Jenn

I am just begining my research - but want to start in the right direction. What area of Venice should I look at for picking a hotel. We will be a family of 3 - first time to Italy. Looking for a 3 or 4 star hotel with good service, view, and centrally located. Also hoping for a not too tiny room. Thanks for your help.

suze

Pensione La Calcina in the Dusoduro on the Guidecca canal. It is a little bit out of the way so is more quiet than the hussle and bussle around San Marcos or the Rialto area but still very convenient. Easy to get to by vaporetto from the train station. Try for a corner room on the front with a canal view. Lovely breakfast included. www.lacalcina.com

dwzemens

We stayed at the Locanda Sant Agostin last September, largely due to information received at Fodors. It is a terrific small hotel, only about 6 rooms, located about 10 minutes walk from the Rialto Brige. Far enough away to not feel too touristy, but close enough to walk easily to anywhere you wish to go. We walked from the train station to the hotel, and from the hotel to San Marco Square with ease.

Two delighful brothers own and run the hotel. It gets terrific reviews on www.tripadvisor.com. You will not be disappointed. Rooms are rather large for Venice standards. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Feel free to ask other questions if you have them.

http://www.locandasantagostin.it/html_en/hotel.html

Mimar

Practically everyplace in Venice is centrally located. After all, the experience of being in Venice--canals, palazzos, vaporetti, gondolas--is the point, more than individual sightseeing destinations.

We last stayed in Dorsoduro, which was refreshingly less touristed than the area around San Marco. Some people make the mistake of staying in Mestre (on the mainland) or the Lido. That is NOT the Venice experience.

Check www.tripadvisors.com for hotel reviews.

hlocke1

Hi Jenn --

We really enjoy the Dorsoduro area, as well. It's within a 10-minute walk to the sights and tends to be a bit quieter, less touristy than other parts of Venice. You might look at the Hotel American. It's very close to the Accademia vaporetto stop and is very charming. We had a great room with canal views for two people (not sure if they offer extra beds) and it was a good size! Good luck!