Hotel La Calcina - Does it feel out of the way?
 

Greetings fellow fodorites! I have been trying to figure out which hotel to choose for my 4-night stay in Venice. I have been to Venice 3 times before staying in various areas (Hotel Galleria, Hotel Leon Bianco, and Hotel Caneva). Hotel La Calcina has rooms facing the cana, which seems very nice, but I'm wondering if I should choose a hotel closer to the Rialto bridge/area.

I would love to hear your comments about staying in Dorsoduro.

Thanks!

Monica ((F))

PS: The other hotels that I have in mind are close to the Rialto bridge, San Marco and a couple that are closer to the train station, about a 15 minute walk.

Monica ((F))

It's not THAT out of the way, since it's around the corner from a major calle to the Academia bridge. Personally I love the location--just far enough away from all the hub-bub, but close to the Grand Canal bridge and the vaporetto stop.

It is not out of the way at all IMO - short walk to San Marco (10 minutes) and about the same to the Rialto Bridge. A very pleasant part of the city and not so many tourists.

It is very close, but somehow felt a little out of the way to me. I prefer Dorsoduro closer to Campo Santa Margerita.

Still, I don't care for the Rialto area--too bustling for me, so if it's a choice between La Calcina or something closer to Rialto, I'd go with Calcina. It's a nice hotel. It wasn't during the day that I felt La Calcina was too quiet; it was at night. I should mention this was winter, although during Carnivale, so walking very far to a restaurant meant we had to brave the cold.

Campo Santa Margerita and closer to there had more of a buzz and a youthful feeling. But perhaps this isn't what you prefer. And don't get me wrong; I'd definitely stay at Calcina again. Very short walk to San Marco. I just haven't yet found the perfect Venice hotel and hotel location for me. ;)

Thanks for the comments!! It certainly helps me. The hotel quoted me a price for dates that have since changed. I'm waiting for their reply and if they have a room for me for my dates of stay I think I'll book with them. I do like the Rialto area, but love the idea of a more quiet location and a more authentic feel to Venice.

Thanks! I hope they have a room for me! ;)

Monica ((F))

I adore La Calcina and have stayed there twice. If it felt "out of the way" at all... it was in a GOOD way!

It is very easy to get to from the train station by vaporetto. The hotel is simply outstanding, in my opinion. Great rooms, wonderful breakfast included. A little gem of peaceful, cool, quiet, what a relief after a day in the sometimes hectic feel of Venice. Especially if you can get a room with a view of the Guidecca, I'd take it in a heartbeat.

I wouldn't mind staying a little closer to San Marco possibly but I definitely do NOT care for the area around the Rialto bridge. Too crowded!

Thanks Suze! Now I'm getting anxious to hear from the hotel! Maybe tomorrow. If they're booked, I'll have to keep looking.

Monica ((F))

I agree with Suze---we spent 5 nights there and would go back in a heartbeat. A bonus is the rooftop terrace, which you can reserve for private use. We enjoyed two sunsets up there, with a bottle of wine and some antipasti from the "Billa" grocery store a ten-minute walk away.

You should be aware, however, that the Giudecca Canal is not one of the charming little side canals---it is a broad waterway for cruise ships and car ferries. We loved seeing them go by, but some people do not care for that aspect. Just so you know. . .

Exactly what Suze said!

True enough about the Guidecca, it's a commercial shipping canal. I'll never forget the day a HUGE cruise ship "drove" by our hotel room window! What a surprise!!

I stayed at Leon Bianco in 2000. It's just off the Ca'D'Oro (sp?) stop, very close to the Rialto. Certainly central to a lot of things. I loved the hotel becuase it's tiny and we had a beautiful room that had a grand canal view.

Sandi, When I stayed at Leon Bianco, it was with a side canal view, but I could see the grand canal if I leaned waaay out the window! :)

Monica ((F))

Westayed at La Calcina 3 years ago and are staying there again this April.

I loved it so much I did not even consider staying anywhere else.

It is out of the way but not OUT OF THE WAY. You are removed from the action (which I prefer) but can be in the action in onla a few minutes by foot or vaporetto.

My favorite part of the day was returning to La Calcina after a day of walking, sitting on the dock on the canal and having a cold drink.

You'll love it.

Donna

I'm booked as of this morning!!! :)

I can't wait for this trip! Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate it.

Monica ((F))

Monica - This is Julie...so glad to see that you were able to get your room at La Calcina. I think you're going to be very happy with your choice - enjoy!

Hi Julie!

Yes, I'm very happy about getting this hotel. I checked their web site out again and loved the photos and description. I'm looking forward to having drinks on their terrace.

Take care,

Monica ((F))