14-century
mansion with genuine historical ambience
Overlooking the
Grand Canal opposite stunning Ca' d'Oro
Set in lively
Santa Croce district about 10 minutes' walk from Rialto Bridge
Some rooms
overlook the Grand Canal
Air-conditioned
rooms with minibars and satellite TV
Free breakfast in
elegant and sunny salon
Cozy and low-lit bar with
card table and Internet terminal
No elevator
Wi-Fi only free for first hour
Can be hard to
find
Some Standard Rooms a bit tired
The San Cassiano
Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto is an upper-middle-range, 36-room former mansion right on the Grand Canal. Its canal-front setting is certainly a
highlight, with nearly all tourists attractions within walking distance --
though it's not the easiest hotel to find on foot. Both breakfast salon and bar
are pleasant though, and breakfast is tasty and included in the rate. Many rooms overlook Venice's main waterway, though some Standard Rooms can feel a little tired and pokey. Rates are reasonable for the location
and class -- and typically competitive with the nearby Al Ponte Mocenigo and Ca'
San Giorgio hotels -- but an upgrade to a Superior Room might be worth the extra.
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
A 14-century aristocratic mansion with artistic connection and historical atmosphere
Wedged between
typically Venetian palazzos overlooking the Grand Canal, the Hotel San Cassiano
was originally built in the 14th-century and housed many of the city's more
important families throughout the ages. In the late 19th-century it became home
to renowned Venetian painter Giacomo Favretto, and in 1951 it was converted into
the guesthouse that it is today. Entry is via a private jetty on Venice's main
waterway, or from the street through an unassuming doorway and modest-looking
courtyard. Like many Venice hotels, interiors are awash with classical period
features, such as ancient exposed wooden beams, medieval tapestries, and Oriental
rugs -- all centered around a heavy, intricately carved reception desk and
bathed in the light from the ubiquitous and wonderfully ornate Murano glass
chandeliers. Although the ambience is
traditional and leaning towards conservative, the slightly ramshackle and
eclectic elements create a real sense of the building's varied history and
character.
Location
Set on south bank of Venice's main waterway opposite the stunning Ca' d'Oro
The hotel is set on
the south side of the Grand Canal -- Venice's main arterial waterway -- opposite
the famous Ca' d'Oro palace. Located in the district of Santa Croce, the area
is one of the liveliest and most characterful of Venice, usually busy with
tourists and Venetians alike and with numerous museums, galleries, and
restaurants in the immediate surrounds. The Rialto Bridge and Markets are just under
10 minutes' walk away, while the touristic center of Venice centered on St. Mark's Square is about 15 minutes on foot. San Stae is the nearest vaporetto
stop, and about five minutes' walk, though with heavy luggage a water taxi
right to the hotel's private landing stage is recommended.
Rooms
Classical Venetian-styled rooms, some overlooking the Grand Canal
The hotel has 36
room in total, all of which follow the typical 18th-century Venetian styling
with antique furnishings, gilt-scroll mirrors, and tasseled draperies. Superior Rooms include beautifully textured "marmorino" walls and gold-leafed sconces, while several rooms overlook
the Grand Canal and the famed Ca' d'Oro, taking in the passing boats and
occasional serenading gondola -- however some of the Standard Rooms feel a
little dated in parts. All rooms are air-conditioned and include minibars and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels --
Wi-Fi is also available but only free for the first hour. Bathrooms are clean,
though some are a little small, with wall-mounted hairdryers and eco-friendly
toiletries. Single Rooms have stall showers, while others have shower/tub combos.
Features
Sunny and elegant breakfast salon and cozy, low-lit bar
A buffet
breakfast (included in rate) is served in elegant and sunny salon with windows
overlooking the Grand Canal. The traditional crystal chandeliers and sconces illuminate charming shades of peach and bright green paint on the walls and ceiling. Conversely, the hotel's Bar Favretto is a low-lit
and cozy area with walnut paneling, exposed beams, and antique
furniture -- there is also a felt-topped card table and Internet terminal. Wi-Fi is also available throughout, though it is charged after the first hour.
