The guide to secret and romantic places
Palazzo Dei Mori is a charming hotel hidden away in Venice's Castello district, near the Basilica of San Zanipolo. This elegant piano nobile (noble floor), discreetly accessed via a typical Venetian courtyard, is a fascinating journey back in time, with just 6 richly decorated museum rooms and a friendly staff.
Reservation
We recommend booking your stay at Palazzo Dei Mori via Booking.com, which often offers free cancellation. Send us a message on Instagram if you go, it would make us super happy.
Our stay
We had the opportunity to stay here and we definitely plan to return! It was one of our best experiences in Venice, and other reviews agree: 9.8/10 and over 175 online reviews. What we liked best:
- The warmest welcome in Venice (thanks Giulia!)
- Probably our most beautiful room in Venice (it's like a work of art)
- Daily homemade cakes and unlimited coffee
- The impressive cleanliness of the rooms
- Location away from the crowds but still very central
- Excellent soundproofing
The arrival
On site, it's easy enough to miss the gate, especially at night. Two stone lions welcome you. Step through the gate to discover a small, secret Venetian courtyard, adorned with a 17th-century vera da pozzo (a decorative well) and accessible only to guests and residents of the courtyard. The hotel is owned by the Muazzo family, a Venetian noble family whose lineage spans several centuries.
Push open the front door and climb the stairs to the reception area, set in the splendid salon. The 2 Venetian Moors (statues) at the top of the entrance staircase are in soft wood, carved around 1800, then gilded with fine chiseling. The atmosphere is magical, including the Louis XV-style reception desk, the Persian Kirman carpet on the floor, and the crystal chandeliers.
The most attentive welcome in Venice
During our stay, we received a royal welcome from Giulia, all warmth and simplicity. She offered us something to drink and really took the time to answer all our questions, without ever seeming to be in a hurry. I think this was the longest check-in we've ever had in Venice, and the most polished. The whole team deserves the same praise, especially Anastasia, Nicola, Deborah and Cristina.
The rooms
There are 6 rooms and suites, divided into 4 types. Adorned with splendid Murano glass chandeliers, they evoke bygone eras, but with all the modern comforts you could wish for. We were lucky enough to stay in n°6, which was a Junior Suite. Without doubt the most beautiful room Let's Go My Love has tested in Venice to date!
Some of our favorite rooms:
1 • Superior • Photo • 🪞
2 • Deluxe • Photo • 🏞️
3 • Junior Suite • Photo • ✨
4 • Junior Suite with terrace • Photo • ☀️
Accessories in the room include an original Louis XVI armchair dating from around 1860, a gilded wooden desk, an original 19th-century painting of the Venetian lagoon, a Venetian chest of drawers, gilded and decorated with lacquer flowers, and a Murano glass 2-light chandelier.
Breakfast
Every morning, a hearty breakfast buffet is served in the lounge. On the menu: homemade cakes and coffee, pastries, fresh bread, cereals, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs made to order, yoghurts, cheeses, cold meats and fruit juices. In all honesty, it's sufficient, but not incredible. But that's really a detail.
Location
The Castello district, less touristy than San Marco, offers a more authentic Venice experience. Just a stone's throw from the Basilica of San Zanipolo, Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the Arsenale, you're ideally placed to stroll off the beaten track. The Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco are just a 10-minute walk away.
This blog features over 350 romantic and unique destinations in a curated collection. These might include a hidden hotel or a lakeside cabin, for example. We travel about three months a year and negotiate discount codes. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok if you enjoy this content — By Pauline and Sébastien.
The Palazzo dei Mori is ideally located in the heart of the Castello district, an authentic and peaceful part of Venice, where typical alleyways, local craftsmen and historical treasures mingle, far from the crowds.
Yes, a hearty breakfast buffet is served in the lounge every morning. On the menu: homemade cakes and coffee, pastries, fresh bread, cereals, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs made to order, yoghurts, cheeses, cold meats and fruit juices. In all honesty, it's adequate, but not unbelievable.
No, but there are plenty of restaurants in the area. We recommend the very typical Trattoria Bandierette.
Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is until 10:30am.
Prices start at around €145 for a night at Palazzo dei Mori.
Yes, the hotel has a small inner courtyard, away from the hustle and bustle. The Junior Suite has its own private terrace overlooking the inner courtyard.
No, hotel rooms do not have bathtubs.
No, pets are not allowed.
