Hotel Antiche Figure

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Hotel Antiche Figure almost by accident during my last trip to Venice – I was dragging my suitcase off the train at Santa Lucia station, and honestly, after that chaotic ferry ride from the airport, all I wanted was a spot that didn’t feel like a tourist trap. It’s tucked right on the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce neighborhood, at S. Croce 686, basically staring out at the water from Fondamenta San Simeone. I mean, you step out the door and you’re practically on the vaporetto stop – Scalzi, I think it’s called – which makes hopping to San Marco or the Rialto a breeze without dealing with those packed bridges further in. The building itself is this old, restored palazzo with these faded frescoes on the walls that sort of whisper “Venice” without trying too hard, you know? Check-in was a dream; the staff – mostly locals who speak perfect English – handed me a map with handwritten notes on where to grab the best cicchetti nearby, like that little bacaro on Rio Terà San Leonardo, just a five-minute stroll away. And parking? Well, if you’re driving in (which, let’s be real, is rare in Venice), there’s a garage across the canal, but I wouldn’t bother – the hotel’s position means you’re car-free from the get-go, which is a relief in this pedestrian maze.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that cozy, lived-in charm with just enough modern touches to make you forget it’s only a 3-star. My room overlooked the canal – okay, it was a bit noisy in the mornings with the boat traffic humming by, like a gentle reminder that Venice never really sleeps – but the views at sunset, with the water turning all golden and the smell of salt mixing with espresso from the cafe downstairs, made up for it tenfold. The beds are comfy, with those crisp linens that feel like they’ve been ironed by hand (probably were), and the bathroom had this antique tile work that added a nice touch without being stuffy. Breakfast is served in this sunny room with canal views – think fresh cornetti, prosciutto, and cappuccinos that actually taste like they’re from a neighborhood bar, not some hotel assembly line. I did notice the Wi-Fi could be spotty during peak hours, especially in busy seasons like summer when everyone’s uploading their gondola selfies, but hey, that’s Venice for you – forces you to unplug a bit. And the staff? Super helpful; one guy even tipped me off about avoiding the crowds by walking along the quieter Fondamenta della Sensa for a real local vibe, maybe grabbing gelato at that hidden spot near Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels authentic without the hefty price tag – it’s got a 9.2 rating for a reason – Hotel Antiche Figure is where I’d send my friends. It’s not flashy, but it’s got heart, and in a city that can overwhelm you with its beauty and bustle, that’s what matters. Book a canal-view room if you can swing it, especially in shoulder season like April or October when the fog rolls in and everything gets that magical hush. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced Venice, not just passed through it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $283. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $326. Canopy Double Room Annex (Room Only) with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $368. Residence Suite Annex (Room Only) with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $382. Deluxe Double Room with Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $416. Junior Suite with Grand Canal View with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 1 – 2 guests

Reviews

• Ioana from Romania – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was amazing. Very helpful and kind. The location was very good. The breakfast good and diverse. And, we had a very good surprise finding out that in the cost we paid there is included a free trip to Murano and Glass factory visit.

• Lacayo from United States – 30 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. Location and staff.

• Olga from Belgium – 23 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great experience, very convenient location and very helpful staff
  
  What could be improved: All was perfect

• Adrian from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location, staff, breakfast
  
  What could be improved: …

• Hessam from United States – 15 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, great staff very welcoming!

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

  Ideal location close to the main entry point to Venice (train 3 mins walk, bus/taxi 5 mins walk). Although near to a very busy part of the city, the hotel is quiet and in a beautiful area. All main tourist attractions are within walking distance or from the nearby Vaparetto (water bus) service. Hotel spotlessly clean, staff very friendly and helpful. Rooms are a good size, some with a view over the Grand canal. Breakfast buffet extensive and fresh. Nothing was too much trouble for staff. We took advantage of the free visit to Murano offered with the accommodation – private water taxi there and back, glass making demonstration with no obligation to purchase (though we did purchase a souvenir which was worth the price of the visit.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Chee from Malaysia – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  Staying at Hotel Antiche Figure was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—right on the Grand Canal and just a 3-minute walk from the train station, making it incredibly convenient, especially in Venice, where dragging luggage over cobblestone streets and bridges can be challenging.
  
  Our room had a stunning view of the Grand Canal, and watching the sunset from the window was truly magical. The hotel is also in a prime spot, with a gondola station, water taxis, and water buses right in front, making it incredibly easy to explore the city.
  
  The staff was exceptionally friendly, and the breakfast was great—a wonderful way to start the day. For a first-time visitor to Venice, this hotel is strategic, charming, and incredibly well-located. Couldn’t be happier with our stay—thank you for an amazing experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• David from United States – 25 February 2025 (10/10)

  Proximity to train station and Grand Canal
  
  What could be improved: Property was great, nearby area had some graffiti

• Xuhua from Estonia – 9 February 2025 (9/10)

  close to the train station
  
  What could be improved: the room is quite small for 4 adults

• Karensa from United States – 2 February 2025 (8/10)

  The room was excellent
  
  What could be improved: The long alley at night to the “other building “ wasn’t ideal, however staff escorted me for the short walk in the dark. The few times I walked it in daylight I did not experience anything negative. Being a woman alone at night just added a slight uneasiness.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities