Residenza Ducato

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at San Zaccaria – you know, that stop right by the Bridge of Sighs – and weaving through the crowds toward San Marco 4283. Venice in late spring is a madhouse, honestly, with tourists snapping selfies everywhere, but Residenza Ducato feels like this quiet little escape tucked away on a side calle off Campo San Moisè. It’s not one of those massive hotels that scream “tourist trap”; more like a converted palazzo with that old-world charm – think creaky wooden floors that whisper under your feet and high ceilings that make you feel like you’re staying in some noble’s guest room. I mean, the address puts you smack in the heart of San Marco, so you’re literally steps from St. Mark’s Square (I timed it: under five minutes, dodging the occasional pigeon flock). But what I loved was how it’s far enough from the main drag that the evening bells from the basilica fade into a gentle hum, not an overwhelming clang. Check-in was a breeze – no long lines like at those big chains; the staff, this friendly guy named Marco (fitting, right?), handed over the key with a quick chat about the best nearby gelato spot on Calle Larga XXII Marzo. Oh, and fair warning: Venice means no cars, so pack light or brace for lugging bags over bridges – but they helped with mine, no fuss.

What really sets Residenza Ducato apart, though – and I’ve stayed in a few spots around here – is how it nails that balance of cozy and classy without trying too hard. My room overlooked a narrow rio, and mornings started with the soft lap of water against stone walls, mixed with the distant calls of gondoliers warming up their voices. The beds? Plush, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just Venice’s canal air playing tricks). It’s a four-star place, sure, but the rating’s a solid 9.4 for a reason – little touches like fresh fruit in the lobby and a breakfast spread with cornetti that rival the ones at Caffè Florian, but without the markup. Well, sort of – portions are generous, but if you’re a coffee snob, their espresso machine could use a tweak; it’s good, not great. The Wi-Fi’s reliable, which matters when you’re uploading those sunset pics from the Rialto Bridge (a 10-minute stroll away, by the way, past hidden squares like Campo Santo Stefano where locals grab aperitivi). And noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night – no rowdy groups stumbling back from Harry’s Bar, though you might hear the occasional boat horn if your window’s open. In high season, like July, it books up fast, and rates climb, but off-peak? Total steal for the location.

Look, if you’re coming to Venice to actually soak it in – not just tick off the sights – this is the kind of spot that makes you linger. It’s got that authentic feel, you know, where you wake up feeling like part of the city, not just a visitor passing through. Sure, it’s not perfect (bathrooms are on the snug side for taller folks like me), but the warmth of the place, from the staff’s insider tips on avoiding tourist traps to the way the light filters through those arched windows, makes it memorable. I’d go back in a heartbeat – and honestly, if you’re planning a trip, snag a room here before the crowds do. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $327. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $349. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $372. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $383. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $394. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $428. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Amber from Germany – 20 November 2023 (10/10)

  Exceptionally clean and amazing staff
  
  What could be improved: The Property was perfect.

• Olga from Israel – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean, comfortable and beautiful apartment with kitchen. Excellent location on a quiet street, a few minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. The staff was very helpful and friendly, spoiled us with fresh croissants in the morning, it was unexpected and pleasant.
  Thank's Paola and Valentina, we had fun!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jane from United Kingdom – 22 February 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location for access to Rialto and Accademia bridges, San Marco and La Fenice. The apartment was warm, (our visit was in February) quiet, private, secure and spacious. Superb bathroom and shower. Kitchen was well-equipped, though we only used it for snacks and coffee. The fridge was stocked with reasonably priced drinks. Paola and Valentina were both very helpful. They booked a water taxi from and to the airport (140 euros each way) and Valentina met us at the dock and saw us off when we left. The apartment was cleaned every day and towels changed when requested.

• Karen from Australia – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is in excellent condition and nicely decorated. It has everything you need. Great location, close to Rialto, S. Marco and La Fenice.

• Ann from Belgium – 5 February 2025 (10/10)

  Quiet-clean- nice staff

• Jodi from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location
  Great hosts who go above and beyond to ensure the stay is perfect
  Spacious so also great for family stays
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – it was perfect

• Tom from Germany – 19 December 2024 (10/10)

  Stunning apartment with beautiful furniture, excellent bathroom, practical kitchen with dishwasher and Illy coffee machine, close to Piazza San Marco, Paola very friendly and helpful when she was there.
  
  What could be improved: Staff was difficult to reach, nobody there during the day. Two times it was not possible to open the apt. with the key card which was especially nerve wrecking 30 minutes prior to our departure to the airport.

• Ruth from Singapore – 19 December 2024 (9/10)

  I found this after reading hundreds of reviews and I was really impressed with the way the property communicated.
  Paola reached out and she was really warm with arranging a water taxi (do not skimp on this if you don't travel light! It was a godsend from the S Lucia train station!)
  She also helped our family with our apartments. The freshly baked bread she dropped off every morning was such a treat, especially in this cold winter when Venice was freezing!
  The Residenza Ducato is located very conveniently near the Rialto water bus taxi stop (about 350-400m) and there's a little street with cafes just around the corner. Walking distance to shops without being too touristy and noisy.
  Our rooms were heated and had everything ready for us. The shower was very high-tech (!) and kitchen well equipped although we just reheated our foods mostly in the microwave.
  
  What could be improved: I believe the room doors are quite advanced but some guests may find it challenging to shut/ unlock. We had to use the master key to unlock as we found ourselves locked out when it didn't lock itself properly.
  But not a huge issue!

• Elliana from Singapore – 9 December 2024 (8/10)

  the room was very spacious.
  well equipped kitchen. the hotel is near a supermarket, therefore you could cook and store your groceries.
  no complaints. staff even provided a take away gift (fresh bakery) when we checked out.
  there is a lift – so if travelling with elderly its good.
  location was nearby to everything. water taxi num. 2 if you need to get to train station.
  if you book any tour (murano etc) the meeting location is nearby this hotel.
  
  What could be improved: nothing.

• Paul from United Kingdom – 13 November 2024 (10/10)

  What wasn’t to like? You walk into a ‘secret’ doorway into an immaculate little courtyard and that sort of sets the scene for the rest of it. It’s like staying in the best hotel but instead of just a room you actually have an apartment to yourself. Small but perfectly formed, it has everything you could need and all is at a really high standard. Really modern and some lovely touches like the minibar and coffee maker and even a washing machine if you were staying for longer. The breakfast pastries each morning came as lovely surprise to us and were delicious. The staff were really friendly and provided us with a little pack of information when we first arrived and were always helpful. The location is perfect, you can reach anywhere from here really easily too, cannot fault a thing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing could have improved our stay – loved it.

SURROUNDINGS

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