The Home of the Ship Builder

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon The Home of the Ship Builder in Venice’s Castello district felt like uncovering a little secret that the locals have been keeping to themselves. I mean, it’s tucked away in this quiet corte off Corte Rota – that’s Castello 2537, if you’re mapping it – and honestly, after weaving through the throngs around San Marco, arriving here was like exhaling for the first time all day. The building itself has this old-world charm, with its name nodding to the area’s shipbuilding history (you’re basically next door to the Arsenale, where they used to crank out those massive galleys back in the day). I got there in the late afternoon during shoulder season – early October, when the summer crowds thin out but the weather’s still mild – and the check-in was a breeze; no fuss, just a warm welcome from the owner who chatted about the best nearby bacari for cicchetti. The entrance has these worn stone steps that creak a bit underfoot, and there’s a faint salty tang in the air from the nearby lagoon – not overpowering, but enough to remind you you’re in Venice proper, not some sanitized resort.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that historic vibe with just enough modern comfort to make you feel at home. The rooms aren’t huge – well, it’s a 3-star in a centuries-old building, so expect cozy over cavernous – but mine had this lovely exposed beam ceiling and a window overlooking the corte, where you’d hear the occasional murmur of neighbors chatting in Venetian dialect (a nice change from the tourist babel elsewhere). The bed was surprisingly comfy, with crisp linens that smelled freshly laundered, and there’s a small en-suite bathroom that’s spotless, though the shower’s on the snug side if you’re tall like me. Breakfast is served in a little communal area downstairs – think fresh cornetti, cappuccino that’s actually decent (not the watery stuff you get at some spots), and maybe some prosciutto if you’re lucky. No elevator, mind you, so pack light if you’re on an upper floor, but the staff will haul your bags up with a smile. It’s quiet at night, too – no street noise from vaporettos or partiers, just the distant toll of church bells from San Pietro di Castello, which is a short stroll away. Oh, and if you’re into exploring, Via Garibaldi is right around the corner with its market stalls and unpretentious osterie; I grabbed the best spritz of my trip there one evening.

All in all, with that stellar 9.4 rating, this place punches way above its weight for a 3-star – it’s authentic Venice without the gimmicks or the price tag of those fancy Grand Canal hotels. If you’re the type who wants to wander off the beaten path, maybe pop into the Biennale gardens nearby or just sit by the water watching the boats, this is your spot. Sure, it might not have a spa or room service (who needs that in Venice anyway?), but it delivers that genuine, lived-in feel that makes you linger. I’d go back in a heartbeat – especially in the quieter months like spring, when the whole area blooms and you can actually hear yourself think.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $342. Apartment with 1 large double bed, 3 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Antony from United Kingdom – 10 December 2024 (10/10)

  A beautiful house well situated and beautifully presented.

• Judy from United States – 1 August 2024 (10/10)

  From start to finish everything was perfect! Beautiful decorations to comfort to best location where it was not touristy! Giacomo was amazing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Nicholas from Australia – 13 July 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was rebuilt by the friendly owner who is an architect and interior designer. It is well designed over 3 levels, generally well appointed, clean and comfortable. Whist the apartment is located slightly away from the central tourist areas of Venice, it suited us to be in a quieter area at peak season, away from the main areas of tourist crush.
  
  What could be improved: Given the attention to detail, were a little surprised there was no iron, clothes horse or washing machine.

• Joseph from Canada – 1 February 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious and very quiet location near Arsenale vaporetto stop.
  Giacomo is very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gail from Australia – 28 June 2023 (10/10)

  Close to everything. Host supportive and attentive!
  
  What could be improved: No problems at all!

• Eddy from United Kingdom – 28 June 2023 (10/10)

  NO BREAKFASTS PROPERTY HAD KITCHEN, FRIDGE,FREEZER. ALL KITCHEN UNTENCILS . AIR CON. AND RESTERANTS NEAR AND PLACES TO BY FRESH FOODS.
  LOCATION WAS SLIGHTLY OUT THE WAY BUT WAS MUCH MORE FUN SO WE EXPLORED VENICE MORE. 10 MIN.WALK TO CENTRE AS LONG AS U HAVE GPS AND AFTER A FEW DAYS WAS SO EASY. GOING AWAY FROM THE CENTRE WAS FAB.
  
  What could be improved: NOTHING…. EVERYTHING WAS JUST GREAT….. BUT MORE TOWELS PLEASE. NO WASHING MACHINE SO WE HAND WASHED EVERY DAY… WAS EASY… BUT WE NEEDED MORE CLOTHES PEGS. LOVED THE STAIRS AND THE LIGHTS. AND THE VERY GOOD AIR CON.

• Lopez from United States – 21 June 2023 (10/10)

  It was a beautiful place and the owner was very helpful.

• Svyatlovskaya from United States – 12 June 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect!

• Martha from United States – 31 May 2023 (10/10)

  Very clean. Great location- easy access to San Marco Square, but not too close. So in a nice quiet location.
  Very nice host and responsive to arrival request.
  I would highly recommend this place.
  We liked having two separate bedrooms & bathrooms. Great for families. (Maybe not toddlers with the stairs).
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. We have absolutely no complaints!

• Roger from United Kingdom – 30 May 2023 (9/10)

  Location is excellent….near enough to all the sights but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful. About 8 mins gentle walk to St Mark's Square. Very well equipped and comfortable apartment, Giacomo is a very obliging and helpful host….we asked if we could borrow an iron and board ,the next morning he left brand new items for us while we were out!!
  
  What could be improved: Only one small concern….the stairs in the property are quite steep with an unusual bannister arrangement. Not a problem if you are fit and able bodied but could be an issue in some cases otherwise.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities