Hello Becky, here is the name of the hotel we stayed in in May: Hotel Galleria (Accademia - Dorsoduro 878/a, 30123 Venezia; tele/fax: 041/520-4172; ask for Luciano or Stefano, both speak
English; L150,000 (about $85) per night with bathroom and breakfast in the room) next to the Accademia bridge. It's in a very good location just next to the Accademia vaporetto stop. The Dorsoduro side of Venice is quiet with some great restaurants.

I have heard of both hotels you questioned and would stay there also. Locanda Sturion was one choice, but booked during our stay.

Monica

The Locanda Sturion is wonderful but one word or warning...you must climb what seems like a thousand steps to get to it. But once there it is worth it, very nice rooms, nice breakfast, and great location.

The Locanda Sturion is the place to stay but be aware that there are many stairs to climb to the hotel...but it is great.

The Locanda Sturion is the place to stay but be aware that there are many stairs to climb to the hotel...but it is great.

The Locanda Sturion is the place to stay but be aware that there are many stairs to climb to the hotel...but it is great.

The Locanda Sturion is the place to stay but be aware that there are many stairs to climb to the hotel...but it is great.

We just got back from Italy. We stayed at Hotel Gambero in Venice based on a recommendation off Fodors and it is also in Rick Steve's book. The room was smaller than most of the hotels we stayed in, but the bathroom was pretty big. The whole thing was recently remodeled and was very nice (marble floors, marble bathrooms). The window in our room overlooked a canal and we could watch the gondolas go by and hear them singing (rm 202). Most importantly, Gambero is in a great location. You get off the Vaporetto at the Rialto stop and it's about half way between Rialto and San Marco. We paid around $193,000L per night (includes breakfast). We had to mail them a check for one night as a deposit. They speak english and are very nice. They also have a good restaurant (Le Bistrot) where you get a 10% discount. The other hotels you mention may be great also, but this is our personal experience at Gambero. We really loved it. If you decide to go to Gambero, let me know and I'll give you exact directions on how to get there from the vaporetto. It's very easy and close, but we had a tough time finding it the first time. Have fun-Venice is WONDERFUL!