Hotel Il Mercante di Venezia

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Hotel Il Mercante di Venezia after a chaotic vaporetto ride from the airport – you know, the kind where you’re wedged in with everyone’s luggage and that faint salty canal smell hangs in the air. It’s tucked away on Calle della Misericordia in Cannaregio, just a stone’s throw from the Santa Lucia train station, which honestly saved me from dragging my bags through half of Venice. I mean, if you’ve ever tried navigating those narrow calli with a suitcase, you’ll appreciate how this spot cuts out the hassle – it’s like five minutes on foot, past that little bridge over Rio di San Felice, where locals are always chatting in Venetian dialect. The building itself has this old-world charm, with faded frescoes on the walls and a name that nods to Venice’s merchant past – sort of makes you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook, though the entrance is unassuming, no grand lobby or anything flashy. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – this one guy named Marco, I think – was super welcoming, handing over keys with a quick rundown of the neighborhood, like where to grab a real cicchetti bar instead of the tourist traps near the Rialto.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that authentic Venetian vibe without feeling stuffy. My room was on the second floor – no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing – but it overlooked a quiet courtyard with these weathered stone walls and the occasional pigeon cooing in the mornings. The decor’s got this mercantile theme going on, with dark wood furniture and velvet curtains that actually block out the light pretty well, which is a godsend during those bright summer dawns. It’s not huge, the rooms – we’re talking cozy, not cramped, but you might bump elbows in the bathroom if you’re sharing. Breakfast is served in a small dining area downstairs, nothing extravagant, just fresh cornetti, cappuccino, and some fruit, but it’s included and sets you up nicely for wandering. I loved how it’s in Cannaregio, away from the San Marco crowds; you can stroll to the Jewish Ghetto in about ten minutes, past hidden spots like Campo dei Mori with its quirky statues, or hop on a vaporetto from the nearby Guglie stop for the Grand Canal. Noise-wise, it’s peaceful at night – well, except for the distant church bells or a boat horn now and then – but come high season in July, the streets buzz a bit more with day-trippers.

Honestly, if you’re after a no-frills stay that feels genuinely Venetian without breaking the bank, this is it – that 8.2 rating doesn’t lie. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the back rooms, and there’s no parking (but hey, it’s Venice, who drives?), yet those little imperfections add to the charm. I stayed there last spring, dodging the peak crowds, and it made exploring so much easier – think quiet evenings sipping spritz at a bacaro on Fondamenta della Misericordia, just around the corner. You’d care if you want to skip the overpriced hotels in the tourist heart and actually live like a local for a bit. Go in shoulder season for the best deals, and you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $185. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $218. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Marilia from Costa Rica – 23 March 2024 (9/10)

  Good location, very close to the train station and a short walk from bus stop.
  Very good breakfast., tasty and many options.

• Ginelly from Canada – 3 February 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location, close to restaurants and stores. Good service

• Henry from Australia – 11 December 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and wonder staffs.
  
  What could be improved: Size is a bit small for 3 of us.

• Liang from United States – 10 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: A little small

• Sukhjinder from Canada – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great place, very good breakfast, and superb location.

• Franco from Canada – 5 September 2024 (8/10)

  Very good breakfast an location
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast

• Ivett from Czech Republic – 22 August 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely place in a nice Venetian style, quiet and cute. Very friendly staff, they answered all my questions with a smile.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast is not so rich as in bigger hotels but it was fine for me, I don't eat a lot in the morning.

• Lindsey from United Kingdom – 11 August 2024 (8/10)

  The location is fantastic. The breakfast was lovely and the garden to sit in.
  
  What could be improved: The air conditioning could have been better. The family room is quite small with basically just beds but fine for only being there to sleep.

• Gang from Australia – 21 July 2024 (9/10)

  Nice location! Close to train station, shop, restaurant. Nice staff. Prepare breakfast for us to take away even we have to leave before breakfast time in early morning.
  
  What could be improved: All good!

• Ann from Philippines – 16 July 2024 (9/10)

  Everything

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities