Ospizio delle Donzelle

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Ospizio delle Donzelle in Venice’s Castello district felt like uncovering one of those hidden gems that locals whisper about over espresso – not the flashy spots crammed with tour groups in San Marco, but something quieter, more genuine. I mean, it’s tucked away on a narrow calle off Campo San Pietro, right at Castello 1310, and getting there from the vaporetto stop at Arsenale is a breeze if you don’t mind a ten-minute wander past those weathered brick walls and the occasional whiff of saltwater from the lagoon. Honestly, my first impression hit me as soon as I pushed open that heavy wooden door – the place has this old-world charm, like stepping into a converted convent (which it sort of was, back in the day), with high ceilings and frescoed bits peeking out here and there. Check-in was a laid-back affair; the staff – a mix of chatty Venetians who know every shortcut around the sestiere – handed over my key with a quick tip on avoiding the midday crowds at the nearby Biennale gardens. No fuss, no long lines, though I will say, if you’re hauling big luggage, those cobblestone paths can be a bit of a workout, especially after a flight.

What really sets Ospizio delle Donzelle apart, though – and yeah, it’s got that impressive 9.5 rating for a reason – is how it balances that historic vibe with just enough modern comforts without going overboard. My room overlooked a tiny courtyard, all ivy-cloaked and hushed, with the faint chime of church bells from San Pietro di Castello drifting in at dawn (a sound that’s oddly soothing, unless you’re a light sleeper during Easter week when things get busier). The beds are plush, the bathrooms spotless with those rain showers that make you linger a little too long, and breakfast? Oh man, it’s served in this sunlit atrium – fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and coffee strong enough to power you through a day of exploring. I appreciated the little touches, like the complimentary prosecco on arrival or the way they stock the minibar with regional snacks from Via Garibaldi’s markets just a stone’s throw away. It’s not perfect, mind you; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, and during high season in summer, you might hear the hum of boats from the canal – but that’s Venice for you, right? Still, it’s worlds away from the noisy tourist traps; evenings here are peaceful, with maybe just the lap of water against the fondamenta outside.

All in all, if you’re heading to Venice and want a spot that feels authentic without skimping on the four-star perks, Ospizio delle Donzelle is where I’d point you – especially if you’re into wandering off the beaten path. I stayed there last fall, dodging the acqua alta by a hair, and it made the whole trip memorable; you get that sense of living like a local, popping out for gelato at sunset or catching the vaporetto to Murano without the hassle. Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but for the rating and the location – smack in Castello, where you can actually hear yourself think – it’s worth every euro. Just book ahead, well, because word gets around.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $376. Two-Bedroom Deluxe Apartment with Garden View with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $434. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 3 futon beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $749. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed, 1 futon bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Boček from Czech Republic – 13 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful and charming apartment for art lovers, very cousy. Great location in centre of Venice near Biennale and Giardini. We had really nice time.

• Pier from Italy – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  Tutto!!!! Ci siamo sentiti come a casa, la struttura è curata nei minimi dettagli, il design accattivante si sposa perfettamente con il confort. L’ottima accoglienza e la pulizia della struttura completano un ambiente perfetto per un soggiorno incantevole. Grazie e a presto!!!!
  
  What could be improved: Nulla da eccepire

• Nathalie from France – 29 January 2025 (10/10)

  Très bon accueil
  Appartement cosy
  Très chouette quartier
  
  What could be improved: Les lits enfants sont un peu justes en confort pour des ado

• Paolo from Italy – 21 November 2024 (10/10)

  eleganza, arredi design, posizione
  
  What could be improved: nulla

• Michela from Italy – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  Molto bella e pulita. Posizione ottima. A 2 passi dalla biennale.
  
  What could be improved: Niente

• Sophie from Austria – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  Sehr nette Vermieter, alles sehr unkompliziert. Wohnung in super Lage, sehr geräumig, sehr gut ausgestattet. Großes Bett sehr bequem. Supermarkt unten im Haus und gegenüber, viele kleine Lokale, zum Biennale Areal ganz nah.
  
  What could be improved: Die Einzelbetten etwas zu weich für meinen Geschmack, aber trotzdem fein. Die Abflüsse, wie so oft in Venedig, riechen leider recht unangenem im Bad, aber mit Lüften bekommt man das weg.

• Thomas from Germany – 26 October 2024 (10/10)

  Die Lage ist sehr schön. Vaporetto ist gleich um die Ecke. Und obwohl die Straße belebt ist, ist die Umgebung weitläufig. Die Wohnungen sind komplett ausgestattet und prima für größere Familien – so kann sich jeder auch mal zurückziehen. Der Empfang war sehr nett und unkompliziert. Zumal wir wegen einer Flugverspätung erst kurz vor Mitternacht angekommen sind.

• Eleonora from Belgium – 17 August 2024 (10/10)

  Perfecte locatie tussen drukke centrum en rustige buurten. Mooi historisch gebouw, met alle voorzieningen. Alle faciliteiten in de buurt. Vriendelijke en stijlvolle ontvangst. …

• Raluca from Romania – 9 March 2025 (9/10)

• Rachel from Israel – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

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