La Felice Canal Grande

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon La Felice Canal Grande almost by accident last spring, when I was dodging the usual Venice crowds around San Marco and decided to wander deeper into Cannaregio – that neighborhood that’s got more of a lived-in vibe, with locals chatting in dialect over their morning espresso rather than just postcard sellers everywhere. It’s tucked right on Cannaregio 3693, overlooking the Grand Canal, and honestly, pulling up by water taxi (because, let’s face it, driving in Venice is a non-starter – no cars, remember?) felt like stepping into one of those old paintings. The building’s this elegant, centuries-old palazzo with faded frescoes on the facade and those tall, arched windows that catch the light bouncing off the water. I mean, it’s not some flashy modern spot; it’s got that authentic patina – a bit worn around the edges, like the wooden shutters that creak when the breeze picks up – but that’s what makes it charming. Check-in was a breeze, even though we arrived late after a delayed train from Milan; the staff, this friendly mix of Venetians and expats, sorted us out with a quick espresso and some tips on avoiding the tourist traps along Strada Nova, which is just a stone’s throw away.

What really won me over, though, was the room – we had one facing the canal, and waking up to the gentle lap of gondolas against the pilings, mixed with the distant hum of vaporettos starting their routes, was pure magic. It’s a solid 4-star setup, nothing over-the-top, but the beds are comfy with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender (they must use some local soap or something), and the bathroom’s got these marble sinks that feel cool under your hands after a hot day exploring. Breakfast is served in this cozy courtyard – think fresh croissants, prosciutto, and that strong Italian coffee that’ll jolt you awake – and it’s quiet enough that you can actually hear birds instead of the San Polo market chaos. Well, sort of quiet; there’s the occasional boat horn in the mornings, but it’s Venice, right? If you’re into history, you’re steps from the old Jewish Ghetto, with its synagogues and kosher spots that most tourists skip – I grabbed an amazing falafel there one afternoon. Oh, and a minor gripe: the stairs can be a workout if you’ve got heavy bags, since elevators in these old buildings are hit or miss, but the staff helped lug ours up without batting an eye.

All in all, if you’re looking for that real Venice escape – not the crammed, overpriced spots near the Rialto – La Felice is a gem, especially in shoulder seasons like April or October when the canals aren’t swarming and you can snag a room without breaking the bank (though it’s not cheap, around 200-300 euros a night depending on the view). It’s got a 9 rating for a reason; it’s the kind of place where you linger over a spritz on the terrace at sunset, watching the water turn golden, and think, yeah, this is why I came here. Perfect for couples or solo travelers who want immersion without the hassle – just pack light and embrace the walkable everything.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $592. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• John from Canada – 1 October 2023 (9/10)

  Alvise was a friendly, resourceful and welcoming person! We were greeted by Alvise from the first moment we arrived and welcomed us with an excellent bottle of Venice wine. Wonderful location for all things including sights, restaurants, shopping and transportation although we walked most of the time. The apartment was very spacious for 4 people and it had picturesque views from 2 large windows of the grand canal! It was clean and a lot of amenities were included. If we visit again, we would be comfortable staying here at Alvise’s historical apartment. Arlene, John and family.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything about the apartment but if we had one suggestion it would be to add a couple of more comfortable chairs for the living room to greet us after a long days walking through the streets of Venice.

• Coleman from United States – 4 December 2024 (9/10)

  Great location- it's in the quieter less touristy part of town with tons of restaurants. Alvise met us at the property, and helped us when we got a little lost on the way. Very comfortable, and only had to carry the luggage up 1 flight of stairs!

• Rowena from Australia – 13 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location and view are the best!

• Caroline from United Kingdom – 21 June 2024 (9/10)

  The location is great, lots to see on the Gran Canal, I could have sat watching all day!

• Mouttet from United States – 11 June 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location and extremely safe. Close to shops and gelato.
  
  Comfortable and spacious overlooking canal.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 9 June 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful position and views, right on the Canal Grande. Every amenity required less than 5 minutes walk away.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Lillian from United States – 15 October 2023 (9/10)

  The location was right on the grand canal and close to restaurants and shopping
  
  What could be improved: I thought the bed was not that comfortable

• Catherine from United States – 22 September 2023 (9/10)

  The host was amazing. The location was a amazing. Everything was amazing.

• Dana from United States – 5 September 2023 (9/10)

  Host was great and super helpful. Fantastic location right on the canal. Unit was spacious and laid out well, plus had a washing machine. Fantastic experience and will definitely return.

• Edy from Qatar – 31 July 2023 (9/10)

  The view is great and the owner was very welcoming.
  
  What could be improved: The ACs were not very practical.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities