Antico Portego

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Antico Portego after a long vaporetto ride from the train station – you know, the kind where you’re crammed in with everyone’s luggage and that faint salty lagoon smell clings to everything. It’s tucked away on a quiet side canal in Cannaregio, right off the Strada Nova, which is basically the main drag through this neighborhood but without the overwhelming tourist crush you get over in San Marco. Honestly, arriving felt like stepping into a hidden pocket of real Venice; no cars honking (well, there are no cars at all, which is a blessing and a curse if you’re hauling bags), just the gentle lap of water against stone and maybe a local yelling something in Venetian dialect from a window. The building itself is this charming old palazzo – think exposed wooden beams and those worn terracotta floors that creak just enough to remind you it’s been around for centuries. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm guy named Marco (I think? Or was it Matteo?), chatted with me about the best cicchetti spots nearby while handing over the key – no sterile front desk vibe, more like crashing at a friend’s place.

What really sold me on the place was how it balances that antique charm with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable, you know? My room overlooked a tiny courtyard – sort of overgrown with ivy and those little potted geraniums Venetians love – and it had this massive bed with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender (probably from the laundry service down the calle). The bathroom was modern enough, with a rain shower that didn’t flood the floor like in some older spots I’ve stayed, but fair warning, the water pressure can be a bit finicky during peak hours in summer when everyone’s rinsing off the humidity. Breakfast is served in this cozy communal area downstairs – fresh cornetti, cappuccino that’s actually decent (not the tourist trap weak stuff), and they throw in some prosciutto and cheese if you ask nicely. It’s not a huge spread, but it’s perfect for fueling up before wandering to the nearby Jewish Ghetto or popping over to the Ca’ d’Oro museum, which is just a short stroll away. Oh, and noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night – no late-night revelers like near the Rialto – though you might hear the occasional boat horn in the morning if your window’s open. I mean, Venice is Venice, so expect some ambient sounds, but this spot feels insulated from the chaos.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star stay that doesn’t feel overly polished or pretentious, Antico Portego is a gem – rated around 8.8 for good reason, I’d say. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can lag a bit in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, and if you’re not into walking everywhere (parking? Forget it, this is Venice), it might test your patience. But honestly, that’s part of the appeal – it forces you to slow down and soak in the neighborhood, maybe grab a spritz at that little bacaro on Fondamenta della Misericordia nearby. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced a slice of local life, not just ticked off a checklist. If you’re visiting in shoulder season, like early spring when the canals aren’t sweltering, it’s even better – fewer crowds, and the place feels like your own private hideaway. Worth every euro, in my book.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $188. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $195. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $208. Superior Double Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $208. Deluxe Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $245. Deluxe Double Room with Extra Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $245. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $294. Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $317. Deluxe Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $317. Superior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Sofie from Germany – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing decor, great location and convenient facilities

• Anne from Australia – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful property
  
  What could be improved: No clear instructions on how to enter

• Anzhela from Austria – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Team was lovely, even though we didn’t have a personal contact, it wasn’t something we had missed. Responses to our questions was very fast and we had all information we needed to have a wonderful stay
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately the hotel doesn’t have a designated room, where the luggage can be left. Nevertheless it is offered to leave the luggage on the property and pick up later, if the departure time is much later than check out time.

• Maija from Latvia – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  Nice interior. Very good location.

• Marco666 from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location was great, felt safe and close to everything. The reception area was beautiful and the room was very comfortable and spacious.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing 🙂

• Shannon from United Kingdom – 4 March 2025 (9/10)

  Property was a little difficult to find at first, but the directions provided by the hotel did help. Eva was lovely but did not speak much English, so we were unsure how we pay for our room. We had to check out earlier than 8am and so could not pay at check out as there are only staff there between certain times but I messaged to advise this and the payment was taken from the card on my account later that day which worked out fine.
  The property was beautiful and quiet. Rarely heard any other guests. The room was a great size with everything we needed, a lovely little private terrace and complementary drinks in the mini fridge, as well as tea/coffee. The room was cleaned every day, and fresh towels, etc, provided where needed. The ceilings in the room and main entrance area were stunning. The bed was big and comfortable enough. The shower took a little while to heat up but was fine after that and had good pressure. It was easy to get in and out of the hotel at any time with the key card and it is located in an excellent area for food, drinks, shops etc.

• Ingrid from United Kingdom – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  We had a fantastic stay at Antico Portego.
  The location is very good. Restaurants are on every corner, delicious ice-cream across the road and the supermarket very near. The water bus stop is around 15 minutes away. It is easy from there to go to the islands of Murano (world famous in the production of glass) or/and Burano (beautiful colourful houses and handmade lace).
  The room was spotless and very comfortable. There was nothing we didn't like. We visited Venice in January. The heating worked well, the room was hot in minutes so we could relax and enjoy the deserved rest.
  There was a safe, a full fridge of complimentary drinks including a bottle of champagne (very romantic!) and all the toiletries we needed (the razor, toothbrushes, toothpastes, sewing kit….).
  Communication with the hotel was excellent (email, WhatsApp).
  We would love to come back to Antico Portego again!
  
  Big thanks from London.

• Fiona from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location. Excellent communication from the hotel. Lovely clean room and beautifully decorated.

• Elizma from South Africa – 21 January 2025 (9/10)

  Everything!

• Ying from Hong Kong – 4 January 2025 (8/10)

  Good location – 10 mins easy walk along the Main Street from train station. Only 1 bridge to cross so it’s not difficult for pulling luggage. It’s very quiet. Many restaurants nearby.
  Very large and extremely comfy bed.
  Beautiful retrofit design in an old building. Newly refurbished with effective thermostat and modern bathroom.
  It’s very thoughtful that they provided adequate drinks in the fridge for free.
  
  What could be improved: There was no kettle but I saw a staff in the morning who helped find me one. Thanks to him but the limescale inside really need to be cleaned as it come out when water boiling.
  There is no coffee machine as stated in the booking platform.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities