Worst hotel of our honeymoon
What can I say this was the worst hotel we have stayed at in Italy it's like an episode of Fawlty Towers without being funny where to start: On arrival we were greeted by a bald guy at reception who was rude to say the least (we were only checking in we had not asked or said anything to him out of the ordinary). Later he kept saying let me know if you need anything this however felt very insincere and I wonder if he heard we tipped the porter The room was dated and cold. The previous 2 hotels one of the same cost and one 5 star were both warm whilst this was poorly heated for the 6 degree climate We were put on the ground floor close to the noise and with no view even though you could tell the hotel was not packed and it is our honeymoon (which they knew about). The television did not work and had no signal The breakfast was stale and horrible, the bread and muffins were not fresh (let's face it Italy is famous for fresh local produce) and the fruit salad was floating in water (it looked like it was out of a tin) and not fresh as you would expect. When the lady came back for the breakfast trolley I asked her to come back as we were getting dressed she then demanded that she take it back then and wouldn't come back so I had to open the door half dressed. After we both had a shower I noticed water leaking through the wall (you could tell it must not be the first time as the wood had rotted) and let reception know. They sent a porter who advised a technician would be there in a hour and we would just have to wait. I went down to reception and asked for our room to be changed as water going through electrical wiring is unsafe and not our issue to wait for them to fix. They begrudgingly did so however true service would have proactively offered this without me having to ask me I would never ever stay here again - this was a prime example of you get what you pay for and I was close to telling them to refund my money and checking into the Bauer who know how to treat guests. On check out they tried to charge us for beer which is we had not drunk. I don't know how people have rated this hotel anything other than bad, unless they wrote the review after the cheap bottle of Spumante they received or it's fake reviews as this hotel is this worst. The only person who was nice and friendly was the Asian porter they should sack the rest and let him run the hotel he is a gem and too good to clean floors, maybe cleaning floors would make the 4 x receptionists who were rude and seemed like they didn't want to be there appreciate The jobs they have. 3 days after we had left they made an additional unauthorised charge to my card despite me paying the bill in full on departure. When I queried this they claimed there was an error and I needed to pay more and wouldn't refund it forcing me to arrange a charge back via...
Read moreA True Venetian Gem – Our Stay at Hotel Al Ponte Dei Sospiri
From the moment we arrived at Hotel Al Ponte Dei Sospiri, we were greeted with warmth and respect, setting the tone for what became an unforgettable stay. The hotel’s location is unbeatable – right by the Bridge of Sighs and a stone’s throw from Saint Mark’s Square, the Basilica, Bell Tower, and Doge’s Palace. The proximity to these landmarks meant that we could wake up, stroll out the door, and find ourselves immersed in the heart of Venice within minutes.
Our room was nothing short of luxurious, with stunning views of the canal, complete with its iconic gondolas passing by. It truly felt like we were living in a palace. The decor is elegant, refined, and deeply reflective of Venice’s rich history. The hotel even features elevators for ease of access, adding to the feeling of comfort and convenience.
Getting to the hotel was a breeze. Whether you opt for a water taxi that delivers you directly to the entrance or choose the more affordable vaporetto (public water bus), you’re never far from the action. After arriving at Saint Mark’s Square, a short, scenic walk leads you straight to the hotel – rolling your luggage through one of the most iconic squares in the world was a memorable part of the journey.
What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is the outstanding service, and in particular, Rafaelle, our server who felt more like our personal butler. Every morning, he prepared and served us a personalized breakfast, either in our room or on a special balcony overlooking the canal – a magical way to start each day. His attention to detail was impeccable, and he went above and beyond to make sure all our needs were met. In a lovely gesture upon our departure, Rafaelle even presented us with a special gift from Venice to commemorate our stay – a first in all my travels to have a server give me a tip!
The hotel’s intimate size ensures a peaceful, private atmosphere, making it feel like your own personal palace. With dozens of bistros, bars, and shops right at your doorstep, we never had to venture far to enjoy the vibrant Venetian experience. And with our unlimited vaporetto pass, we were able to explore all of Venice’s islands and hidden gems with ease.
Staying at Hotel Al Ponte Dei Sospiri made our trip to Venice unforgettable. The combination of exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and a location that can’t be beat made it worth every penny. We highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking to experience the true magic of Venice in style and comfort....
Read moreCheck in was simple and genuinely welcoming. A map of the city and dinner suggestions were provided at the desk. We especially enjoyed our meal at Trattoria Da Nino. The prosciutto with fresh melon never tasted better anywhere. Sea Bass and pasta dishes could not disappoint. In our room we were greeted with a chilled bottle of prosecco and a delightful view of gondolas right off our balcony. The room was decorated in Old World Venetian and felt sumptuous. The bed was a bit hard as were the pillows but sleep came easily nonetheless. The very clean bathroom was large, although the shower was a bit small. Breakfast is included and is offered a few doors down in a sister hotel or delivered to your room. It was so much more than a contential breakfast. It included coffee, juices, pastries, fresh fruit, cereals, meats, cheeses and more. The location is superb as it is within easy walking of St Mark's square and many shops and restaurants. The sights, smells and sounds were delightful- don't let anyone dissuade you from a visit to this magical city. It IS old, it is amazing. My favorite memory is the orchestras playing in the warm spring night in St Marks square as people from all over the world appreciated the...
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