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Venice
The 12 Best Hotels in Castello, Venice

The 12 Best Hotels in Castello, Venice

Castello is a great place to stay in Venice. It's very central, yet not overrun by touristy crowds. Better still, it retains an authentic residential charm in some quarters, particularly Eastern Castello, where laundry hangs above the winding narrow lanes and old men make passionate, flourishing gestures at TVs playing football games in local bars. Like most of central Venice, it's an open-air museum. You'll find the Arsenale by the water, Carpaccio's paintings in San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, and the Gothic-Renaissance church of San Zaccaria, with its flooded crypt. In short, Castello is crammed with ancient sights. And our pick of the best hotels in Castello is no less historic. We've discovered a fine range of restored palazzos, luxury hotels adorned with Renaissance frescoes and Gothic-Byzantine B&Bs perfect for families.

For a romantic getaway

Couples will be drawn to I Qs, which is an intimate property, offering four contemporary luxury suites just a few streets behind St Mark's Square. Better still, it faces the Rio de Mondo Novo Canal, and there's a waterbus station nearby — in other words, it's perfectly located for quietly exploring the city.

For a historic palazzo

History buffs will fall in love with Hotel Palazzo Vitturi because it's one of the oldest palazzos in Venice, its gorgeous interiors adorned with original frescoes, Murano chandeliers, and frescoed ceilings. It's another well-located hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge and San Marco's Square. Best of all, you'll have breakfast overlooking Campo Santa Maria Formosa!
Palazzo Priuli is another option for history buffs. Not only is it a gorgeous Renaissance palace, but it's just a short walk from the Doge's Palace and the Basilica San Marco.
Palazzo Cristo is great if you want to be near the action — just not in it. This luxury hotel is set in a 13th century palazzo overlooking Scuola Grande di San Marco, and offers elegant suites and self-catering apartments just 10-minutes from San Marco Square. Soaring historic majesty far from the madding crowd.

For seamless sophistication

If you're looking for something sophisticated, Palazzo Maria Formosa should be first on your list. It's perched between the square and tranquil canal, the interiors a seamless blend of neoclassical and Art Nouveau design. You can expect fine-dining, crafted cocktails, and you're only a 10-minute walk from San Marco.

For families

Residenza de L'Osmarin is a good option for families. It's a wonderfully located, elegant but homely B&B just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge. With friendly hosts, rooms and a suite spilling out to a private terrace, it's a home-away-from-home close to the bustle of Piazzo San Marco.
La Residenza doesn't feel like your usual B&B, but this Gothic-Byzantine palazzo with its period furnishings is perfect for families on a city break — a home-away-from-home just a short walk from the Arsenal and San Marco Square. Great value for money too!

For lagoon views

Londra Palace Venezia is a sophisticated property overlooking Venice's lagoon. All of the individually designed rooms are adorned with original paintings and Biedermeier furniture, plus there's a gourmet restaurant, bistro and terrace for al fresco evenings.

For luxury

If you want to feel like aristocracy, check out Hotel Ai Reali, as this small luxury palace was once the residence of the noble Reali family. It's fabulously well-located, only a 5-minute walk from San Marco's Square, and oozes old world luxury — think: chandeliers, antiques, a small spa, a piano bar and a wine cellar.
The owner of the Metropole is an antiques collector, so it gets an A grade for character alone. Just steps from San Marco Square, this luxury hotel is crammed with collectables and curios: porcelain teapots, corkscrews and crucifixes. Combined with the oriental bar, the shady garden and Michelin-star restaurant, it's total luxury with a touch of charming eccentricity.

On a budget

Palazzo Soderini is a great value B&B, that's perfectly located for sightseeing. It's near a ferry stop, and a few steps from Ponte de Sospiri and San Marco Square. Families should book the first-floor apartment, with its high ceilings and sleek furniture, looking out over a quiet square.

For a sleek design stay

Ca Di Dio is sleek and artsy, its interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola, so design buffs will love it (and particularly appreciate the touches of local craftsmanship). Lovely bonuses include al fresco dining in the courtyard, crafted cocktails at Alchemia Bar — all just a 12-minute walk from San Marco Square.

Still not sure?

Check out our other Venice collections: hotels near the Grand Canal, or La Giudecca, or Dorsoduro, or San Marco
See the best luxury hotels in Venice or the best palazzos in Venice
You can also expand your search to include ALL of the best hotels in Venice
Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.
- i Qs Venice (Castello) 4 rooms from AU$588
  
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  City Style  -  Don't expect any stuffiness here! This is a historic building filled with modern art and boasting some seriously chic design
  Romantic Break  -  These chic suites place an importance on privacy with a hands-off approach making this ideal for couples
  Groups  -  With just four suites, this is a good option for groups of friends travelling together
  Self catering  -  Each suite comes with a well equipped kitchen for those who want to self cater
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Just four contemporary suites with all the modern amenities offer calm and privacy in the heart of the city. Interiors mix contemporary and traditional design. An ideal choice for a couple looking for independence and privacy, or a business traveller needing simple accommodation. See More
  
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- Hotel Palazzo Vitturi Venice (Castello) 16 rooms from AU$328
  
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  Local exploring  -  Situated close to Piazza San Marco, this hotel is in a great location for sightseeing in Venice
  City Style  -  This historic hotel boasts many of the palazzo's original features, a beacon of Venetian style
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the hotel's heritage feel and the attentive on-site staff
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a vast, Gothic church filled with artworks
  Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels
  
  This hotel occupies one of the oldest palazzos in Venice. Situated a stone's throw from Piazza San Marco, the building's original frescoes are complemented by modern soft furnishings in a regal palette. Start the day with breakfast overlooking Campo Santa Maria Formosa. An elegant boutique hotel. See More
  
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- Palazzo Priuli Venice (Castello) 10 rooms from AU$383
  
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  City Style  -  A traditional, yet luxurious stay, offering guests a touch of old-world Venetian elegance
  Local exploring  -  An elegant four star luxury stay with grand traditional design and high-end service
  Sights nearby  -  Located in the heart of Venice's historic centre just 200m from St Mark's Square
  Historic  -  Original frescoes by Palma il Vecchio adorn the front of the building
  
  Delightful Renaissance residence in central Venice. Bedrooms and suites filled with delicate fabrics, chandeliers, mirrored lamps, artworks and fireplaces. The hotel's excellent restaurant is nearby. Very authentic stay close to St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. See More
  
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- Palazzo Maria Formosa Venice (Castello) 26 rooms from AU$808
  
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  City Style  -  Uncover Venetian elegance with modern comforts, artistic décor, and canal views for an unforgettable retreat
  Local exploring  -  Revel in the majesty of Venice from an historic square, alive with festivals and rich cultural heritage
  Artworks  -  Discover the layered history of Venice through neoclassical frescoes and stunning Art Nouveau decor
  Learning  -  Embark on a serene water taxi ride, marvelling at the city's intricate lagoon and storied buildings
  
  A wonderfully Venetian hotel, tucked between a bustling square and a serene canal. Inside, the decor blends Neoclassical elegance with Art Nouveau touches, creating a captivating, timeless ambience. Guests can enjoy fine dining, craft cocktails and a water-based wellness centre. Full of charm. See More
  
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- Palazzo Cristo Venice (Castello) 3 rooms from AU$815
  
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  Families  -  The self-catering apartments are perfect for families travelling with children, and offer multiple bedrooms
  Local exploring  -  Located in a pretty square in central Venice, this hotel is a great base for starting your local exploring
  Honeymoons  -  Experience a honeymoon in luxurious Venetian style at this hotel
  Great walks  -  Wander the alleyways to reach Rialto Bridge, an ornate 16th-century footbridge crossing the Grand Canal
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  This luxury hotel is housed in a 13th-century palazzo overlooking the Scuola Grande di San Marco. Suites are elegant and refined, with marble and wood accents. The most spacious apartments offer self-catering facilities and multiple bedrooms. Expect stylish Italian design pieces. A majestic stay. See More
  
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- Residenza de l'Osmarin Venice (Castello) 3 rooms from AU$359
  
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  Value chic  -  For the standard of the hotel and the location - this is a very reasonably priced stay
  Families  -  Suites can be rearranged to accommodate up to four people very comfortably
  Groups  -  With just three rooms this is a good option to rent out in its entirety
  Owner managed  -  Owner managed and very homely - this is an authentic Venetian stay
  
  A homely and elegant B&B with friendly hosts. Bedrooms (and the one suite) have parquet floors, lots of natural light and wooden beams. The suite has a private roof terrace. A great spot for families or groups, and excellent value too. See More
  
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- La Residenza Venice (Castello) 18 rooms from AU$471
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well positioned for exploring set near San Marco Square and just a short distance from Riva degli Schiavoni
  Traditional  -  A restored period property filled with original features, antique furnishings, and 18th century paintings
  Historic  -  A prestigious 15th century Gritti-Badoer Palazzo that was once the home of a noble Venitian family
  Local markets  -  Visit the Rialto Fish Market
  
  An elegant historic residence set close to San Marco Square and the Arsenal. Gothic-Byzantine architecture remains the hallmark of its restored interiors - expect period furnishings and 18th-century paintings throughout the rooms. A great value choice for families, friends or couples. See More
  
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- Londra Palace Venezia Venice (Castello) 52 rooms from AU$1002
  
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  City Style  -  A short stroll from San Marco, the elegant salon and private retreat, stylish pied à terre and gateway to the authentic Venice.
  Writing a novel  -  Countless artists and authors have drawn inspiration from the hotel, including Tchaikovsky, who wrote his Fourth Symphony here.
  Romantic Break  -  Sumptuous suites, spectacular views, chic dining and beds that are almost impossible to pull yourself out of
  Sights nearby  -  5 minutes walk to Piazza San Marco, as is the Doge’s Palace. 10 minutes walk from Rialto bridge and the main local attractions.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel, Relais & Chateaux, Fodors
  
  With 100 windows overlooking the lagoon and the magical location, in the heart of Venice, you don't leave the city when you step inside:you enter a cultured, stylish, welcoming Venetian home. See More
  
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- Hotel Ai Reali Venice (Castello) 31 rooms from AU$473
  
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  Historic  -  Set in an ancient palazzo and decorated with heavy drapes, antiques and Murano chandeliers - there is a real sense of place here
  Local exploring  -  A luxurious base ideally located to explore Venice's main sites with Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco a short walk away
  Spa  -  Unusual for Venice there is a spa with a sauna, whirlpool tub, steam room, and a number of treatments
  Romantic  -  Sumptuous interiors and a lovely canalside spot make this a very romantic choice
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A small luxury property boasting a very central location and beautiful Venetian design. Opulent rooms and suites are everything one expects from this part of Italy with chandeliers, heavy drapes and antiques. Housing a restaurant, piano bar, small spa and wine cellar; this property has it all. See More
  
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- Metropole Venice (Castello) 67 rooms from AU$760
  
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  Local exploring  -  This couldn't be a more central location set overlooking the Bacino di San Marco lagoon and with St Mark's Square within sight!
  Foodies  -  The Met Restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and serves superb contemporary Italian dishes with a focus on local produce
  Sights nearby  -  Steps away from the famous Plazza San Marco
  Views  -  Choose a room with a lagoon view
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Michelin Travel, Fodors
  
  The Beggiato family open their doors and antique collection to give guests Lagoon views, a luxurious stay and Michelin star dining. Rooms are unique with an eclectic mix of curios and collectables. Enjoy the rare Venetian garden, the memorable dining experience and the Oriental Bar. Romantic stay. See More
  
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- Palazzo Soderini Venice (Castello) 4 rooms from AU$380
  
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  City Style  -  The period exterior belies the chic modern feel inside with contemporary art, bright rooms, and simple clean lines
  Local exploring  -  A wonderfully quiet location, yet still all of Venice's highlights are easily accessible such as San Marco Square
  Sights nearby  -  A stone's throw from St Mark's Square and the the ornate Gothic Doge's Palace
  Minimum Stay  -  Three night minimum stay
  
  A stylish contemporary B&B with a beautiful garden and breakfast terrace. Design conscious rooms have whitewashed walls, clever lighting and sleek furniture. Great value and very well positioned for exploring the city's main attractions. See More
  
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- Ca Di Dio Venice (Castello) 66 rooms from AU$659
  
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  Learning  -  Explore behind-the-scenes at a Murano glass factory, witnessing the creation of iconic Venetian artistry
  Great walks  -  Stroll ancient Riva promenade, absorbing expansive lagoon views and Venice's vibrant maritime history
  City Style  -  A chic retreat with Murano glass and fresh modern decor - perfect for exploring Venice's art scene
  Romantic Break  -  Ideal for romantic strolls by the lagoon and intimate terrace dining under Venetian skies
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A regal Venetian hotel in the city's historic heart. Opulence meets artistry in interiors by Patricia Urquiola, highlighting local craftsmanship in every detail. Gourmet dining at VERO, serene al fresco moments in the courtyard, and crafted cocktails at Alchemia bar, create an exquisite stay. See More
  
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