Marianna

Has anyone stayed at this hotel? It opened under new ownership about a year ago. We are thinking of spending a few days in Venice (numerous trips to Italy but have never been to Venice) before returning home from visiting Rome and Sorrento. The hotel has many excellent reviews on Trip Advisor. If you have stayed at this hotel, please let me know what you thought of the hotel and its location. Thanks.

Marianna

We have decided to go to Venice (our first time!)after we drop the kids off in Naples for their flight to Rome and then home.

Anyone have any experience staying at this hotel?

Thanks!

Faux

Because it is so new it may not be known to many here but Francophile03 has researched it a lot an recommended I look at it. Its location is a long way from San Marco but still only a 20 min walk and near the interesting food markets of San Polo. I am planning to stay there before it gets too popular.

ellenem

I'm staying there March 11-14, so I'll be reporting back later in March. Reviews and online photos look great, especially for the price. Personally, it looks very well situated--I have no interest in being on top of San Marco.

Marianna

Thanks for the comments.

Ellenem, I will look forward to finding out what you thought of the hotel. We made our reservation by phone a few weeks ago and were able to get what sounds like a very nice room.

Have any Fodorites stayed there?

ellenem

Just back yesterday from our trip to Venice and Rome. I am almost afraid to give this review, knowing I may be making it impossible for me to ever get reservations here again. Anyway, here goes. . .

We stayed at the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo and loved it. Their web site gives a very accurate impression of the amenities. Walter and Sandro have created a lovely 10-room hotel in a former private residence in a quiet but accessible area of Venice.

The hotel is located less than a minute's walk from the San Stae vaporetto stop. The main entrance is over two bridges, one of which is a private bridge that leads to the courtyard of the hotel--a really nice touch. The other entrance is down a back alley, but has no bridges, so better if you're dragging luggage. They also have a water gate for arrival by private water taxi.

The hotel is only two stars because it does not offer the amenities of larger establishments. There is no elevator. There is no separate breakfast room, only a designated part of the small lobby. A few rooms open off this area (including ours) but they have very soundproof doors. In good weather, breakfast is served in the lovely courtyard. Breakfast was a hot beverage made to order, croissant, yogurt, juice, cold cereal, simple yet adequate. (I admit I don't choose a hotel based on breakfast.) I saw some breakfast being taken to rooms.

Our room had a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that opened directly onto the courtyard, with excellent blinds and curtains for privacy. Some might prefer a more secluded room, but since it was still winter, we were not troubled by guests sitting in the courtyard. It was a standard room, but large for my experience in Italy. It had an atmospheric wood-beamed ceiling, twin beds, a cafe table and two chairs, a large chair that converted into another twin bed, TV, frigobar, and a large well-appointed bathroom with toilet, sink, bidet, and tub with shower (narrow glass wall to control shower spray). The web site shows the superior rooms with large canopied beds and canal views.

The owners, Walter and Sandro, could not have been more welcoming and helpful. They have thought long and hard about creating a special place, fully recognizing that it does not have all the amenities that would please every traveler--no fancy breakfast room, no grand lobby. Sandro explained that they tried to depict it very honestly at the web site since it is not the place for every traveler. They took a long time choosing a property and neighborhood, especially to location near a vaporetto stop--and it's only 7 minutes walk to the Ponte Rialto.

They were both incredibly helpful. Walter gave us a warm greeting when we arrived, immediately offering us a caffe (it was just after 10AM) and directing us to the closest Bancomat. As we were leaving to follow his directions, he walked with us into the courtyard, and onto the bridge, still chatting and smiling. Both Sandro and Walter directed us to restaurants in the neighborhood, providing recommendations for places that met our preferences--simple, good neighborhood places. In Walter's packed recommendation, we didn't see another tourist. After conferring another night (Sunday night in March, the week after Carnevale-- not the best time to find an open restaurnat in Venice) with the night clerk and Sandro who was onhis way home, he said, "Follow me" and walked us to a great local place a few minutes away.

We were there in March and so had low-season rates. For our accomodations we paid 100 euros per night, 5% discount with cash. At the time I booked, superior rooms were set at 130 euros. This place is a steal, yet I would be willing to pay more for this special place. I will return.

Marianna

Thanks for your comments, Ellenem. It sounds as if you enjoyed staying there. We are looking forward to it! We did reserve a superior room with canal view so I hope it is as it appears on the website.

Every review I have read mentions how helpful the owners are. Did you have dinner at La Zucca? I understand it is recommended by them and is very good. Glad to hear that there are many options for restaurants near the hotel.

Thanks again for the info.

ellenem

We didn't eat at La Zucca, though it is right around the corner. I was traveling with my college-age niece and we didn't care to require reservations. Whenever we went by, it was packed. We ate at a "simple" place just across the bridge from La Zucca, also recommended by the hotel, Trattoria Al Ponte Megio, a good neighborhood place.