Palazzo DaPonte by LionHost

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Palazzo DaPonte by LionHost during one of those whirlwind trips to Venice last spring – you know, when the crowds are just starting to thicken but the canals haven’t turned into total chaos yet. It’s tucked away on this narrow little alley, Ramo Licini, right in the Castello district, which honestly feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist crush around San Marco. I mean, you’re only about a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square – close enough to pop over for that obligatory gelato at Grom or to catch the bells tolling at sunset – but far enough that you escape the constant hum of suitcase wheels on cobblestones. Getting there was a bit of a trek from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop; I lugged my bag over a couple of those arched bridges, dodging the occasional delivery cart loaded with fresh produce for the nearby markets. The building itself is this charming old palazzo – think faded frescoes on the walls and those creaky wooden shutters that rattle gently in the breeze off the lagoon. Check-in was straightforward, handled by a friendly local guy from LionHost who gave me a quick rundown on the Wi-Fi (spotty but workable) and where to grab the best cicchetti in the neighborhood – turns out, there’s a tiny bacaro just around the corner on Calle della Madonna that does killer spritz for like three euros.

What really stuck with me about the place was how it captured that authentic Venetian vibe without trying too hard. The rooms are on the simpler side – three-star basic, with clean linens that smell faintly of lavender detergent and those high ceilings that make everything feel a tad grander than it is. Mine overlooked a quiet courtyard, so mornings started with the distant coo of pigeons and the faint salty tang from the nearby canals, rather than the blare of vaporettos. No elevator, though, which was a minor hassle hauling stuff up the stairs (well, sort of a workout, I guess), and the bathroom was compact – functional, but don’t expect a spa tub or anything fancy. Still, it was spotless, and the air conditioning hummed just enough to cut through the humid afternoons in May. I loved wandering out early to the nearby Campo San Zaccaria, where locals sip espresso at unassuming cafes before the day-trippers flood in. Oh, and if you’re into history, the Arsenale is a stone’s throw away – that massive old shipyard with its imposing gates; I spent an afternoon there, imagining the galleys being built back in the day. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night, except maybe during Carnevale when echoes from distant parties might drift in, but that’s Venice for you.

All in all, if you’re not chasing luxury but want a solid, no-frills spot that feels genuinely lived-in, Palazzo DaPonte is a smart pick – especially with that 7.4 rating reflecting its honest charm over perfection. It’s perfect for budget travelers who actually want to explore, not just Instagram the highlights. I’d go back in a heartbeat for the off-the-beaten-path feel in Castello; just pack light and embrace the stairs. You know what? It reminded me why I fell for Venice in the first place – that mix of grit and magic, right there in your temporary home.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $89. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $103. Deluxe King Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $112. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $112. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Moritz from Germany – 9 February 2025 (8/10)

  Good place, central, quiet and practical

• Pleasant – Lene-maria from Denmark – 6 February 2025 (6/10)

  Bathroom and location
  
  What could be improved: No glasses available and the fridge didn’t cool

• Great location. Great room. Living area communal. – Stephen from United Kingdom – 4 January 2025 (7/10)

  Great location. Room was more than ample. View from balconies (plural) were fantastic. Location was excellent!
  
  What could be improved: The large living room area was communal. This was not expected.

• Good location in the heart of Venice – Yolanda from Spain – 20 November 2024 (8/10)

  The location and the cleaning. Excellent
  
  What could be improved: The photos are better than the real place.

• Great location, easy check-in – Marius from Luxembourg – 11 November 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, close to Rialto stop
  Easy, keyless check-in
  Great communication (thank you, Thomas!)
  Very clean room & bathroom
  Ability to easily store luggage before/after stay

• Very good – Rosemary from United Kingdom – 11 September 2024 (8/10)

  location

• A great spot to stay – Elizabeth from Australia – 3 July 2024 (8/10)

  A lovely clean room. House keeper was very kind and helpful. Instructions to find the apartment were great
  
  What could be improved: Just difficult bringing bags up

• Great communication and directions to apartment, excellent and safe entries, excellent facilities. Fantastic location in – Lorraine from New Zealand – 1 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location,, abolitionist ideal for Venice.
  
  What could be improved: There were no amenities. Glasses for wine, knifes and forks, corkscrews etc.
  Secondly, there was no soap, conditioner, body lotion etc. A little shampoo only.
  Very poor amenities and toiletries.

• Great location, very secure and comfortable. However the decor is Spartan and the canal facing rooms are noisy. – Annalisa from United Kingdom – 27 April 2024 (7/10)

  The location, the size of the room, the free coffee machine. I never met the managers in person but there was plenty of communication and check up.
  
  What could be improved: The decor was very basic. There were only three hangers, and all different, no chest of drawers, no closet. Fine for one occupant but not good for two or more (there was a sofa bed). Also vanities in the bathroom would be nice a feature. Women carry a lot of toiletries.
  
  I didn’t like having to memorise 4 different codes. TIP: write the down. My phone ran out of memory and I risked being locked out of my bedroom.
  
  Finally there was a lot of noise coming from the boats and barges on the canal coming and going all night, because it was a 90 degree angle shoulder. That’s something I will be more aware of next time I book for Venice.

• Good – Jeanne from Ireland – 6 September 2023 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Complicated to access, 4 doors with 4 different codes. Expected to dispose of our own rubbish

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities