret – quieter than the chaos around Piazza San Marco, yet close enough to walk there in 15-20 minutes if you fancy. Come in shoulder season, like May or October, when the streets aren’t packed, and you’ll get the best of it. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to extend your stay, sipping spritz at a nearby bar as the sun sets over the lagoon.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $177. Standard Double or Twin Room for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $223. Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $235. Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $239. Double Room – Annex with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $376. Superior Double or Twin Room with Lagoon View with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $422. Junior Suite with 2 single beds, 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $352. Standard Triple Room with 2 single beds, 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Tatiana from Russia – 5 June 2023 (9/10)

  The view from the room was amazing, the room was cozy. You also can have a breakfast outside

• Robert from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  The location was perfect, close to nice restaurants and bars. 10 minutes walk from main attractions, far enough away to be quiet and relaxing.

• Susan from United Kingdom – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  The room we were given was beautiful, overlooking the lagoo, and very quiet.
  We had asked for a twin room with a bath, and all was proveded.
  Breakfast very good, plenty of choice and good quality.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast room is rather small,

• Katarzyna from Poland – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  The Place is very well connected with Marco Polo Airport [direct water train] and with Treviso [water train station just 3 minutes walk from the Hotel]. Hotel is situated approx 10-15 minutes walk from the Main Center /Attractions.
  Hotel small but very clean, with lovely room in Venice style. Very clean and the Staff on perfect level – e-mail exchange before our arrival helped us a lot to arrange our stay in Venice without stress :). Hotel Staff – room service with Reception Desk care about Birthday surprise arranged during our stay [big thank you for that]. Breakfast with different kind of dishes [not only Italian style].

• Silvia from Ireland – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Booking was for my parents. They said very helpful staff, quiet and nice view, very conveniently located both for the centre and for the public transport to reach the train station.
  Not overly abundant breakfast but with plenty of choice.
  Very clean.
  
  What could be improved: Very minor thing: bad smell probably from the kitchen just outside the room. Fortunately it was only outside.

• Laura from United Kingdom – 9 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location is fantastic, 2 mins walk from the Arsenle vaperetto stop and right on the water. The street is charming, full of local eateries, and a supermarket. The staff were great, and the room was traditional venician style. We loved it and will be back!

• Max from Australia – 8 March 2025 (9/10)

  Awesome friendly staff, Location not in the busy hussle but easy to get everywhere by boat

• Richard from United Kingdom – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  Greeted well and upgraded
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great.

• Şeyma from Turkey – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location was great, very close to the Arsenale stop. The room had a historical atmosphere and smelled very clean. The staff was extremely kind. I highly recommend it.
  
  What could be improved: However, the room’s sound insulation wasn’t very good, so I could hear noises from the next door.

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 15 February 2025 (9/10)

  Happy friendly staff, very helpful. Good location, great value for money.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities