Antica Locanda al Gambero

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Antica Locanda al Gambero almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – well, not really by accident, since I’d booked it ahead, but you know how those narrow calli can make everything feel like a discovery. It’s tucked away on Calle dei Fabbri, just a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge, in the heart of San Marco. Honestly, after hopping off the vaporetto at San Marco Vallaresso and weaving through the crowds with my suitcase clattering over the uneven stones, finding this place felt like a relief. The entrance is unassuming, with that classic Venetian red awning and a brass plaque that’s probably seen centuries – the building dates back to the 1500s, or so the owner mentioned during check-in. Speaking of which, the front desk is manned by this chatty local guy who sorted everything out in minutes, even though I showed up right in the middle of high season chaos (think July, when the canals smell a bit riper and the tourists swarm like pigeons). My room was on the second floor – no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing – but it overlooked a quiet courtyard, away from the main street noise. The bed was comfy, with those crisp white linens that crinkle just right, and the bathroom had one of those old-fashioned clawfoot tubs that make you want to linger.

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it blends that old-world charm with just enough modern touches to keep things practical. It’s a 3-star joint, sure, but the rating’s a solid 8.6 for a reason – the breakfast spread in the mornings is no joke, with fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and coffee that’s actually strong enough to wake you up after a night of wandering. I mean, you’re steps from spots like the little bacari on nearby Calle della Madonna, where you can grab cicchetti and spritz for cheap, or duck into the hidden Campo San Bartolomeo for a breather from the San Marco crowds. The rooms aren’t huge – mine had exposed wooden beams that gave it a cozy, almost attic-like vibe, and the Wi-Fi was spotty in the evenings when everyone logs on – but there’s air conditioning that hums quietly, which is a godsend in summer humidity. Oh, and if you’re into history, ask about the hotel’s name; “al Gambero” means “at the shrimp,” tied to some old innkeeper tale, and the walls have these faded frescoes that whisper stories from Venice’s heyday. Parking? Forget it – this is Venice, so leave the car in Mestre and embrace the walk or water taxi life. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful after 10 p.m., though you might hear the occasional gondolier serenading late into the night.

All in all, if you’re looking for an authentic slice of Venice without the mega-hotel gloss, this is it – sort of like staying with a well-traveled aunt who knows all the back alleys. It’s not perfect; the decor could use a refresh in places, and during peak times, the shared spaces get a tad crowded. But for the price and that unbeatable location – you’re a five-minute stroll to Piazza San Marco, yet far enough to dodge the worst of the day-trippers – I’d go back in a heartbeat. Travelers who want immersion over luxury will love it; just time your visit for shoulder season, like April or October, when the light on the canals is magic and the pace slows down. Trust me, you’ll leave with stories, not just selfies.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $199. Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $268. Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $296. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $327. Double Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $379. Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $425. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 4 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Ekaterina from Denmark – 26 January 2024 (9/10)

  Best location and super charming!
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was a bit boring, but defiantly better than what you usually get in Italy. Venice is expensive.

• Formiga89 from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (8/10)

  The staff was very friendly and accomodated us well. The location is amazing. You can quickly reach the Rialto bridge on one side and the square of San Marco on the other side of the hotel. Our room was small, but cute and well decorated.
  
  What could be improved: We wanted to book a room with a nice view of one of the canals. This was one of our main criteria. The view of our room turned out to be a bit disappointing. We were not sure how the view was like during booking as it was not clearly shown in the pictures of the hotel.

• Nikolai from Germany – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

  It was a great time to stay in this hotel. The staff was very kind and exceptionally helpful. I had a birthday during the stay and the hotel staff, they congratulated me and gave me a bottle of wine as a gift. It was very nice and the wine was very good.
  Thanks a lot!

• Bonita from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Bedrooms are exquisite. Well furnished and comfortable. Staff are great.

• Joanna from Poland – 27 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location and friendly stuff
  
  What could be improved: Music from the restaurant (but it was not that disturbing :))

• Keri from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (8/10)

  The location was great, stay were friendly and helpful and the breakfast was a nice start to the morning
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom in the room was a little dated decor wise but it was perfectly fine as it was kept very clean by the staff

• Jill from United Kingdom – 15 March 2025 (8/10)

  We had a lovely stay, the hotel was in a good location, comfortable bed, good shower, large bright mirror in bathroom, room cleaned every day, small fridge with drinks in the room, kettle in the room and complimentary tea and coffee, nice breakfast friendly staff. We had a small balcony looking on to a small canal and could watch gondolas passing by. Plenty of restaurants, takeaways and shops around. 10 mins walk to St Mark's Square and also to Rialto Bridge.
  
  What could be improved: Couldn't get AC to work but with it being March wasn't too much of a problem – maybe they don't turn it on until nearer the summer. We had 2 power cuts while there both in the morning, but luckily we were showered and ready and had had breakfast and were ready to go out, so it wasn't really a problem.

• Landri from South Africa – 13 March 2025 (9/10)

  Nice clean rooms and very comfortable bed.
  Good location and the staff are excellent.
  
  What could be improved: Average breakfast
  Very steep staircases – no elevator. The staff were very helpful to assist with carrying our bags though.

• Clare from United Kingdom – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were absolutely awesome… friendly, helpful.. just lovely. Super location, lovely restaurants near by. exactly as described , gondola stop just by the hotel.. really nice breakfast, plenty to choose from. Hot and cold.. Big pots of tea and coffee.. nice juices. Cleanest of clean bedlinen.. room spotless. Plenty of soap etc. Even folded our pyjamas when they cleaned the room. I am very very fussy about bedlinen.. this was crisp and whiter than white. We will definitely come back again and join in the carnival. Absolutely lovely stay.
  
  What could be improved: No lift was a tiny bit of a pain but hey.. otherwise all good.

• Deborah from United Kingdom – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely little hotel yes room was on the small side but it had everything you’d need. Very clean and comfortable staff are very helpful and always pleasant and friendly. Location is terrific literally 5 minutes to either StMarks square or the rialto bridge. Lots of very good restaurants in the area too will definitely go back

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities