Palazzo Castelli

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Ca’ d’Oro stop – you know, that gorgeous Gothic palace right on the Grand Canal – and weaving my way through the narrow alleys of Cannaregio to find Palazzo Castelli tucked away on Calle Castelli. It’s not smack in the middle of the San Marco madness, which is honestly a relief if you’ve ever dealt with the pigeon hordes and endless souvenir stalls there. This neighborhood feels more like real Venice, with locals chatting in tiny bacari over spritzes and kids playing football in the campos. The hotel’s in this quiet corner, just a short stroll from the Strada Nova – that’s the main drag where you can grab a quick cicchetti or hop on a boat to the Rialto without much hassle. I arrived in the late afternoon during shoulder season, and the place had this serene vibe; no throngs of tour groups, just the faint lapping of canal water against stone and that briny sea smell that hits you as soon as you cross a bridge.

Walking into Palazzo Castelli, it sort of transports you back – well, not literally, but the building’s got that old Venetian palazzo charm with high ceilings, exposed beams, and these worn marble floors that echo a bit when you drag your suitcase in (pro tip: pack light, because there are stairs and no elevator, which could be a drag if you’re hauling heavy bags after a long flight). My room overlooked a little side canal, and honestly, waking up to the sound of a gondolier humming in the distance was pure magic – though I will say, in peak summer, you might hear more boat traffic zipping by. The decor’s elegant without being stuffy: think velvet headboards, antique mirrors, and these plush bathrobes that feel like a hug after a day pounding the pavements. Breakfast was a highlight – they set it up in this cozy courtyard with fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee that’s strong enough to kickstart your explorations. I mean, it’s not a massive spread, but it’s thoughtful, with those little touches like seasonal fruits from the nearby Rialto market. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals who know every shortcut in Cannaregio – gave me insider tips on avoiding the crowds at the Jewish Ghetto, which is just a 10-minute walk away. Oh, and if you’re into history, the hotel’s right near the Madonna dell’Orto church, where Tintoretto’s buried; I popped in one quiet evening and had the place almost to myself.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentic without skimping on comfort – it’s a solid 4-star with an 8/10 rating for a reason – Palazzo Castelli nails it for travelers who want to dip into Venice’s soul rather than just skim the surface. Sure, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings (Venice’s thick walls, you know?), and parking’s a non-issue since cars don’t exist here – just leave your wheels at Piazzale Roma and vaporetto over. But that’s part of the charm, right? I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Venetian life, not just visited. If you’re planning a trip, especially in the cooler months when the fog rolls in and everything gets that romantic haze, this is where I’d tell you to book – beats the overpriced spots by the basilica any day.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $465. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Love it, would return x – Tabitha from United Kingdom – 27 January 2025 (9/10)

  It was very big and very good value for money, hotel worker (female) was so lovely and the view was amazing
  
  What could be improved: The wifi didn’t work

• Very good – Lina from Australia – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  The area was great. Easy to walk everywhere. Huge apartment with lots of space for a family of 4. Close to restaurants and supermarkets. You're on a canal which is gorgeous. The shower pressure was amazing, best we've had during our stay in Italy. I would stay here again because of the location.
  
  What could be improved: The WiFi didn't work at all for us. The beds were uncomfortable, the main bedroom the springs made a noise every time you moved. There are only portable aircons with the hose going out the windows, which allows hot air in and allows the mozzies in at night. No fly screens, no curtains in the bedrooms. The aircon did cool the apartment. Communication was not the best. There's w gorgeous windows in the main living area but it's so dirty.

• Very good – Luke from Poland – 5 June 2025 (8/10)

  Very nice host and great location of the apartment. It was well setup for a shorter stay.
  
  What could be improved: Beds could probably use an upgrade but for a short stay, it was fine.

• Perfect accommodations for our family of 4. I will recommend to all of my friends – Sabrina from United States – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location and a beautiful modern apartment with an excellent bathroom and kitchen. Immaculate
  
  What could be improved: Not a thing.

• Amazing apartment, great location. – Darren from United Kingdom – 6 March 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment, great location. We stayed for 3 nights over carnival and it was perfect

• Bad – El from United States – 19 June 2025 (1/10)

  Possibly the nightmare of our trip, wifi never worked , nobody answers phone calls WhatsApp messages nothing even if you call 3000 times, and we lost power next day only this apartment out of the whole building, nobody answered us we called 27 times !!!! We lost food, kids got sick stayed in the dark , i never leave bad reviews even after bad experience but this was a true nightmare, too bad !!
  
  What could be improved: Didn't like the unprofessionalism from the owner , how careless he is after calling him 27 times about power we lost and another 18 times about wifi that never worked!! Careless !!!! We stayed in the pure dark in a foreign country i guess that doesn't mean nothing to them !!!

• Very good – Paola from Italy – 26 May 2025 (8/10)

  L unico difetto della casa è che non ci sono zanzariere e non mi sembra di aver visto l aria condizionata per il resto ci tornerei

• Зручне розташування, просторі апартаменти. – Vitalii from Poland – 20 May 2025 (8/10)

  Інтерʼєр, розташування, зручності в апартаментах, ціна.
  
  What could be improved: Рушники мали не приємний запах.

• Presque parfait 👌 – Joëlle from Canada – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Hôte très sympathique et attentionné. L’appartement est plus grand que sur les photos, beau grands espaces, très lumineux, excellente brise d’air lorsque les fenêtres sont ouvertes, très bien situé avec une coopérative alimentaire à 3 minutes de marche.
  
  What could be improved: le bruit, le jour c’est pas grave, vous partez faire vos visites, mais il y a du bruit même la nuit avec les fenêtres bien fermées. Il en reste que le canal est très achalandé et parfois même des jeunes qui passent dans leur petit bateau avec la musique à fond au beau milieu de la nuit. Ceci étant dit ce n’est pas la faute du propriétaire, mais bien peut-être un règlement de la ville qui n’est pas respectée sur les bruits nocturne.

• Very good – Soledad from Chile – 26 June 2025 (8/10)

  La decoración y diseño del apartamento exquisito
  
  What could be improved: Mucho ruido en el canal y los colchones de espuma muy blandos

SURROUNDINGS

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