Al Ponte Mocenigo hotel review: an atmospheric, homely stay in Venice
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Score 8/10There are 15 rooms in the 450-year-old building, each with their own character and charm and plenty of traditional Venetian style thanks to marble or wooden floors, antique dressers and tables, and colour schemes that range from greeny-gold to deep red. Due to the historic nature of the property, room sizes and views vary, and prices reflect this. For instance, Room 5 is bright, airy and spacious with a balcony overlooking the canal that runs alongside, while Room 2, located downstairs, is a more economical single with a window that opens onto the wall of the building next door. All are ensuite, with air-con and satellite TV. There's no lift between floors. In such an old building, no two bathrooms are the same, and are more functional than design-focused.
Score 7/10There's a dedicated, airy breakfast room on the ground floor near the reception desk, where you can enjoy a continental breakfast of cappuccinos, pastries, yoghurts, meats, cheese and so on. On warmer days, you can enjoy breakfast in the shady courtyard at the front of the property, which has statues and a tinkling fountain. Also on the ground floor is a small honesty bar where, for example, a bottle of red or white wine costs from £13.
• Best hotels in Venice• The most romantic city breaks in Europe
Score 7/10The courtyard in the hotel is a lovely spot in which to sit and have breakfast, or an evening drink while planning tomorrow's sightseeing.
Score 7/10The hotel is in Santa Croce, about a 20-minute walk from St Mark's Square, ten minutes from the Rialto Bridge, and 15 minutes from the train station. The nearest vaporetto stop at San Stae is literally just down the street by a Baroque 18th-century church, and this is also from where you can catch the Alilaguna (Orange Line) water bus to the airport. There is a decent selection of cafés and restaurants within walking distance; La Zucca, for example, just a few minutes away on foot, serves dishes such as beef-cheek stew or pumpkin flan with seasoned ricotta and butter.
Price B&B doubles from £110Restaurant NFamily-friendly YAccessible N
Will Hide was a guest of Al Ponte Mocenigo (alpontemocenigo.com)
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