Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal

Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal honestly feels like stepping into one of those classic Venetian postcards — except you’re actually about to sleep here. This four-star property sits right on the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district, and I mean right on it. You’ll hear the gentle lapping of water and the occasional vaporetto chugging by, which is either charming or slightly noisy depending on how you feel about authentic Venice sounds at night.

The Location Advantage

Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re in Santa Croce, which means you get that genuine Venetian neighborhood feel without being stuck in the tourist madness of San Marco. The hotel’s location score of 9.3 isn’t just marketing fluff; couples especially seem to get it, rating it the same. You can walk to the train station in about ten minutes (trust me, this matters when you’re dragging luggage), but you’re also close enough to wander into the quieter campos where locals actually hang out. The Rialto Market is just across the canal, and honestly, watching the morning vendors set up from your window is pretty special.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had that classic Venetian charm — think rich fabrics, traditional furnishings, and windows that actually open onto the canal. Some rooms face the Grand Canal directly (worth the upgrade if you can swing it), while others look onto the quieter side streets. The bathrooms are well-appointed, though not huge — but really, when was the last time you spent your Venice vacation lounging in the bathroom? What I appreciated was the attention to detail; everything felt maintained and thoughtful, from the linens to the little touches that make a room feel special rather than just functional.

Breakfast and Dining

The breakfast spread actually impressed me more than I expected. They’ve got the full range covered — continental basics, proper Italian coffee (which, let’s be honest, is non-negotiable), gluten-free options, and even some American touches for homesick travelers. The buffet setup works well, and you can often snag a table with canal views if you time it right. I mean, there’s something pretty magical about sipping espresso while watching gondoliers navigate the morning traffic on the Grand Canal. The hotel doesn’t have a full restaurant, but honestly, you’re in Venice — step outside and you’ll find incredible dining within a five-minute walk.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it balances authentic Venice with actual comfort. You’re not sacrificing modern amenities for atmosphere, which can be a real issue in some of the city’s older properties. The staff genuinely knows the area and can point you toward the good local spots (not just the tourist traps), and the 7.9 rating reflects what I experienced — solid, reliable, and genuinely pleasant without trying too hard to be something it’s not. Plus, that canal-side location means you can collapse back here easily after long days of wandering, and there’s something deeply satisfying about falling asleep to the gentle sounds of Venice’s main waterway just outside your window.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Venice around Cannaregio for artisan glass studios and uncrowded canals.

Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal Accommodations

Reviews of Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal

• Julie from United Kingdom – 22 March 2025 (9/10)

  Easy access. In the middle of the action.
  
  What could be improved: Pillows were too firm. I didn’t ask for a soft one and I’m sure they would have had one.

• Alvaro from United Kingdom – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and space in the room
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Ege from Turkey – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

  Room was clean and beautiful. Location is great. Everyone was so kind and helped us with everything from keeping our luggages to recommending us places to eat and visit.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing I didn’t like about the hotel.

• Charles from Canada – 15 March 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel has a great location and we had a canal view
  
  What could be improved: We had a drink in the bar the dinner in the restaurant. The service was painful slow and waiter seemed almost annoyed we were there. My spouse meal was hot but mine was stone cold.

• Bambi from Australia – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location was great. Opposite S.Lucia train station and close to bus access for airport. Can walk everywhere or get water taxi. Good breakfast included in our deal
  
  What could be improved: Had hoped to stay an additional night, but were unable to organise with the staff and iff we booked online, was very expensive for 1 night, so we went elsewhere

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

  It was clean and relatively comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Very noisy guests shouting outside the windows and then being very loud in the corridors very late at night.. not the hotels fault but it was frustrating

• Susan from Germany – 9 March 2025 (9/10)

  Room location was excellent overlooking the canal. Very pleasant and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this hotel.
  
  What could be improved: It was all good. No complaints.

• Alan from Italy – 6 March 2025 (7/10)

  The location as it was ideal for the Casanova Carnival Ball.
  
  What could be improved: For a Four Star hotel the furnishings were a bit worn and dated.
  The rudeness of a staff member at breakfast.
  The standard of food at the Carnival Ball as the pasta was undercooked.

• Рита from Lithuania – 4 March 2025 (9/10)

  Good location and service, delicious breakfast
  
  What could be improved: The bed or mattress was moving slightly

• Vlad from Romania – 30 April 2022 (8/10)

  The room was perfect with that amazing terrace and venetian touch.

Surroundings

Facilities