hi, planning a trip to venice and don't want to agonize over hotels!! i've seen both of these online, they look great - hotel al ponte dei sospiri and al ponte antico. any thoughts from anyone who has stayed at these? is one location better/more central than another? and if you've been to florence, any thoughts on the hotel palazzo magnani ferroni?

al ponte antico is run by the nicest Italian family ever. We are staying at their sister property (Locanda Orseolo) for the third time this July. You will not regret it. It's in a fantastic location.

I am not familiar with the other hotel you mention.

thanks tim_and_liz -- i just looked up locanda orseolo -- looks incredible too! do you have a preference between that or al ponte antico? i haven't been to venice - they seem pretty close, is being near -- or off -- the grand canal a consideration? i'm sure i'll go for one of the two, if available. thanks for the tip.

I only prefer LO because I have stayed there before. If it was full I would be happy to stay at their newer hotel, which was not open on our first visit to Venice. I believe al ponte antico is a bit more upscale than the LO. I am sure either will be fabulous.

For me Hotel al Ponte dei Sospiri is TOO close to Piazza San Marco. it looks perfectly nice but it's right in the middle of the madness.

I don't think you can go wrong with either Al Ponte Antico or Locanda Orseolo; Matteo run's Al Ponte and his wife Barbara runs LO. I've toured APA and stayed at LO 7-8 times. I am comfortable with LO and am going there again in June. I agree with the above assessment that APA is pitched more upscale and is consequently more expensive, more ornate, etc.

Location wise, APA is RIGHT on the Grand Canal, behind the back side of the Rialto bridge, and they have an outdoor sitting area. Some rooms I understand are right on the canal; at least one room is smallish and not on the canal. LO is right off Piazza San Marco, but on a smaller canal--canal side rooms get the evening singing gondoliers and the "show" of the canal; the courtyard side rooms are quiet.

If you look at the pics in their websites maybe you will get a feel for what will best suit you. LO is more intimate and cozy; APA from what I recall a bit more grand. Both have the lovliest innkeepers you'll ever meet.

thanks all -- LO it is!