Ca’ di Dio: A Modern Hotel Inspired by the Venetian Lagoon

Mon, 03/20/2023 - 07:20

Courtyard at Ca’ di Dio, Venice, with lawn chairs and a tree

Courtyard at Ca’ di Dio, Venice

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

The sleek modern design by acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola is a breath of fresh air in a city where Renaissance-inspired decor is still the norm.

What to expect

Ca' di Dio Lobby — *The colorful lobby at Ca’ di Dio*

When it opened, this hotel made a splash thanks to its whimsical, modern design inspired by the colors of the Venetian Lagoon. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it draws savvy, design-minded travelers looking for a beautiful place to stay slightly removed from the crowds around Piazza San Marco. The lobby is especially stunning, with its soaring ceilings, a modern chandelier, and splashy Gaetano Pesce chairs, but guests also love the intimate cocktail bar and elegant restaurant.

Background

Opened in 2021, this luxury hotel is run by V Retreats, which also operates a couple of resorts in Taormina and a hotel in Rome. It’s housed in a 13th-century convent and the original internal courtyard still offers a peaceful respite from city life.

Location, location, location

The hotel feels right at home in the artsy Arsenale district, which hosts the Venice Biennale. It’s a 15-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, so it feels removed from the tourist crowds but close enough to reach all the sights. There’s a private dock accessible to water taxis and other small boats.

Where you'll sleep

Room Ca' di Dio — *Room at Ca*’ *di Dio*

Rooms and suites are modern, with wood paneling inspired by ships and textured wall coverings, comfortable beds, and Murano lamps with modern silhouettes. Bathrooms feel luxurious with red marble sinks and modern fixtures. If you want a view, you’ll have to pay for it, as entry level rooms face the internal courtyard. The spacious rooftop terrace suite sleeps up to four people and has a private terrace overlooking the San Marco basin.

Dining and drinks

Dinner at Ca' di Dio — *Among the mealtime options at Ca*’ *di Dio*, *Vero restaurant*’*s dinner menu is what really shines*

Buffet breakfast is included and is served in the sunny Essentia restaurant overlooking the courtyard, where you can eat al fresco if the weather is nice. The intimate Alchemia bar serves creative cocktails and Venetian cicchetti. Vero restaurant has a light lunch menu, but really shines at dinner, when the chef has full rein to make creative takes on Venetian cuisine, like fried lagoon fish with sweet and sour syrup and wasabi sauce.

Service notes

Staff are friendly and attentive, always trying to make guests feel at home and fulfill any requests, no matter how small. The concierge can arrange excursions like a tour of a glass factory in Murano or a visit to the colorful island of Burano.

Spa time

During my stay, I didn’t take advantage of the spa, but it offers treatments in partnership with The Merchant of Venice, including the signature Gold Leaf facial and a Blue Tea treatment. Guests who book a treatment can use the sauna and hammam.