Housed in a 14th-century Venetian “palazzo” with charming
period details
An 11-minute walk to St. Mark's Square, and near water bus stop
Rooms and apartments have kitchenettes, and fireplaces
White
marble bathrooms have whirlpool tubs and L'Occitane toiletries
Guest
rooms have views of the canal, courtyard or garden
Beautiful
ballroom, guest lounge, terrace, and garden
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Breakfast served in rooms or on the terrace (for a fee)
Laundry and dry-cleaning services available
Some worn rooms due for an update
Ground-floor rooms can be dark
Rooms next to canal can pick up unpleasant odors
Soundproofing and water-pressure issues reported
Wi-Fi is shaky
No
on-site restaurant and fee for breakfast
Palazzo
Contarini della Porta di Ferro is a romantic 14th-century Venetian “palazzo” that's within walking distance of St.
Mark's Square. This upper-middle-range property has 19 guest
rooms and suites, some of which are two- or three-bedroom
apartment-style accommodations with separate dining areas and
kitchenettes. Many have views over the
San Francesco canal, flower garden, courtyard, or roofs of Venice.
The “palazzo” is filled with period details like stone doorways and exposed wood-beam ceilings. Though there's lots of Old World charm here, some of the
rooms show signs of wear and tear, and those next to the canal
can pick up unpleasant odors. Breakfast is served in guest rooms or on a pleasant
terrace, but it's an additional fee. As an alternative, the nearby Liassidi
Palace Hotel includes breakfast and serves it in a room overlooking the canal.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Romantic, Old World ambience in a quiet setting
The
Palazzo Contarini della Porta di Ferro is a historic building dating
back to the 14th century when it belonged to a Venetian
noble family. The “palazzo” has a quiet and romantic atmosphere,
and many elegant architectural details, like arches and columns, and a
charming courtyard and flower garden. Interiors are
spacious, with high wood-beam ceilings and stone doorways, decorated with oil paintings, Oriental rugs, tapestries, and
Murano glass chandeliers and sculptures. The impressive Piano Nobile
ballroom is a stunning and vast space with large glass doors opening
onto an adjacent terrace with a view of the city's rooftops. The
romantic atmosphere makes this hotel particularly popular with
couples.
Location
An 11-minute walk from St. Mark's Square
Palazzo
Contarini della Porta di Ferro is located in Venice's Castello
district, a quiet area tucked away from the crowds that's about an 11-minute walk to St. Mark's Square. The hotel can be a
challenge to find because it's located in a small lane and has only a
small sign, but the management sends guests detailed directions.
There's a small grocery store next door, and many bars,
restaurants, cafes, and shops are within walking distance. It's a
five-minute walk to the Celestia water bus stop, where “Vaporetto”
boats head to destinations like the Canal Grande, Murano island, and
the airport. Water taxis are also available to most destinations
around Venice.- Five-minute walk to Celestia water bus stop
Rooms
Elegantly decorated, spacious rooms, suites, and apartments -- but canal smells cause issues
The 19 guest rooms, suites, and apartments at Palazzo Contarini della Porta
di Ferro vary widely in size and upkeep, but they are
generally spacious and have retained the Old World charm of the
original “palazzo.” They are beautifully decorated with
antique-style furniture made of chestnut wood, sofas covered in silk,
gilt mirrors, tapestries and oil paintings on the walls, floors
covered in Oriental rugs, and architectural details like wood-beam
exposed ceilings and stone fireplaces. Bathrooms are fitted with
elegant white marble sink tops, and have either whirlpool baths or
showers, and luxury toiletries by L'Occitane. Standard guest
rooms are at least 430 square feet. Those located
on the ground floor can be dark, and some are in need of renovation.
The best rooms are the Superior Apartments on the top floor, almost 2,335 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, spacious
living areas, kitchens, and scenic views over the city's
rooftops and canals. All the rooms, suites, and apartments have
mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles for coffee and
tea. They are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi. Most of the rooms have views over
the canal, flower garden, courtyard, or the rooftops of Venice. But
the rooms overlooking the canal, though scenic, may pick up the smells that can emanate from the canals.
Guest have complained about poor soundproofing due to thin walls,
problems with water pressure, and unreliable Wi-Fi.
Features
Ballroom and lounge, garden, breakfast service (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi
Though the Palazzo Contarini della Porta di Ferro is an upper-middle-range property, the intimate, historic hotel has fairly limited on-site features. One of the most striking features is the hotel's public spaces, such as its beautiful ballroom and guest lounge, and its flower garden filled with statues and fountains. Breakfast
is available for an extra fee and is served either in guest rooms or on
the terrace overlooking the garden. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the
hotel, but the connection can be spotty. Other services include
laundry and dry cleaning. Staff will help organize tours and
airport transfers. The romantic atmosphere makes this a popular venue
for weddings and other special events.
