Residenza Ducato Corte Contarina

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon Residenza Ducato Corte Contarina felt like one of those lucky breaks in Venice – I mean, I’d been wandering the narrow calli of San Marco, dodging the crowds spilling out from Piazza San Marco, and suddenly there it was, tucked away on Calle Corte Contarina, this quiet little side street that branches off from the busier Frezzeria. It’s not one of those flashy spots right on the Grand Canal, but honestly, that’s part of its charm; you’re just a five-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, yet far enough to escape the constant hum of tourists snapping selfies. I arrived by vaporetto to the San Marco stop, then it was a quick walk – well, quick if you don’t get turned around in the alleys like I did the first time, lugging my suitcase over a couple of bridges. Check-in was a breeze, though; the staff – a mix of locals who actually live in the city, not some seasonal imports – greeted me with that warm Venetian efficiency, handing over a map with handwritten notes on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby. No parking worries here, obviously, since Venice is car-free, but they sorted a water taxi recommendation without batting an eye.

What really won me over were the rooms – mine was this cozy suite with exposed wooden beams that made it feel like stepping into an old palazzo, complete with that faint, earthy scent of aged stone and polished floors. It’s a 4-star place, sure, but it punches above with details like fresh linens that actually smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sun (or maybe that’s just my imagination after too much spritz). The bed was ridiculously comfortable, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger – though, fair warning, the water pressure can be a bit finicky during peak hours, like early morning when everyone’s rushing to beat the lines at the Rialto. I loved the little kitchenette; nothing fancy, but perfect for brewing espresso from the complimentary pods and nibbling on market finds from Campo San Polo, which is just a 10-minute walk away if you cut through the back streets. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful for San Marco – you might hear the occasional gondola serenade drifting from a nearby canal in the evenings, or church bells tolling from La Fenice opera house around the corner, but it’s not the chaotic buzz you’d get on the main drags. Oh, and in high season, like summer, book early because this spot fills up fast with repeat visitors who know it’s a gem.

All in all, if you’re after that authentic Venice vibe without the overwhelming tourist trap feel, Residenza Ducato Corte Contarina is worth it – rating’s a solid 8.8 for a reason, you know? It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can lag a bit if everyone’s streaming at once, and there’s no on-site restaurant (but who needs one when you’re steps from hidden gems like Osteria alle Testiere?). Still, waking up to the soft lap of canal water outside and knowing you’re in the heart of it all, yet able to retreat – that’s what makes a trip memorable. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like spring when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear your own thoughts.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $323. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely, spacious apartment in a brilliant location. – Karen from Australia – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was only metres from San Marco Square – so location was brilliant. Paola and her team were wonderful and organised pre and post transfers for us which can be a bit challenging as gist time travellers to Venice. Nothing was too much trouble. Apartment was spacious and very clean, beds were comfy and we had an incredibly enjoyable stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all!

• Perfect location for exploring Venice ! – Dolan from Ireland – 17 April 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location for exploring Venice. Very close to San Marco Square, many restaurants, shops and close to water taxi to Airport. The apartment was perfect for two adults and two kids, spacious, clean and in a quiet area. Paola our host was very friendly and helpful.

• Fantastic property in a very central location. – John from United Kingdom – 5 February 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing location close to the centre with comfortable accommodation in a spacious well appointed apartment. Looking forward to a return visit soon as possible.
  
  What could be improved: It was a little noisy with building work outside, but this will only be temporary and likely finished soon. The shutters and double glazed windows did a good job of filtering most of it out.

• Perfect Holiday – Ioannis from Greece – 12 January 2025 (10/10)

  The location is perfect, the apartment has everything you need. Valentina and Paola did everything they could ,and even more , for us to have a good vacation. if we come back to Venice. it is certain that we will prefer you again.

• One of the best! Would come back 100%! – Guillermo from Italy – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing appartment, very well equiped and in perfect location! Would come back 100%!

• Highly recommended despite buildings age, modern apartment, spacious and comfortable! – James from United States – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location, kitchen, coffee maker, bath, TV, cleanliness, spaciousness, staff…clothes washer was useful
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs for senior Citizens, that’s about it. Trash/ Garbage disposal

• Superb – Noam from Ireland – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Paola our host walked us to the property, handed us our keys and answered all of our questions. She has been lovely and helpful and super easy to communicate with!

• Fantastic accommodation – Si from United Kingdom – 25 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great welcoming host, friendly and helpful. Great location, too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Look no further: 2-3 minute walk from centre of Piazza San Marco. Stylish and comfortable apartment. – Katy from United Kingdom – 3 June 2024 (8/10)

  This is a really excellent option for a family of 4 or less. The hosts were SO helpful and friendly. Our hosts arranged a water taxi from Marco Polo to a jetty at San Marco. A more expensive option, but it was a highlight experience for our family and took a lot of travel exhaustion out of the equation. Getting the right Alilaguna or Vaporetto transport can be confusing so this was an especially appreciated offering. We were greeted at the taxi jetty and taken to the apartment by the very, very friendly Valentina. Everything was explained and we were given a perfectly sized city map and a good amount of recommendations for various types of restaurants, off the beaten track. At the end of our 4 night stay we were offered to stow our luggage at their main residence a short walk away, which was especially helpful as we had a night time departure. All interactions with our hosts Paola and Valentina were so friendly and as helpful as it can get.
  The apartment was excellent. Stylish, exceptionally clean and comfy. The beds were very comfortable and we all had a perfect night's sleep. Although the location is central to one of the busiest locations in venice it is also very quiet, as it's just tucked away. We timed ourselves walking from the centre of Piazza San Marco to the front door and it took us 2 minutes and 9 seconds. Great if anyone needs a toilet break whilst you're out at the various places of interest and great for heading back for a little rest between sightseeing excursions. We all loved it. Thank you to everyone, you helped to make our Venice experience wonderful.
  
  What could be improved: I did let our host know on check out that there was an issue with the cistern filling properly after a toilet flush. Hopefully that can be fixed. That's the only issue, everything else was brilliant.

• Well located, quiet and good value. – Davidknightoz from United Kingdom – 2 May 2024 (8/10)

  The location is very good for two reasons. Not only is it central; but it is just slightly away from the crowds and so is quiet.
  
  What could be improved: The kitchen was well-equipped; and we self-cater a lot. So the number of power outlets was a bit frustrating as one had to constantly plug and unplug devices. Having multiple outlets would be easier and is a simple change.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities