Hotel Colombina

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel Colombina after weaving through those narrow Venetian alleys – you know, the kind where you get lost on purpose just to soak in the atmosphere. It’s tucked away on Calle del Rimedio in the Castello district, right off the beaten path from the tourist crush around San Marco, but honestly, you’re only a five-minute stroll from the Piazza and all its pigeon-filled glory. I arrived by vaporetto from the airport – super straightforward, since the hotel’s just a short walk from the San Zaccaria stop, dodging the occasional delivery cart loaded with fresh produce for the local markets. Checking in was a breeze; the staff greeted me with that warm Italian efficiency, no fuss, and they even pointed out a hidden gelateria nearby on Calle della Mandola that’s way better than the overpriced spots by the Rialto. The building itself has that classic Venetian charm – think faded frescoes on the walls and creaky wooden floors that whisper stories from centuries ago. But fair warning, if you’re hauling big luggage, those stairs might test you; there’s an elevator, but it’s one of those tiny European ones that fits maybe two people and a backpack.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances old-world vibe with just enough modern comfort to make you feel at home. My room overlooked a quiet canal – nothing flashy like the Grand Canal views you pay a fortune for elsewhere, but waking up to the soft lap of water against the stones and the distant hum of gondoliers calling out was pure magic. The bed was plush, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just Venice’s salty air mixing in), and the bathroom had a rain shower that was a godsend after a day of pounding the pavements. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard – well, more like a sun-dappled terrace – with fresh croissants, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that rival any café in town. I mean, it’s not gourmet, but it’s hearty and sets you up for exploring. The Wi-Fi’s solid, which is a relief in a city where signals can get spotty in the older buildings, and the staff – mostly locals – are full of tips, like avoiding the crowds at Doge’s Palace by going early or catching the sunset from the nearby Arsenale area. One minor gripe: the rooms can feel a tad snug if you’re used to sprawling American hotels, but that’s Venice for you – space is a luxury here. And during high season in summer, you might hear the buzz from nearby restaurants spilling over, though it quiets down by midnight.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Venetian without breaking the bank – it’s a solid 4-star with an 8.8 rating for good reason – Hotel Colombina is a gem. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to dip into the action but retreat to something intimate. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little secret in the city of canals, and honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat over those flashy chains on the main drags. Just pack light, embrace the quirks, and let the place work its charm on you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $280. Queen Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $302. Classic Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $361. Deluxe Double with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $397. Double Room with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $437. Junior Suite with Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $364. Deluxe Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $454. Junior Suite with Canal View with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Dominik from Austria – 10 April 2023 (9/10)

  + The hotel staff was exceptional
  + The location is perfect
  + Breakfast, in general, was great for a hotel in Italy. They even provided some gluten-free and vegan options.
  
  What could be improved: – Pricey

• Wayne from United States – 31 March 2025 (8/10)

  Nice location, good breakfast, nice big clean room
  
  What could be improved: Most the hotels around the world for me have free afternoon tea/coffee/drinks.
  Not this one .1coffee 1tea 10euros

• David from United Kingdom – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Bar and dining room were excellent.
  Bar Lady was very professional and gave it a sophisticated vibe. Chef did a wonderful job, try the grilled vegetable sandwiches. See
  
  What could be improved: There was some noise late at night but I wasn’t sure if it was in the hotel or coming from an adjoining property.

• Dru from United Arab Emirates – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Thank you so very much to the entire team at Hotel Colombina for such a wonderful stay. The reception team were so helpful in answering all questions before we arrived and organised us a water taxi from the airport. They assisted us with where to go and suggestions of what to see. The hotel was very clean and comfortable. Our room overlooked the canal and we could see the Bridge of Sighs from our window. The hotel is also very central to all the main sights. The breakfast was lovely too. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything

• Louise from United Kingdom – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fabulous location,clean reasonably priced.

• Hadas from United States – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• David from United Kingdom – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Our second time staying there. Lovely decor, friendly staff and very good breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Minor point, but not supplying complimentary water each day is not great. We had to request for refills of coffee / milk, which a bit annoying

• Prue from United Kingdom – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location, balcony, room amazing
  Bottle of Prosecco on arrival
  Lovely bathroom
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dario from United Kingdom – 18 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location was perfect to reach all of the recommended places in Venice, staff was friendly and helpful all the time and it was worth staying at this hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Mosquito's in 3 of the 4 rooms

• Ninder from United Kingdom – 17 February 2025 (9/10)

  From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcome. The staff were warm and attentive, making check-in smooth and easy. A special mention to Tommaso, the manager, who was fantastic, his communication was excellent, and he handled everything with such care. Any issues were resolved quickly and professionally, which we really appreciated.
  
  Our room was beautiful, and with a little lean out of the window, we could even catch a glimpse of the Bridge of Sighs, a sight that truly made me sigh in awe! The location was perfect, just a short walk to St. Mark’s Square, making it an ideal base for exploring the heart of Venice.
  
  Breakfast was delicious, with a great mix of continental options, eggs, and bacon, plenty to keep us going for a full day of sightseeing.
  
  If you're visiting Venice, I’d absolutely recommend staying here. The combination of friendly service, a stunning location, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere made our trip even more special. We would love to come back one day!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities