"Why book? A three-star with comforts well above its category, Al Ponte Mocenigo is a rare phenomenon in Venice: stylish, welcoming, spacious, and fairly priced. Set the scene Budget accommodation exists in Venice; stylish, well-priced accommodation offering comfort in large rooms and with a warm welcome from two owner-managers, Valter and Sandro, who will make you wonder whether you misheard the price is absolutely exceptional. In fact, Al Ponte Mocenigo may be unique, which may explain why this little place by the San Stae vaporetto stop draws everyone from budget tourists and Venice habitués to families and single travelers, all of whom feel safe and at quite home. The backstory The long-running three-star Al Ponte Mocenigo has stuck to its course through the years, adding an annex here and new mod cons (such as air purifiers for COVID-era guests) over the years but never veering from its mission to provide all the trappings of a far pricier, more exclusive hotel at rates which make it affordable for a wide demographic, which explains the high number of returnees who make getting a booking here a challenge. The rooms Valter and Sandro have taken the heavy brocade-and-chandeliers ethos of the typical Venetian hotel and turned it into something lighter and more cheerful. Rooms in rich greens and golds are remarkably large for this hotel category, as are the bathrooms. The 15 rooms in the main hotel benefit from the general warmth emanating from the reception and gorgeous inner courtyard of this 15th-century palazzo. The six rooms in the adjoining annex are just as lovely... but, in the annex. Food and drink Breakfast in the inner courtyard of Al Ponte Mocenigo is a delight, with kindly staff distributing excellent fresh pastries plus fruit and savory offerings, and very good coffee. There's a charming breakfast room when the weather drives guests inside. Drinks are available from the little hotel bar through the day. In keeping with the home-from-home vibe, each room is equipped with a kettle. The neighborhood/area The quiet residential quarter of Santa Croce may seem like a bit of a backwater but it doesn't take long to discover its charms, the first of them being that it's far from the masses. But there are excellent restaurants and some fascinating minor museums in this neck of the woods, and the San Stae vaporetto stop just round the corner means that the whole city is easily reached even when 15 minutes of fascinating center-wards trekking doesn't appeal. The service Affable, urbane, extremely well informed: this is the kind of homely professionalism which can make your trip something really special. There's always advice, help with reservations and simply someone to chat with. With COVID restrictions making buffet meals a no-no, a fleet of lovely ladies has been drafted in to make breakfast time a treat. For families There are sofas that can be transformed into single beds in some rooms, and two rooms in the adjoining annex, which can be joined to make a suite for family groups. Accessibility Al Ponte Mocenigo has no elevator and there are steps at the entrance which make it tough for anyone with mobility problems. That said, there are guest rooms on the ground floor, a rarity in Venice, which makes it simpler for those whose issues are less restricting. Anything left to mention? Did we mention the superb carved marble well in the courtyard? You don't even need to step out of the hotel to feel immersed in the history of this unique city." - Anne Hanley
