We're going to be in venice for a few days in october at the end of a cruise . We have rooms booked at two hotels: Locanda Orseola and Al Ponte Mocinego. They both sound great and i don't know which to pick. Any suggestions? We want to be able to get there easily from a cruise ship and then go to the airport at the end. Also want to get to all the sights so would like a good location. Please give me some advice.
Thanks,
joan

Al Ponte Mocenigo is quite close to San Stae vaporetto stop, less than a minutes walk with no bridges, which makes all transportation connections very easy. I like its location, close to Rialto, yet far enough away to be quiet. I have stayed there twice and would stay there again.

I've not stayed at Locanda Orseolo, but everyone here speaks very well of it. I suspect it is more upscale than Al Ponte Mocenigo, offering larger public rooms and a fancier breakfast. I prefer to stay further away from San Marco, but a first-time visitor might prefer its location.

Joan

The airport and the cruise terminal are fairly far apart, and not in the same direction. I wouldn't prepare myself for too much "getting there easily" in Venice, because it takes a little time to get used to.

I've not stayed in either of these hotels, but I know both locations. I think if ease were a concern, I might see if either or both have a private dock at the hotel itself, then make a decision from there. PM doesn't but their website site says this:

The hotel is less than 50 meters from the San Stae vaporetto stop (running 24 hours a day) with a service entrance that allows you to reach the vaporetti without having to cross any bridges.

OK, I just looked at LO. They don't have a boat entrance, either, and it sounds like it might require more walking to get there.

PM is closer to a vaporetto stop, so I think I'd go with that one.

I have taken a water taxi directly to Al Ponte Mocenigo--the hotel has a water door, not a dock. If there was a problem with their narrow canal, the San Stae stop is quite close as mentioned.

You should not hold rooms in two small hotels simultaneously. It's unfair to everyone else who is trying to book at either hotel.

Obviously, if you booked yesterday and plan to cancel one today, this doesn't apply to you.