We recently went on a European trip that included France, Venice, and Germany and ultimately stayed in a 4 different hotels. None of them came CLOSE to the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo in making an American family feel welcome.

Highlights:

Free wireless Internet. It didn't work initially due to room location so they PROVIDED an Ethernet cable and a power outlet converter so I could wire straight in. What a welcome bonus. So many hotels in Europe say they offer High Speed Internet but when you get there you find out it's often not free (closer to $30 per day) and often only in common areas.

The courtyard. Very quaint, clean and quiet. Pigeon free. Don't laugh, in Venice this is an accomplishment. The food is rather pedestrian for breakfast, but the staff is wonderful, friendly and attentive.

The owners. They are happy to converse at length with the guests and give well considered advice on what to see, where to park, and just as important, what NOT to do or where not to get ripped off.

The staff. The entire staff takes their lead from the owners in making every effort allowed to ensure that those who stay feel fully taken care of. This is true of both the day and the night staff. No drop in quality of care.

The temperature. Finally, in Europe, some place willing to cool a room to a crisp refreshing feel. After a day walking venice in 85 degree heat and 80 percent humidity - nothing line a nice chilly room to cool down. Reminded me of home!

The cleanliness. Spotless. Everything. 'Nuff said.

The price. Given the cost of some other spots within Venice, the rate was quite reasonable and we'd gladly pay it again.

The only issue we had with the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo was that we had four days in Venice and they only had 2 nights available - the cost of being the top dog on TripAdvisor, I suppose. So if you're going to Venice, book well in advance and make sure you contact the hotel even if you don't see availability on the website. That's what we did, and the two nights we got to spend there were worth the disappointment of not being able to make it four.

We arrived in Venice July 21 upon a water taxi and immediately got lost. Seems that the ticket taker on the taxi mixes her left from her right. After asking a clerk in an ice cream store where the Al Ponte Mocenigo hotel was, we were directed to the proper location. Carlito warmly greeted my wife and myself, helped us with the heavy baggage to our beautiful room in the annex and gave us easy directions to a nearby restaurant (Muro) which turned out to be a gem. And it only got better. The next morning we met our daughter at the San Stae dock which is only about 30 seconds from the hotel and the three of us proceeded to have a fabulous time running around Venice enjoying the sights and beauty of this gorgeous city. The breakfast served was perfect with fresh bread, juices, cruissant, cereals, fruit etc. Walter, one of the owners of the hotel was extremely helpful as well and then teamed us up with two other couples to share the water taxi with to the cruise ship port on the 23rd. He did the arranging and bargaining so that we saved some money. One of the couples turned out to be our constant companions for the next 12 days on the cruise - thanks to Walter. In all honesty, this hotel with it's charm, staff and beauty deserves the recognition they receive from Trip Advisor as being a #1 hidden gem hotel in Venice.

My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights art start of july and it was perfect for what we wanted - a real find. Located in quiet area but a quick 15-20 mins walk to San Marco square. Hotel staff were very helpful and breakfast was lovely (far surpassed expectations, Fruit, croissants, cheese, meat and lovely coffee made fresh from espresso maker) served in the little courtyard. While it has a 2 star rating, its because it doesn't have things like elevators, a big fancy lobby or iron for guests, but everything else about it was 4 star!

Stayed here for the final two nights of our Honeymoon and had a wonderful time. The hotel is a little gem - hidden down a back street but incredibly close to the grand canal ferry stop. Donnatello on reception was great, really helpful showing us the best places to visit on the map. The room was lovely, sumptuously decorated and very clean. I'd recommend this to everyone - but beware of the hard beds!