From the moment we stepped in the door, my wife and I both knew that this was truly a special place.

Matteo - the hotel's owner - and his devoted staff were immediately helpful, and they continued to offer an unprecedented level of service throughout our stay. My wife and I have never experienced a hotel with this level of service before - any wish that we could ask for was immediately granted. We have stayed at hotels that offer superior service (such as the Four Seasons), but nothing has ever come close to the level of service that we received here.

We stayed at the Al Ponte Antico for 3 nights at the beginning of our Italy trip in February 2008.

The hotel itself is beautiful. Matteo just had the common (breakfast & bar) area renovated in time for Carnival, and the result is simply beautiful.

We stayed in the "Classic Double" room 104, which was very nice. The ceiling was very high, with a beautiful chandelier. The room was large. The bathroom had a heated towel rack and a jet tub, perfect for relaxing.

The location was perfect. There is a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. In the summer you can have your breakfast outside on the terrace, but in the winter it was just a little too cold to eat outside. As you walk out the front door of the hotel, you are on a very quaint Venetian street, just steps away from some of the main shopping areas of Venice.

Breakfast was superb. Matteo personally cooked us eggs from his Grandmother's farm every morning, and the cappuccinos from his brand-
new hand made espresso machine were outstanding.

Matteo and his staff constantly gave us great suggestions: where to eat, what attractions to see, how much to pay for a Gondola ride, and so much more.

My wife and I have stayed at many hotels. But we both agree that without a doubt, the Al Ponte Antico Hotel is the best hotel we have ever stayed in. As we left the hotel and said our good-byes, we both had a sudden sadness come over us. We were both going to really miss Matteo, his staff, and the Al Ponte Antico hotel. I guess we are just going to have to go back.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying in this wonderful hotel in February 2008. It enjoys a fantastic central location, is extremely comfortable and furnished and decorated in an appropriately opulent manner. The welcome was amongst the most warm and friendly that I have experienced in any hotel and the justifiably proud owner could not have been more helpful.

This was the end of a 8 day vacation going from Monaco, Paris and on the Venice. We had just spent 2 nights at the Ritz in Paris and Al Ponte Antico made the Ritz shameful for its level of service.

Our service began when we pulled up in the water taxi and they knew our names, helped us with our MANY bags, checked us in all with a huge welcome smile.

The staff made all of our dining recommendations and all of our reservations .... we simply didn't have to think.

The hotel it self was great. Our room was a little bit small but was still very nice ( we also had a fair amount of luggage).

Venice was incredible ! but we found ourselves occasionally retreating back to the hotel to have a beer and talk to Matteo and all of the wonderful staff.

I have stayed at some of the best hotels in the world and I can tell you without exception they staff at this hotel CARES about your stay. They offer WORLD CLASS service.

Matteo has a few books in the window as you exit the building about Venice. We borrowed a book on the way out the door for our last day and as a vow to come back we left a lonely planet Venice book that we had purchased in Paris on the shelf and signed it. We told Matteo we would be back one day to re-claim it...... maybe we will just bring another one. :)

bottom line - this isn't a spa, they don't have a full kitchen, and no "bar" really... but if you want to stay at a world class place wit the best personal service in the world this is your place !

Stayed here for 4 nights in Feb. The location, beside the Rialto bridge is superb - everything within easy walking distance. Our room (No. 102) was lovely - high-ceilinged and spacious with chandelier, comfortable couch and armchairs and two beautiful, tall windows that opened onto an unobstructed view of the Grand Canal. The bathroom was small but perfectly adequate.
The hotel has free wireless internet access in all the rooms and the service is, as other reviewers have said, truly special . Matteo and his staff were unfailingly convivial, generous, courteous and thoughtful and made us feel as if nothing was too much trouble. Breakfast was delicious - unlimited coffee, a buffet of all kinds of everything, eggs or crepes cooked to order if front of you. Overall, a great place.