Al Ponte Antico

If you're still searching for the perfect hotel in Venice, stop right now and book Al Ponte Antico. After days of meticulously comparing every option across the city, this gem stood head and shoulders above the rest—and somehow, it managed to surpass even our highest expectations. I rarely write Google reviews, but Al Ponte Antico is so extraordinary that it truly deserves every bit of praise I can give. It's no surprise the vast majority of reviews here are 5 stars; this boutique hotel excels in every conceivable aspect of an unforgettable stay. Rooms and Facilities: 5/5 - Al Ponte Antico masterfully blends authentic Venetian charm with timeless elegance—the decor feels richly traditional yet fresh, never dated or stuffy. We stayed in the spacious first-floor suite, which was remarkably generous in size and featured our own private patio opening directly onto the Grand Canal. Waking up to that view was pure magic. - You get the intimate, personalized feel of a small boutique property paired with the thoughtful amenities of a much larger hotel. The bar/lounge area serves a stunning, made-to-order breakfast each morning, prepared with care by the staff—fresh, delicious, and far beyond the typical continental fare. The bar itself is open 24/7 exclusively for guests, creating a serene, private oasis. Nothing compares to sipping a perfectly crafted spritz or cocktail on the balcony, gazing at the Grand Canal and the iconic Rialto Bridge as gondolas glide by. Location: 5/5 It's hard to imagine a better spot in Venice. Perched directly on the Grand Canal with breathtaking views, the hotel sits in a central yet remarkably peaceful position. You're just a short, scenic walk from virtually every major attraction, yet insulated from the crowds. The Rialto Bridge is right there for you to admire from your room or terrace, but the hotel's setup keeps tourist foot traffic at bay, preserving that rare sense of tranquility. As a bonus, there's a private dock for seamless arrivals or departures by water taxi or private boat. Staff & Hospitality: 10/5 What truly elevates Al Ponte Antico to legendary status is the extraordinary warmth and dedication of Matteo, Gigi, Alex, Peeples, and the entire team. They don't just provide service—they welcome you like family. With only a handful of rooms, the attention to detail and personalization is unmatched: they learn your name instantly, anticipate your needs, and go out of their way to make every moment special. Their genuine hospitality turned our stay from wonderful to unforgettable. In short, Al Ponte Antico isn't just a hotel—it's a highlight of any Venice trip. I truly do not have a critique that I can think of for this hotel. Matteo and his staff deserve every ounce of praise that they have received in the other reviews, they are truly wonderful people who love what they do. I can pay no higher compliment than saying that, without question, we will be returning to Venice soon, and I will not hesitate to book at Al Ponte Antico every time we return from now on.

A Flawless Venetian Masterpiece: Royal Treatment in a 14th-Century Gem ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I could give Hotel Al Ponte Antico more than 5 stars, I would. I truly could not have written a better script for our trip to Venice, and this hotel was the centerpiece of it all. The property itself is breathtaking—a restored 14th-century palace that perfectly balances historic grandeur with stunning accommodations. But what makes this place truly legendary is the service. It is, without exaggeration, absolutely exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the staff knew us by name and anticipated our every need before we even voiced it. The hospitality here is a solid 10/10; they handle every detail with such genuine care and warmth that you feel less like a tourist and more like royalty returning home. Because there are only 9 rooms, the experience is incredibly intimate and exclusive. If you are lucky enough to find availability, book it immediately. We have found our home in Venice and will simply not stay anywhere else.

A return to Al Ponte Antico is the highlight of any travel to Europe, and this past trip was no exception. So many superlatives: location, comfort, sumptuous Venetian decor, breakfast and bar, and above all, the longterm, professional, knowledgeable, and attentive staff. It's always great to see Matteo and Barbara, and dear Gigi and of course Oliver ensured a fabulous stay. (It was fun to meet one of the Giuseppe as well!) Recommendations for very local and good dining options were spot on as always. This is truly a destination hotel in a rich cultural landscape.

For decades I dreamed of staying in a hotel in Venice with a view of the Grand Canal, and the Al Ponte Antico hotel made it worth the wait. Our room looked directly onto the water with a stunning view of the Rialto Bridge and all the water traffic.The décor had true Venetian flair and the homemade breakfast was absolutely to die for. But the very best part was the personal service. Every staff member knew both of our names and genuinely took an interest in making sure we had the best possible visit to Venice. This hotel turned a long-held dream into a wonderful reality. We will return to Venice just to stay here again!

A wonderful home base for four nights in Venice - the location is central to everything, yet tucked off a quiet street to keep you out of the tourist circuit. We had two rooms: the junior suite with patio and deluxe room above it. Absolutely what you want for a stay in Venice. Perfectly appointed, quiet and incredibly comfortable. There's nothing like looking out your window onto the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. ||The staff treat you like family which is a nice change from larger hotels. They knew us by name and after the first day knew breakfast orders. They were always on hand with ideas and helping with restaurant reservations and booking water taxis and gondolas. Even before arriving they had taken care of all the transit logistics from airport to hotel and back. ||A highlight was the Grand Canal lapping at the patio of the room with the lights of the Rialto Bridge just beyond. And breakfast on their charming patio with its picture postcard view. ||Owners Matteo and Barbara put their hearts into making a stay with them perfect and their team including Oliver and Alex on the front desk will leave you dreaming of your next stay with them.

Al Ponte Antico is a spectacular hotel in every way. From the moment we arrived to the moment we had to say goodbye, Matteo and his staff couldn't do enough for us. Prior to our arrival, the staff assured us that our special requests would not be a problem as we are vegan. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. They really go out of their way to make sure all your needs are met, during your stay. The breakfast buffet was amazing with a wonderful balcony view overlooking the Rialto Bridge where we enjoyed every bite of our breakfast. The room we stayed in was very spacious. The hotel is also in a great location. We had a wonderful experience at this hotel and highly recommend a stay here, you will be glad you did. Thank you Matteo and staff for making our first trip to Italy a highlight and quite memorable.

The hotel is an oasis of calm with stunning views of the Rialto Bridge. There is a lovely terrace right on the canal although in a cold month of January we enjoyed the cosy bar for drinks and breakfast. It is a hotel "where everyone knows your name " ( who members Cheers?). Everyone is friendly and helpful. Do follow their recommendations for sight seeing and dining. They know lovely authentic places to eat. We loved to come back after dinner and sit with a Negroni and plan the next day. The decor has been designed by the owner with much attention to detail and has the feel of a sumptuous Venitian palace where your wealthy aristocratic aunt may have lived! Oh and you can arrive by water taxi right to the door! Thank you to all the team for a wonderful stay.

This is a hidden gem in Venice! Great location, fantastic value, charming environment, personalized service! The staff was very attentive and helpful- they connected me with a fantastic guide, reserved our hotels, and handled all of our water taxi needs. |Room was beautiful and spacious- we had the good fortune to stay in the terrace suite and the views were unparalleled! Breakfast was delightful and we would end the day with a nightcap delivered to our room. Location was perfect for exploring the city by water or on foot.

This hotel is so cool! Customer service is great. They are so awesome here! It's right by the river, has a great view, a cute little bar. And also on the way to get to it, you kind of feel like you are going through a mysterious tunnel! Super fun, good location! I would definitely stay here again! The decor is awesome!

When you are planning to go to Venice this is the place you must stay. I could rave about the location, just steps from the Rialto bridge, or the 13th century building that is renovated to a classic Venetian style, or the homemade breads , pastries and coffee or made to order breakfast, or the terrace on the grand canal, BUT what makes this place magical is the owner Mateo and his staff. They greet you by name, every one of them, they spend time talking to you, getting to know you and sharing their lives with you. Everyone goes out of their way to find you another hole in the wall restaurant (Marco Polo) or live music recommendations, they are there to make the experience perfect. Whether you are from California as we are or Florence, you MUST stay here. The experience will be all the more memorable and meaningful because of the care Mateo and his staff provide. This is what made this trip to Venice the one we will always cherish. Stay here and you will too.

Simply the best hotel experience of my life. Arriving in Venice can be an anxious experience. The crowds, the expense, the transit; it can all be overwhelming. But arriving at Al Ponte Antico, my wife and I could not have been put more at ease. Matteo and Barbara own and operate what is genuinely my favorite hotel experience of all time. The hotel exists at the end of a secret little alleyway off of one of the busier thoroughfares near the Rialto Bridge. Upon entering, Matteo greeted us by name and with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, as if he had been looking forward to our arrival all day. He then gave us a lovely tour of the hotel, pointing out various details of the building's restorations that he has meticulously maintained for well over a decade. He then took us to our room, the junior suite with a window that opens onto the Grand Canal, and we were simply smitten, ready to spend hours watching the pace of the city swim by our new home. The hotel feels like your own personal palace. Matteo, Barbara, Oliver, Alex, and everyone else who works here goes out of their way to make you family. They can assist you with literally any need you may have, and they do so with genuine enthusiasm and thoroughness. The outdoor terrace is open 24 hours, and there is always someone there to fix you a Negroni or a spritz. An amazing breakfast is made every morning by Barbara and Matteo, who are there to greet you and assist you with plans for your day. The rooms are beautifully ornate, exceedingly comfortable, and each entirely unique. The hotel is the perfect blend of homey and palatial. Equal parts cozy and grand. You feel like a true Venetian. There is simply no question that this is where you should stay while in Venice. After three amazing nights, my wife and I could not have been more sad to leave. It felt like we were leaving our family. But the good thing about family is that you always know you will be back to see them again. And we know that we will back at Al Ponte Antico for years to come.

Where to begin? The dream began with a teak boat ride from Marco Polo airport across the Adriatic channel as the sun was setting across the Renaissance skyline. Then down the Grand Canal amidst the floating city to our very own little dock where Alex awaited calling our names with a broad grin and warm welcome! What a way to enter the City of Love. Al Ponte Antico is more than just a hotel. Thanks to elegant proprietors Matteo and Barbara, this treasure is a romantic escape that has no equal in all our travels around the world. We almost wish to keep this precious gem a secret but to truly experience the beauty and magic of Venezia and all it has to offer, nothing compares to the ambience, warmth and charm of this exotic place. There are only 9 rooms. You awaken and step into a rich, classic salon filled with vibrant color, rich tapestries and gilded splendor as if from a movie set or history book. Lovely Barbara has a traditional breakfast laid out of fresh-baked pastries, delicious fruits and dishes and Matteo offers to cook you whatever you like after their warm daily greeting welcoming you each morning. The walk to the balcony with the most stunning view of the Rialto bridge is something out of a fairy tale and you should wish for nothing that manager Gigi will see to, a true gentleman of Venezia known and respected by all. Matteo and Barbara have assembled a special coterie that feel more like family than staff. We have the deepest gratitude for making our stay in Venezia so special and filled with memories we will cherish forever.

My wife and I stayed at Al Ponte Antico in November 2019, for one week. I can say without reservation that it was the best hotel experience I have ever had. The hotel is ideally located, in the center of Venice on the Grand Canal, with most major attractions within easy walking distance, including San Marco Plaza. The view from the balcony is amazing; one can view gondolas and other boats travelling up and down, as well as seeing the glorious Rialto Bridge when you turn, which is not more than 230 meters away! The hotel has a private pier, which permits water taxis to go directly to or from Marco Polo airport. The hotel is so beautiful! It was restored with meticulous attention to historic detail and quality, in the opulent antique Venetian style. Our room was luxurious with all the comforts that one could wish for, executed at a high level. Breakfast at the hotel is a splendid feast; with all sorts of delicious fresh items, laid out as in a painting. What really elevated the experience to something unforgettable though, was the staff of Al Ponte Antico: which includes the owner, Matteo; his wife, Barbara; and the rest of the staff: including Alex, Gigi, Igor, Oliver, Thomas, David, Rosalba, and Mercy, the housekeeper. They were all such gracious hosts, and never hesitated to help, sharing tips and stories. We enjoyed them all. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that we will be back. It is our home in Venezia !

To summarize, the hotel is one of the best I've had the privilege to enjoy. The staff was exceptional, room was beautiful and clean, breakfast was perfect with the best canal view you will find, and the location couldn't be better. The staff at Hotel Al Ponte Antico made very good contact prior to arrival and made sure we would have an easy time getting to the hotel, which really couldn't have been simpler given their detailed instructions. From the train station, we hired a water taxi right on the dock that took us directly to the hotel (the hotel had it's own dock, trip was 60 euros). You can prearrange the ride but it's not necessary as there were plenty of water taxis available. On arrival, they greeted us by name and really could not have been more pleasant or helpful. It is a small boutique hotel with 9 rooms total and every staff member recognized us by name. They provided a great introduction to the hotel, as well as some history. We stayed in the Junior Suite with patio and the room was absolutely incredible. The private patio is right on the grand canal with a table and seating for two where you can relax while enjoying an incredible view of the Rialto Bridge. There's a TV with sky in the room but we never turned it on - the view outside is so much better. The patio door has excellent sound proofing as well if you need some quiet. The furnishings and decor were fit for royalty with very effective lighting including whole room indirect lighting in the crown moulding. The bathroom was clean and nice, the water pressure in the shower was very good. Even if your room does not have the patio, they have a beautiful terrace accessible only to hotel guests at all hours, for an amazing breakfast in the morning (seriously, the food was phenomenal, order the pancake with Nutella!), to drinks throughout the night. This terrace is also right on the grand canal and provides a great overview of the action below and of the Rialto Bridge. There is always a staff member available to help and they are all very, very friendly and passionate about the city and hotel. It also helps feel more secure that way, but that really shouldn't be a concern in Venice as the city feels very safe. The hotel is in a very nice part of town near many shops and restaurants. The Rialto bridge is just a couple minutes walk and you can get to St. Mark's square in about 10. The staff can provide some very good recommendations for slightly more hidden spots. On our departure, they effortlessly arranged a water taxi directly to the airport from their own dock (120 Euro trip). They brought our luggage and saw us off, and we will definitely be back. I wouldn't even bother looking at any other hotels in Venice.

WOW! Perhaps the best hotel experience of my life! The hotel is beautiful and immaculately furnished. It has a very personal feel due to there only being 9 rooms. It's also one of the only hotels in Venice with a patio on the Grand Canal! The owner, Matteo was on the dock when our boat arrived and greeted us by name which actually caught me a little off guard. Did I mention it was midnight? He insisted that we leave our bags as he escorted us in to the hotel. The receptionist began our check-in and Matteo gave us a tour of his property. He was extremely proud (rightfully so) of his dining area which was an empty room when he purchased it but is now designed beautifully. When Matteo escorted us to our room our bags were already there along with a chilled bottle of prosecco and rose petals. Each time a hotel employee saw us we were greeted by name. This includes employees we had not yet met or even seen. At 7:30 the next morning Matteo was in the dining room making breakfast for all of the guests. I can say with confidence that this is the only place I will ever stay in Venice! Cheers to you and your staff Matteo!

One of the classiest hotels I've ever experienced and I've been to several hotels in many countries and states!! The staff is well versed in treating their guests like members of the Royal family! We were king and queen for 3 days! Every staff member knew our name, they were on call 24/7 and welcomed us to call on them AT ANYTIME. We were served a beautiful continental breakfast which included "my way omelette", blood orange juice along side regular orange and grape juices, an array of bite-sized pastries and breads, cappuccino, and fruits. This hotel has the most beautiful view from its terrace of the Rialto bridge and a view of gondolas and boats floating by. If one never left this hotel to tour Venice.. you'd still feel like you've been to Venice! I cannot wait to go again!!! 5 star

Hotel Al Ponte Antico. Venice. The hotel Al Ponte Antico is a four star hotel in the centre of Venice. It is situated on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge and has spectacular views of the bridge from the balcony. The hotel is part of a 15th century palace which has been lovingly restored by its current owner to its former glory. Each room is individually decorated in Louis XV period style elegance to a very high standard. There are only 9 rooms in the hotel which means that service is very personal and informal. The rooms contain the usual facilities such as minibar, Wi-Fi access, although we did not use it on this occasion, direct dial telephone, flat screen television and a superb bathroom with bidet and a multipoint shower. The bed was very comfortable. On arrival at the hotel we were greeted by Oliver who made us most welcome and checked us in with the minimum of fuss. He then showed us around the superb hotel onto the veranda to see the magnificent sight of the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. We were escorted to our room and shown the facilities and how everything worked. After a short rest and freshening up we went to the veranda for a drink where we were met by the hotels owner Matteo. This guy is absolutely charming and extremely proud of his hotel. He told us a little of the history of the palace and also about his most unusual possession which was a coffee machine which took 9 months to make. This in itself is a piece of art. The coffee true to Mateo's word tasted absolutely fantastic from his machine which looks like something out of chitty chitty bang bang, very scientific and definitely unique. The bar come dining area is beautifully laid out and is tastefully decorated with fine art hanging on the walls and the original painted beamed ceiling is still evident and a pleasure to see. It is very cosy and a haven of peace and tranquillity. During the evening it is lit up with lots of candles. We breakfasted on the small terrace with fantastic views of the Rialto Bridge and watched the comings and goings of the Grand Canal. Watching the water buses shuttling people around Venice, delivery boats, post deliveries etc and Gondolas being manoeuvred by the gondoliers under the Rialto Bridge. The breakfast was very extensive and expansive to the waist line I might add. Matteo actually prepared the omelettes or pancakes himself and they were beautifully presented. There was a wide range of cereals, fruits, dry fruits, breads, pastries, cold meats, cheese, and a hot plate plus copious amounts of coffee. The hotel was extremely comfortable and it was very welcoming to get into the air-conditioned rooms and out of the humidity after walking around Venice all day. All the staff introduced themselves by name and knew our names and greeted us by name too. They were very knowledgeable about Venice and offered all kinds of useful and helpful advice on where to go, what to see and importantly what not to miss. The hotel is not cheap from 290 Euros per night but is worth every penny for the very pleasant personal service and quality of the hotel and the spectacular view of the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. How to get there. From the airport take the hourly Alilaguna shuttle boat Arancio line to the Rialto Bridge and it is a short five minute walk from the water bus stop. If arriving in Venice by train or car take the water bus line 2 again alighting at the Rialto Bridge. If arriving by water taxi the hotel has a private landing stage right on the Grand Canal however at £95 one way from the airport is a bit too expensive. The hotel is situated at the end of an alley and could easily be missed but opposite the alley there is a fantastic cake and sweet shop which made it so was very easy to find once located. The address and contact details are as follows. Al Ponte Antico Hotel. Calle dell' Asseo, Carnnergio 5768 30131 Venice. Italy. Tel:- 390412411944 Fax:- 390412411828 Website http://www.alponteantico.com/en/index.htm My opinion of the hotel. The hotel was extremely comfortable and homely. The welcome received from not only Mateo but all the staff was very touching and we were treated like friends and not just guests. Would I recommend this hotel to others? ABSOLUTELY. It is a four star hotel with 6 Star service and has been voted as one of the top ten hotels in Europe for service.

Al Ponte Antico Hotel was one of the highlights of our 16 day tour of Italia! We were treated like kings. Matteo and his staff were so accommodating and really went above and beyond. My husband I were only in Venice for 2 nights and boy did we take advantage of the patio overlooking the Rialto bridge. Matteo has such a passion and love of his properties and made us feel welcomed. Sadly this was the last stop of the trip and we had to wake up early to catch our plane but the late night staff offered to make us our final cappucino and handle all of our bags. We would highly recommend this hotel, worth every penny!