Hotel
Hotel Danieli
A grand hotel on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a few steps from the Doge's Palace, set in the Gothic Palazzo Dandolo and welcoming guests since 1822.
Hotel Al Ponte Antico
A small, family-run four-star hotel in a 16th-century palace beside the Rialto Bridge, with a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique hotel
- Area
- Cannaregio, Venice, Italy
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Hotel class
- 4-star
- Official site
- alponteantico.com
Good to know
- Grand Canal terrace
- Family run
- Historic palace
Why we recommend it
Hotel Al Ponte Antico is a small, family-run four-star hotel in a sixteenth-century palace on the Grand Canal, right beside the Rialto Bridge on the Cannaregio side. It describes itself as a small residence facing the Grand Canal, and its scale is part of the appeal: with only a handful of rooms and a family at the helm, it offers personal service that larger hotels find hard to match.
The building was recently renovated in a way that keeps the style of a traditional Venetian residence. Expect traditional Venetian decoration combined with modern room equipment. Room sizes and views vary, and the canal-facing rooms are the ones to ask for if the view matters to you.
The hotel's best feature is its terrace, which looks directly onto the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. Few places in the city offer such a close, elevated view of the bridge and the boat traffic.
Al Ponte Antico suits couples and travellers looking for a romantic, characterful base in the very centre of Venice. The location is excellent for sightseeing: the Rialto Market is across the bridge, St Mark's Square is about ten minutes' walk, and the Strada Nova leads towards Cannaregio and the station. The trade-off for such a central position is that the streets around the Rialto are very busy during the day, though the hotel itself is a calm retreat.
As with most hotels in Venice, arriving with heavy luggage requires some planning. The Rialto vaporetto stop on Lines 1 and 2 is a few minutes' walk away, and a water taxi from the station or airport can bring you close to the hotel. Contact the hotel in advance to check the best way to arrive and whether luggage assistance is available. Book well ahead for spring, autumn and festival periods, as the small number of rooms fills quickly.
Rooms here are individual, so ask about size and outlook when you reserve, and mention any special occasion. Staying so close to the Rialto Market also means you can be among the first at the stalls in the morning before the crowds arrive, and return to the terrace to watch the Grand Canal wake up.
In the evening, the lanes around the bridge empty out and the area becomes noticeably calmer, which is when the hotel's position feels most special.
Hotel Al Ponte Antico FAQs
Where is Hotel Al Ponte Antico?
In Calle dell'Aseo, Cannaregio 5768, beside the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal.
What star rating does it have?
It describes itself as a small four-star residence.
Does the hotel have a view of the Rialto Bridge?
Yes. Its terrace overlooks the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge.
Is the hotel family-run?
Yes, it is run by a family.
How do I get there?
Take vaporetto Line 1 or 2 to Rialto and walk a few minutes, or arrange a water taxi.
When should I book?
Well ahead for spring, autumn and festival periods, as there are few rooms.
How can I contact the hotel?
Call +39 041 2411944 or email [email protected].