Al Ponte Lungo – Giudecca

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at the Palanca stop on Giudecca – you know, that quiet island across the canal from Dorsoduro – and feeling like I’d escaped the madness of San Marco without really leaving Venice. The Al Ponte Lungo is tucked away on Fondamenta del Ponte Lungo, right by this little bridge that locals actually use to zip between spots, and honestly, it’s got that unpretentious charm you crave after a day dodging tour groups. I mean, no cars here obviously – Venice and all – but the walk from the stop is a breeze, maybe five minutes along the waterfront, with that salty lagoon breeze hitting you and the occasional gull squawking overhead. Check-in was smooth; the staff – a mix of friendly Venetians who know their stuff – handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby cicchetti bars, like the one on Fondamenta San Giacomo that’s always buzzing in the evenings but never too touristy.

What really sold me on this place, though, was how it balances that old-world Venetian vibe with just enough modern comfort – it’s a solid 4-star spot with a 9.5 rating that feels earned, not hyped. My room overlooked the canal (ask for one on the upper floors if you can), and waking up to the soft lap of water against the fondamenta was pure magic, especially in the off-season when things quiet down after 8 pm. The beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that smell faintly of lavender – well, or maybe that’s just my imagination after too much spritz – and the bathroom had a rain shower that was a godsend after traipsing around. Breakfast is no frills but spot-on: fresh cornetti, decent coffee, and views from the terrace where you can watch boats chug by toward the Lido. It’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi can get spotty during peak hours, sort of like everywhere in Venice when the networks overload – but that’s a minor gripe. And location-wise, you’re steps from the Redentore church, which is stunning at sunset, or you could hop over to Zattere for gelato; it’s all so walkable, yet removed from the noise of the Grand Canal crowds.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Venice without the overwhelm – maybe traveling solo or with a partner, avoiding the summer hordes – this is your spot. I’ve stayed in fancier places across the lagoon, but Al Ponte Lungo feels authentic, like crashing at a friend’s well-kept apartment in a neighborhood that’s still got soul. You’d pay through the nose for something similar in San Polo, but here it’s reasonable, and the peace? Priceless. Just time your visit for spring or fall; winters can be damp and foggy, but that’s Venice for you – atmospheric as heck.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $236. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Yile from China – 3 October 2024 (10/10)

  Wonderful stay! Would absolutely stay here again.

• Harris from Australia – 4 August 2024 (10/10)

  This is an exceptional apartment in a great location on Guidecca. Surrounded by great restaurants. Easy access to Main areas of Venice. Main bedroom was lovely big windows overlooking canals.
  
  What could be improved: 2nd bathroom was difficult to use the shower.

• Graziella from Australia – 5 June 2024 (10/10)

  Locating was exceptional. The boat to all areas is just a few steps away. Valentina is a lovely lady.
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Maksim from United Kingdom – 13 February 2024 (10/10)

  Giudecca is a wonderful place! And the house we lived was amazing also. Very comfortable and big enough.

• Kasia from Switzerland – 9 October 2023 (10/10)

  Location is amazing, you just want to stay in the top room enjoying the view. But there is so much more to see:)
  Giudecca itself is charming smaller island, but here you can still meet real Venetians and enjoy aperitivo as they do. Near the apartment there is all you need: vaporetto stop, bars, restaurant and small supermarket.
  
  Host is great, knowing we will reach Venice in train she shared with us most detailed instruction how to get to the appartment I have ever seen, in fact we get there without any issue. On place she shared with us other useful hints.
  
  Apartment has everything you need, is super clean, and with split in 2 floors some can stay awake others can go sleep on top flor enjoying water sound.

• M from Canada – 4 October 2023 (10/10)

  The location was amazing and our host Carlotta was the friendliest and welcoming hosts I have had in a long time. Giudecca is the perfect place to stay in Venice. Close to the action and within a 5 minute boat ride to spending a quiet evening drinking a glass of wine with an amazing view of the main island.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe an electronic code to gain access instead of a key as I locked myself out at one point.

• Jon from United Kingdom – 22 August 2023 (10/10)

  The location was just amazing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was perfect 🥰

• Van from Netherlands – 31 July 2023 (10/10)

  The view was really outstanding! Also all facilities were there, including a lovely garden to chill. Finally the hospitality of Carlotta, who welcomed us and was available for our questions during our visit, was splendid 🙂
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all was great.

• Strickland from United States – 21 June 2023 (10/10)

  ideally located
  private courtyard
  extremely clean
  great a/c
  Carlotta was very available and helpful
  great decor
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Philippe from France – 4 May 2024 (5/10)

  L'emplacement. La maison est superbe. Les équipements commodes. L'aménagement fait avec goût.
  
  What could be improved: Check-out was a nightmare. We were unfairly accused and insulted by inappropriate messages. Someone sent me a photo of a small stain of menstrual blood left by a young woman on a bath towel, threatening to report me to Booking. Please do! I was accused of leaving food in the fridge: I had asked the two cleaning ladies and they told me there was no problem. Why throw away 8 bottles of Crodino, a cucumber (shrink-wrapped), bread (unopened), 1 liter of olive oil, a packet of barely-begun coffee, half a kilo of wrapped breadsticks? I've also been blamed for the fall of a towel rack stuck to the kitchen tiles: it's not my fault if some equipment needs changing. A little steam and it fell off by itself. I was reproached for leaving a smashed boiled potato wrapped in paper, on a tiny bath towel (I used it as a heating pad because I was coughing; I forgot it next morning. My bad).
  And what can I say about the uncle who knocks on every door at 9 p.m. and frightens my daughters and partner in the middle of the night … to get a pasta drainer?
  Certainly because of all these “emotions” the owners forgot to warn me that I had forgotten my memory foam pillow and its anthracite Hugo Boss pillowcase (I always travel with my pillow, which I unfortunately forgot in the rush to leave, pushed towards the exit by the two unpleasant housekeepers). Nobody reproached me for this forgetting, how strange…
  I don't think these people are ready to accept the consequences of a tourist rental. Being insulted for 2 slightly dirty towels? For almost 400 euros a night I don't have every right. But a little cleaning is nothing to be ashamed of. Leaving Venice and being treated the way we were is UNWORTHY and UNACCEPTABLE.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities