Little Canal 14

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the train at Santa Lucia station – you know, that bustling hub right on the Grand Canal where everyone arrives looking a bit dazed from the journey – and thinking, thank goodness this place is just a quick stroll away. Little Canal 14 is tucked down Calle Priuli dei Cavaletti, this narrow little alley that’s surprisingly peaceful considering it’s so close to all the action. I mean, you’re literally steps from the vaporetto stops and that first bridge over the canal, but it feels like you’ve ducked into a quieter corner of Cannaregio, away from the San Marco crowds. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of locals who actually live in the neighborhood – greeted me with that warm Venetian efficiency, handing over a key and pointing out the best spot for a quick espresso nearby on Strada Nova. Honestly, after lugging my bag over those uneven cobblestones, it was a relief to find the entrance right there, no confusing detours or hidden doors like some spots in Venice. The building itself has that classic old-world charm, with exposed brick and wooden beams that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s historic home rather than a cookie-cutter hotel – though, fair warning, the stairs can be a bit steep if you’ve got heavy luggage (no elevator, which is par for the course in these old palazzos).

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel lives up to its name – that little canal view from my room was pure magic, especially at dusk when the water laps gently against the walls and you can hear the distant hum of gondolas without the tourist chaos. The rooms are cozy, not massive (Venice real estate, right?), but they’ve got these plush beds with crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender, and the bathrooms are modern enough with rain showers that actually have decent pressure – a small miracle in a city where plumbing can be hit or miss. Breakfast is served in this sunny courtyard spot, nothing fancy but solid: fresh cornetti, cappuccino that’s not too milky, and those little jars of apricot jam that taste like they came from a nearby market. I wandered out one morning to the Jewish Ghetto, just a 10-minute walk north, and grabbed some cicchetti at a tiny bacaro on Fondamenta degli Ormesini – it’s the kind of authentic spot locals hit after work, with fried sardines and spritz that beat anything in the overpriced squares. Oh, and if you’re here in shoulder season like I was (early fall, when the fog rolls in softly), the area quiets down nicely by evening, though you might catch a faint whiff of the canal on humid days – not unpleasant, just real Venice.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star stay that’s got an 8.5 rating for good reason – think reliable comfort without the pretension – Little Canal 14 is a smart pick, especially for first-timers or anyone who wants to ease into the city without the full-on frenzy. It’s not the cheapest option (rooms can nudge up during Carnevale madness), and yeah, the proximity to the station means you might hear a train rumble now and then, but that’s a small trade-off for the convenience. I left feeling like I’d gotten a genuine slice of Cannaregio life – you know, that residential vibe where kids play in the campi and nonnas gossip by the wells. If you’re plotting a trip, book it for the off-peak vibes; it’ll make you appreciate Venice’s quieter rhythms, and honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $169. Maisonette with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great – Michael from Australia – 29 March 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment was very spacious with all the facilities. Very comfortable.

• Superb – Pierre from France – 5 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, quiet, spacious appartment, reponsive and welcoming hosts

• Quiet refuge in Italy’s floating city – Roland from Netherlands – 10 November 2024 (8/10)

  The apartment is located in a quiet yet easy to find corner, away from the tourist stampede. This is good for travellers who appreciate peace and quiet. It is however still close enough to all the major attractions and is a short walk from Piazzale Roma (main transport hub). There is a Vaporetto stop (S. Giobbe) about a 10 minute walk away from the apartment, which takes you directly to Murano. Our host Giorgia is extremely helpful and goes out of her way to make guests comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Nothing I can think of

• Fully equipped, spacious and comfortable condo near train station and grand canal. – Barbara from Canada – 4 September 2024 (9/10)

  Cool and quiet location, away from the crowds, but steps away from all the sites, restaurants etc. and the train station. Fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living areas, 2 bathrooms, one full, one half. Large master bedroom and a cute bedroom for one under the eaves. Effective air conditioning in all rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• We really enjoyed our stay in Venice and the apartment. Recommended! – Manisha from Netherlands – 8 February 2024 (9/10)

  Pretty large apartment, it was cleaned well, location is awesome because it’s in a quiet area but close to the train station, staff was friendly, and having lots of facilities made our stay very pleasant
  
  What could be improved: There weren’t any cooking knives, we were made to recycle trash but there was only one trash can, one window didn’t have a curtain so the room didn’t get dark

• Good location – Irina from Ireland – 7 January 2024 (10/10)

  Location
  Comfort

• Great accomodations, good location, accomodating host – Mitchell from United States – 15 September 2023 (10/10)

  Great accommodations, good location, great host
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Very good – Seagrim from Australia – 19 July 2023 (8/10)

  Location and convenience. Air conditioning. Washing machine. Good kitchen but that dominated downstairs.
  
  What could be improved: Doesn’t have a dining table as illustrated. If the downstairs lounge is used as a bed there is nowhere to sit. Master bed is saggy rolling you both into the middle.

• The place was close to train station, quiet and clean. – Karyn from Australia – 18 May 2023 (10/10)

  The property was in a quiet location, very clean and had space. It was an easy walk from the train station. Giorgia was lovely and was very prompt with responding.

• Great stay, Worth the money & Superb location – Mohamed from France – 4 May 2023 (10/10)

  Little canal 3 was just a short walk(4- 5 mins) from the Santa Lucia Railway station. We were warmly welcomed by a person working with Georgia. He gave us all the necessary instructions about the property and also some tips on sightseeing and places to eat in Venice.
  
  The property was located in a calm area, but easily accessible from the busy main streets. The venetian public transport (Vaporetto – the water bus) is also a short walk right opposite to the Santa Lucia Railway Station. Restaurants, Souvenir shops and Supermarket – Despar were very nearby.
  
  We were a family of 3 people and we had a comfortable & enjoyable stay at Little Canal 3. I highly recommend this property to anyone looking to stay in Venice.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities