Ca’ dei Dogi

The Ca’ dei Dogi is filled with atmosphere, from the entrance all the way up to the sun-drenched terrace overlooking Venice’s canals, rooftops, and the peaceful garden of the Convent of Sant'Apollonia. The common areas are filled with Murano glass, oriental rugs, and luxe embroidered fabrics, with Carrara marble floors and stone stairs leading up, up, up to the rooms (some are six flights up). The walls are hung everywhere with modern paintings and other interesting objects, in the spirit of Venetian excess. The former palace retains its architectural character, with wood ceiling beams, original windows, and shutters, and through each open window is a picturesque snapshot that could be a scene from a bygone century. There is not much room for hanging out in the lobby; Venice is crowded, and space is at a premium. The Ca’ dei Dogi is a small gem protected from the hubbub of Venice’s central tourist area.

The Ca’ dei Dogi is ideally located for tourists who want to be close to the thick of things but prefer a cozy retreat between fine Italian meals and sunset strolls. It is a five-minute walk to Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the nearest vaporetto stop. The hotel is surrounded by timeless alleys and unexpected courtyards, as well as inexpensive restaurants. All the major tourist attractions are close by, but the city’s hustle and bustle doesn’t penetrate the hotel’s peaceful aura. Location-wise, the Ca’ dei Dogi combines the best of everything Venice.

The Ca’ dei Dogi is made up of six clean, individually decorated rooms and two spacious apartments. The rooms vary in size; some are tiny, but the loft-style apartments are spacious by Venetian standards, with lovely terraces. The decor is international, with interesting artwork and nice architectural touches, including wooden ceiling beams and wood plank floors. Bathrooms are narrow but beautiful and modern with walk-in showers; one room has a big whirlpool tub, too. Amenities include minibars, free toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels which are so small, and mounted so high on the wall that the implication is: turn off the TV and get out and see the sights. There is one handicapped-accessible room. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

The Ca’ dei Dogi offers a delicious breakfast each morning, including pastry, cheese, meats, excellent coffee, and made-to-order omelets, served in the hotel’s breakfast room or on the sunny terrace. Taverna dei Dogi, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves local cuisine, traditional Venetian food, in a cozy dining room. In the lobby, there is a shelf of guidebooks for guests to borrow. There are laundry facilities for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout.