The Hotel Ca' Formenta's cute but unpretentious two-story pink facade conceals equally unassuming, yet clean and pleasant, interiors. This modest mid-range property doesn't offer many common spaces, but there is a tiny lobby adorned in traditional Venetian-style with gleaming tile floors, columns, and elegant blue upholstered seating. It shares space with a small breakfast room that stretches to the back of the building and is furnished with a couple of tables draped in blue tablecloths. There's more seating out front as well, with outdoor tables and chairs flanking the entrance. With just 14 guest rooms, it's an intimate atmosphere, and though lacking in features, the property occupies a desirable location that attracts sightseeing tourists.

The hotel occupies a convenient waterfront location in the Castello District, which is home to some of Venice's top sites and attractions. Overlooking the Venetian Lagoon, it's a scenic spot, and the nearest vaporetto (water bus) stop is just a three-minute walk away. There are plenty of dining option and bars in the area, as well as shops. Top sites, like the Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs can be reached in 13 minutes on foot. The Rialto Bridge is about a 20-minute walk away. Top art museums like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell'Accademia can be reached in about 20 minutes via vaporetto. The Santa Lucia train station is around 40 minutes away by public transit, while Marco Polo International Airport is about 75 minutes away. The hotel has its own private jetty, so travelers can arrive by water taxi if they desire.

Guest rooms are tastefully cloaked in a typical Venetian style that includes a medley of patterned blue textiles. Think: matching bedspreads, curtains, upholstered chairs/couches, and carpets (some rooms have granite tile floors, while Junior Suites have lovely Venetian mosaic flooring). The decor might not suit all and can feel a bit dated, but the spaces are clean and pleasant. Large replicas of paintings (angels or Venetian scenes) hang above the beds. Cream-colored furniture includes nightstands and either desks or small round tables flanked by chairs. Some rooms also have chaise lounges or couches. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no tea/coffee-making facilities. 

Though Standard Rooms are a bit small, they make good use of space and don't feel too cramped. Bathrooms, however, are tiny, but clean and equipped with shower cabins (shower/tub combos in suites), heated towel racks, bidets, and hairdryers. Individual toiletries are provided. Superior Rooms and Junior Suites offer views over the lagoon, plus some have small balconies overlooking the water. Note that some guests complain that beds are uncomfortable.

Features are limited at this small hotel, but the property does offer a free basic breakfast buffet (with items like cereal, fruit, yogurt, and coffee) in the mornings. It's served in the lobby-adjoining dining room or outdoors in front of the hotel. The hotel has a private jetty, making it easy for guests arriving by water taxi. Wi-Fi is free throughout.