KristaK

Message: O.K, we know where we want to go now we just have to find a place to stay. I have been doing a lot of research this week on where to stay, but nothing is screaming out to me.We are looking for a hotel anywhere between the price range of $100-$250 per nite. In Rome we would prefer to be by the Spanish steps. As for Venice...I am not exactly sure where. Should we stay in or close to San Marco? I would love any suggestions...Thanks!

rex

Start with www.venere.com - - not only can you see what places look like, and where they are located - - but you can check availability and even book (or cancel - - equally important) the rooms there.

Near San Marco is fine, but so is near Rialto, or on Giudecca. With the possible exception of VERY near the train station (and even there, your lodging budget goes fruther - - so who am I to say?) - - there are hardly any really bad places to stay IN Venice. As opposed to Mestre, or on the Lido.

You probably should think through a little better the cost implications of your broad price range.you wouldn't go shopping for a car that is "10,000 to 25,000" dollars - - nor a house that is "100,000 to 250,000" dollars.

If you can afford $200 to $250, then you can make more meaningful comparisons between the candidates. If where you need to be is really $100 to 150 - - then focus on the hotels that meet that price range.

Best wishes,

Rex

joearena99

When in Venice, stay near San Marco - Hi - I've been to Venice twice, loved it both times. There is nothing in the world like walking down by the canals at 7:00 in the morning, when the fog is rolling over the water. San Marcos is empty, save for a couple of photographers - it is just so peaceful and serene - not like any place I've ever been. My wife and I have enjoyed staying close to San Marcos. I don't know what time of year you're planning on going, but if the weather is nice, you'll have the opportunity to see several 3/4/5 piece orchestras playing, in San Marcos Square, in front of the coffee shops. You can choose to sit down (and purchase a rather expensive drink), or just walk from one 'show' to the other. It is really something special. You will LOVE Venice.

beachysis

We are going to Rome & Venice in October. While I have no first-hand experience of these yet, both had good comments on tripadvisor and this is where we booked:
Rome: Hotel San Carlo (very close to Spanish Steps), for $200 - $250/night.
Venice: Pensionne Accademia (sp?) - around same price, $200 - $250/night.
Good luck!

Parker

You can easily find nice accommodations in Rome for less money than in Venice. I'd suggest looking in Rome in the lower end of your price range and save some money for a nicer hotel in Venice. It also depends on when you're going. Prices in Rome in August are a lot less than in June/July.

Also, when you say 'nothing is screaming out to me', it leads me to believe you have some requirements in mind. If you share some additional information about what you're looking for, I'm sure you'll get better suggestions.

I'll make a stab here with suggestions of places we've stayed. There's a very nice Pensione near the Spanish Steps - Pensione Panda. I'd also highly recommend the Hotel San Cassiano in Venice - near the Rialto and on the canal. Websites below. Both are in your price range but may not be an option due to other requirements you may have.

http://www.sancassiano.it/
http://www.pensionepanda.com/page2.htm

mamc

We like the Hotel Ala in Venice. It is about 10 minutes walk from San Marco. It is within your price range. Do a search on this board to learn more about its location and amenities.

TC

On the advice of other Fodorites we have booked Ca Satriano B&B in Venice. Will stay there in October. Price is great and the location looks marvelous. Wish I had first had experience to give.

http://www.ca-satriano.com/www/page.html

lmavolio

I am going to Venice & Rome in September and have done a ton of research. We are on a similar budget, probably more toward the upper end of your range and have decided on the following. In Rome, we are staying near the Spanish Steps/Piazza del Popolo at the Hotel Locarno. It is recommended in some of the guide books and gets very good reviews on TripAdvisor - in Sept we are getting a rate of 190E for a standard double. In Venice, we are staying at Hotel American in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. I have heard that Dorsoduro is a great neighborhood in which to stay in Venice. Someone above also mentioned Pensione Accademia - I tried to get reservations there, but they were booked. Another option in Venice is Pensione La Calcina. Both look like great hotels and reasonably priced. Good luck.

bonlou30

I, too, did a lot of research before choosing a hotel for my September 2003 trip to Venice. I chose the Hotel Ala for several reasons. First its location. You have a #1 vaporetto stop just down a laneway which is so convenient; you are on a side canal which is quiet but you can hear the singing of the gondoliers from your room;you are on a charming square that leads you to wonderful stores and further to San Marco in one direction or to the Accademia Bridge in the other direction. It is a Best Western which means you can call an 800 number to make a reservation, change a reservation, etc. It has an elevator (if that's important make sure you ask for a room that is accessible by the elevator as we found out that not all are). We are going back this October and have sent other friends to stay there and they were thrilled. The breakfast which is included is very good
also.

KristaK

Thank you for all of your suggestions!I am going to look into all of thsoe places right now. As for what we are really looking for in a hotel...a romantic tone (it's our honeymoon). I have viewed some places that were really nice, just a little too modern. In the states modern would be great, but in Italy we really want to feel the true essence of the country.

socialworker

Hey Krista--happy honeymooning!! If you are interested, look up the thread that travelbug16 had a few months back. She and I had a long exchange about a hotel for her Venice honeymoon.