Antico Panada

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Antico Panada after weaving through those twisty little calli in San Marco – you know, the kind where you think you’re lost but suddenly pop out right where you need to be. It’s tucked away on Calle Degli Specchieri, just a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square, like literally two minutes if you’re not dodging tourists with their selfie sticks. I arrived by vaporetto from the train station, lugging my bag over a couple of bridges – no cars in Venice, obviously, so forget about parking; it’s all about timing your water bus to avoid the rush hour crowds around lunchtime. Check-in was straightforward, though the lobby has this old-world feel with its creaky wooden floors and those heavy velvet curtains that smell faintly of aged leather and canal mist. My room was on the second floor, nothing fancy – a bit compact, honestly, with a bed that sagged just enough to remind you it’s a 3-star spot – but the view out the window onto the narrow street below was pure Venice magic, especially at dusk when the church bells from San Marco start chiming and mix with the chatter from nearby trattorias.

What really won me over, though, was how central it is without feeling overwhelming. You’re steps from the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, but the hotel itself is in this quieter pocket – well, quieter for Venice, I mean, where “quiet” still includes the occasional gondolier singing off-key down the rio. Breakfast was included, a simple spread of croissants, fresh fruit, and decent espresso in this cozy dining room that feels like stepping into someone’s nonna’s kitchen; nothing gourmet, but it hits the spot before you head out. I appreciated the free Wi-Fi that actually worked (a rarity in some older spots here), and the staff – mostly locals who know their way around – gave me spot-on tips, like avoiding the overpriced cafes on the square and heading to a hidden bacaro on Calle della Mandola for cicchetti instead. That said, it’s an older building, so expect some quirks: the air conditioning hummed a little too loudly in summer, and the bathroom tiles had that retro vibe that might not thrill everyone. But hey, for the price, it’s authentic – not some shiny chain, but a place that’s been around since the 1800s, with walls that could tell stories if they talked.

All in all, if you’re after that classic Venetian immersion without breaking the bank, the Antico Panada is a solid pick, especially off-season when San Marco thins out and you can actually hear yourself think. It’s got a 7.1 rating for a reason – not perfect, but charming in its imperfections, like Venice itself. I’d go back in a heartbeat for a quick weekend, maybe in spring when the wisteria blooms nearby and the whole area smells like blooming jasmine mixed with sea salt. Just pack light, watch your step on those uneven pavements, and embrace the fact that you’re staying in the heart of it all.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $114. Classic Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $145. Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $174. Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $197. Classic Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $241. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Dionusis from Greece – 14 June 2023 (8/10)

  it was next to S.Marco square,next to many nice restaurants , with lift very important

• Bostjan from Slovenia – 26 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location is great.

• Iveta from Bulgaria – 9 February 2025 (8/10)

  The hotel was in a very good location very close to San Marco. The room is extremely Venetian style
  
  What could be improved: I don’t like that the room was extremely small

• Richard from United States – 18 October 2024 (8/10)

  Great location!!
  
  What could be improved: Bed was very hard & pillow was like a concrete slab.

• Mohamed from Netherlands – 17 September 2024 (7/10)

  All good except the room size
  
  What could be improved: Room size, cost

• Ignacio from United States – 2 September 2024 (6/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: Staff was not friendly

• Shirley from Australia – 28 August 2024 (8/10)

  Location. Clean. Comfortable bed.
  
  What could be improved: Didn’t love how small the room was with its half a window BUT it was completely fine for price.

• Xhernisa from Albania – 30 June 2024 (8/10)

  Was excellent
  
  What could be improved: The small bad wasn't comfortable.

• Kevin from United States – 17 June 2024 (7/10)

  Location & breakfast included
  
  What could be improved: Hotel layout is like a funhouse at a carnival. Ramps, stairs, buzzing door and an impossible route to your room.

• Kamal from Luxembourg – 17 May 2024 (7/10)

  Location is the best just next to St Marco and gandolas
  
  What could be improved: Wifi not working, basic things like kettle not provided

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities