Hotel review: Ca’Sagredo, Venice

A city on the sea famous for its rich history of Renaissance art and debauchery, Venice is not to be missed.

And very few travellers do miss it, as I discovered while wading through crowds on the way to my lodgings.

Happily, it was well worth the trouble once I arrived.

Ca’Sagredo is a quintasential Venetian hotel. Situated on the Grand Canal, directly across from the famous Rialto Market, the 14th century Palazzo has been declared a national monument and still contains much of the original art from its heyday when it was owned by the noble Sagredo family in the 18^th century.

First impression

Upon entering the hotel, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a grand gallery. The lobby is adorned with original artworks showcasing the history of the building with hints of modern Venetian art scattered throughout.

Old meets new with modern exhibitions showcasing the works of Venetian artists Marco Nereo Rotelli and Massimiliano Schiavon in collaboration with poets from Syria, China, Cuba and the US. The real show stoppers, however, are the gigantic frescos on the ceilings of the first floor halls and dining rooms depicting epic scenes of battle between ancient Roman gods from 18th-century painters.

Location

The hotel is situated on the Grand Canal, next to Ca’D’Oro – a five-minute walk from the Rialto bridge and 10 minutes from St. Mark’s square.

Venice has no metro or cars, given a large number of its streets are surrounded by water and prone to flooding, but it’s very easy to walk everywhere and I was able to reach all the main galleries and markets in less than 15 minutes.

Rooms and suites

Featuring 42 rooms, 11 suites, nine junior suites and 22 double rooms, much of the hotel boasts spectacular views of the Grand Canal with authentic furnishings and décor to match its regal history.

The room reviewed was a Grand Canal double room with a pink overstuffed bedhead, TV, writing desk and marble bathroom. However, the real drawcard was the view. Upon entering my room, I flung open the windows and was met with my own private view of the famous Grand Canal complete with a scattering of gondolas and very few crowds.

The only downside to the room was the WiFi, which was slow and often dropped out, but who needs internet with such breathtaking views!

Drinking and dining

Like everything else in the hotel, breakfast is a grand affair, taking place in La Sala del Doge on the first floor where most of the noble rooms (and suites) are housed.

The buffet breakfast is eaten under the watchful eye of Apollo, depicted defeating the Vices in a ceiling fresco painted by 18th-century painter Nicolò Bambini. Here, you can start your day off right with a selection of delicious cakes and pastries, cheeses, fresh fruit and tomatoes as well as hot meats and eggs – not to mention the all-important cappuccino and espresso.

For lunch, dinner and the essential aperitif, L’Alcova Restaurant and Bar L’Incontro serve up traditional Venetian cuisine, local wines and fantastic panoramic views of the canal.

Services

The hotel offers a range of tours and classes including a walk through the historical Rialto Market with the Ca’Sagredo chef and Venetian cooking classes.

There is also a wellness offering with guided jogging or walking tours through the monuments of Venice and personal trainers available to guests.

Verdict: 8/10

Ca’Sagredo Hotel provides the perfect setting for a unique and authentic trip to the floating city. It’s not just a hotel; Ca’Segrado is a historical palazzo, a national monument and a museum all at once.