Palazzo Contarini Della Porta Di Ferro

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I stumbled upon Palazzo Contarini Della Porta Di Ferro, I was wandering through the Castello sestiere after getting off the vaporetto at Celestia – it’s just a short walk down Salizada Santa Giustina, past those little neighborhood bacari where locals grab a spritz and cicchetti without all the San Marco chaos. Honestly, this place feels like you’ve stepped into one of those hidden Venetian palazzos that most tourists miss – the name even nods to its old iron gate, which creaks open to a courtyard that’s all mossy stone and flickering lantern light, especially magical at dusk when the canal smells drift in, that briny mix of salt and history. I mean, Venice is all about those atmospheric spots, but this one’s tucked away enough that you don’t hear the constant buzz of suitcase wheels on cobblestones like over by Rialto. Check-in was a breeze, too – the staff (mostly Venetians, from what I could tell) handed over the key with a quick chat about the best route to avoid the high water during acqua alta season, which, well, sort of saved my boots one rainy November morning.

What really got me was how they’ve kept the palazzo’s soul intact while making it comfy for modern travelers – think exposed wooden beams in the rooms, frescoes on the walls that look like they’ve been there since the Renaissance, and beds that are plush without feeling too hotel-chain sterile. My suite overlooked a quiet rio, and I’d wake up to the soft lap of water against the walls and church bells from nearby San Francesco della Vigna, which is just a stone’s throw away if you’re into those serene cloister gardens (pro tip: go early to beat the occasional tour group). The breakfast spread is solid – fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and coffee that’s actually strong enough to kickstart a day of exploring – served in a room with these massive windows that let in that golden Venetian light. Oh, and there’s no elevator, which might be a drag if you’re hauling heavy bags up the stairs (I learned that the hard way), but it adds to the authentic vibe, you know? Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night, aside from the odd gondolier serenade echoing from afar, and in summer, the air conditioning hums just right to cut through the humidity without blasting you out.

All in all, if you’re after a slice of real Venice without the overpriced gimmicks, this 4-star gem with its 9.2 rating is where it’s at – I’ve stayed in flashier spots near Piazza San Marco, but they felt tourist-trappy compared to the genuine charm here. It’s perfect for couples or solo wanderers who want to dip into the Arsenale area for its art biennales or just stroll to the vaporetto for a quick hop to the islands. Sure, parking’s a non-issue since, duh, it’s Venice (leave the car in Mestre and water-taxi in), but pack light and time your visit for shoulder season like April or October to dodge the crowds. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve uncovered a secret – and isn’t that what Venice is all about?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $222. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $222. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $222. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $400. Two-Bedroom Apartment with City View with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $400. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $400. Three-Bedroom Apartment with Water View with 1 large double bed and 2 × 1 single bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $400. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Charming historic hidden gem – Maria from Australia – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful older style accommodation with gorgeous view onto a canal. Great location away from the crowds. Spacious and charming.

• An absolute blessing to have stayed here. It is exquisitely beautiful, quiet and spacious. – Patty from South Africa – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  An exceptional place of beauty and history. Magnificent interiors, peacefulness, spaciousness, comfort.

• Exceptional – Marcus from Austria – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Realy nice Palace. Very quiet and very freindly personell.
  
  What could be improved: –

• A perfect spot in Venice – Jim&thelma from Australia – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  A perfect location away from the noise but close enough to walk to the centre of Venice. A beautiful and historic building .The owners were very welcoming.

• Superb – Kristiina from Finland – 5 May 2025 (9/10)

  Gorgeous building & spacious thoughtfully decorated rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Air conditioning was not efficient

• Exceptional – Anonymous from Canada – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  This property is stunning! The people at check-in were lovely as well. 100% worth the money for the room we booked — it was breathtaking and exceeded my expectations. Just a short walk away from the heart of Venice, and very close to one of the Vaporetto stops.

• Immer wieder gerne – Ursula from Austria – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  Wir waren zum zweiten Mal da, die Lage ist perfekt, das Personal überaus freundlich. Die Betten bequem, die Küchenausstattung ausreichend. Wir kommen wieder.
  
  What could be improved: Es wäre toll, wenn es im Bad mehr Abstellfläche für die Toilettenartikel geben würde sowie mehr Licht im Wohn-/Esszimmer.

• Exceptional – Herve from France – 21 May 2025 (10/10)

  Localisation
  Patrimoine historique
  Calme
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• posizione perfetta, palazzo storico dalla grande eleganza e stile. – Giancarlo from Italy – 9 May 2025 (10/10)

  posizione perfetta. la zona castello è davvero magica e la struttura davvero grande e ospitale.
  
  What could be improved: la vicinanza a un luogo di ritrovo per giovani con musica alta non era facile da gestire… un po' di rumore entrava ma il fastidio è più che compensato dalla location

• Nadam se da cu se vratiti u Pallazo Contarini dell Porto di Ferro… – Magas from Croatia – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Ono što smo tražili a to je Venecija i to sa mirisom davnih dana. Pozicija za nas 4 također savršena.
  
  What could be improved: Sve je super

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