Hotel Pausania

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico – you know, that stop right in the heart of Dorsoduro – and weaving my way through those narrow calli toward Hotel Pausania. It’s tucked away on Dorsoduro 2824, in this old aristocratic palace that’s been around since, well, forever, I think the 15th century or something like that. Honestly, arriving in Venice can be a hassle with all the bridges and luggage, but this spot’s a breeze if you’re coming from the train station – just a 20-minute walk or so, dodging the crowds along the Grand Canal. The entrance is unassuming, sort of hidden behind a wrought-iron gate that creaks just a bit when you push it open, and inside, the lobby hits you with that musty, antique smell mixed with fresh coffee from their little breakfast setup. Check-in was smooth; the staff – mostly locals who speak great English – handed over the key with a quick tip about avoiding the tourist traps on San Marco side during high season, like July when the place is packed. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard, nothing fancy but clean and cozy, with these heavy velvet curtains that block out the early morning boat horns on the canal nearby.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like a slice of real Venice, not some glossy chain hotel. The building’s got these original frescoes on the ceilings – faded in spots, sure, but that’s part of the charm – and the furniture’s a mix of vintage pieces that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s grand old home. Breakfast is served in this sunny room with views of the rio, and it’s simple but solid: fresh croissants, yogurt, and cappuccinos that actually taste like they do in a proper Italian bar (none of that weak tourist stuff). I mean, you’re steps from Campo Santa Margherita, where locals grab aperitivi at spots like Margaret Duchamp – great for people-watching without the San Polo chaos. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful; Dorsoduro’s the artsy, laid-back district, so evenings are more about gallery hopping to the Accademia or Peggy Guggenheim than dodging selfie sticks. That said, if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional church bell from nearby San Trovaso might wake you – nothing major, but worth noting. And parking? Forget it; this is Venice, so leave the car at Piazzale Roma and embrace the walking (or water taxi if you’re splurging).

All in all, for a 3-star spot with an 8.6 rating, Hotel Pausania punches above its weight if you’re after authenticity over luxury. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms, and there’s no elevator for those upper floors, which might be a drag with heavy bags – but that’s Venice for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like April when the canals are misty and the crowds thin out. If you’re the type who wants to wake up to the sound of gondoliers chatting in dialect and wander to hidden osterie for cicchetti, this is your spot. Trust me, it beats those overpriced places on the main drags.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $170. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $229. Small Double Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $241. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $277. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $311. Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests

Reviews

• Valerie from United Kingdom – 7 December 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean,comfortable, excellent location. Lovely toiletries. Good breakfast. Very good professional staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing I didn't like.

• Rand from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable, relaxing hotel with very friendly, helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Donald from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  As it turned out the location proved perfect, easy walk to bus station and to water bus stops. Breakfast was good and we had an early breakfast on departure day which was appreciated.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Kathleen from Belgium – 1 March 2025 (8/10)

  Small hotel in an authentic Venetian building, very good location in a quiet street but restaurants and shops around the corner.

• Hugo from United Kingdom – 13 February 2025 (8/10)

  Well situated, clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: The room was a bit small and had a poor outlook. Breakfast was a bit ordinary

• Eimantas from Lithuania – 6 February 2025 (8/10)

  Comfortable room, good location, the atmosphere of the whole hotel is awesome. It’s clean in the whole are.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast is for 15€ per person – absolutely awful, the food was bland, not a lot of choices, coffee had no taste at all, would not recommend to eat there.

• Muthusi from Switzerland – 15 January 2025 (9/10)

  Pausania was a pleasant discovery. Very well located, charming old house, clean and very well maintained.

• Paul from United States – 23 November 2024 (9/10)

  Charming, small, old-fashioned hotel. I loved the location in a local neighborhood within a short walk of the tourist highlights. Friendly, helpful staff with a good buffet breakfast and small, but functional rooms.
  
  What could be improved: I enjoyed my stay here and would make this my regular stop in Venice.

• Christoph from Canada – 16 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location and nice room!

• Sheila from United States – 16 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location, quaint building on a canal & small property.
  
  What could be improved: Needs updating: furniture in lobby & carpet.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities