Hi all I enjoy reading most of your reviews once I run out of E's and if I say I will be back with a...
Hi all I enjoy reading most of your reviews once I run out of E's and if I say I will be back with an E please remind me as I forget who I promise it too and end up reading reviews I have read already. Thanks.
Member since:11.09.2004
Reviews:14
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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 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. Also on Dooyoo under my name garymarsh6
Pictures of Al Ponte Antico Hotel, Venice
Al Ponte Antico Hotel, Venice View from opposite the hotel with Gondola in front of it.
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The Al Ponte Antico Hotel in Venice is located in a palace from the 1500's that was the ... more
object of a recent and meticulous renovation preserving style and charm of a typical Venetian residenceA small 4 star residence directly on the Grand Canal and jus...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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