As Venice's fortunes have changed, the surrounding neighborhood has gone upscale and multimillion-dollar mansions abound, so have the Marina Pacific's. A new top floor added spiffy rooms with glass-walled balconies; the entire hotel was repainted and refurnished. Rooms are cheerful with bold patterned bedspreads, all black furniture and flat screen TVs. Original contemporary art by Venice artists is found throughout. Within blocks are numerous art galleries, shops, and more than 25 restaurants. Stroll the scenic Venice canals and boardwalk or rent bikes next door at a discount; racquetball and tennis courts are also close. The best rates obtained by calling hotel directly. Pros: completely refurbished, friendly staff. Cons: summer rates significantly higher although hotel repeatedly sells out, homeless encamp nearby, boardwalk is noisy and teeming summer weekends.
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