We are taking a cruise in May 2006. Looking for pre and post cruise hotels in these two cities. Looking for a location that allows us to see as much as possible in a short period of time and are looking in a moderate price range ($150 - $200 per night). Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.

Can only speak to Venice----We stayed at the Monte Carlo just off St. Mark's Sq. The breakfast was wonderful, the staff great. It was under $200. Just make sure to ask about a/c and screens. It will start to get buggy into May. We found it to be a wonderful location.

I am going on a cruise starting in barcelona, ending in venice, this october. I have booked atrium palace (130E) in barcelona and locanda orseolo (190E) in venice. Both came highly recommended for service and location.

we stayed in barcelona prior to the cruise at the Balmes Hotel which is part of the Derby Hotels. We paid about $133 euros a night with breakfast. The rooms are bare but very comfortable and close to Las Ramblas. I would highly recommend it.

Well for a little more try the Avenida Palace in Barcelona. Breakfast is included, it is in the Ramblas but not noisy and is w/i around two blocks of a plaza from which you can take those scenic bus tours, the kind that let you get on and off as you please where you please. There are two routes, a north and a south and in teo days for a nominal fee you can hits the main points. I think the web is: www.avenidapalace.com. Larry

Thanks for the suggestions. Found Avenida Palace for about $200 a night on hotels.com. The reviews are very good.

We liked it. Just be forewarned that at times the receptionists at the front desk can be crusty. I read a comment about this on an online review somewhere, met a guest there who mentioned this to me and actually encountered this myself. They were far less than helpful so I complained directly to the manager who said he would look into it. We went for a walk (Barcelona is a great city for a stroll, at least in the Ramblas) and found a note of apology, fresh flowers, a bottle of Champagne on ice and a bottle of Muscatel as well upon our return. In addition I received a f/u email from another higher up to be sure all was well so there response was excellent. BTW when we checked out Mr. Crusty #1 was manning the desk and when I noted we had been charged for a full breakfast for my son (breakfast was free for 2 but there were 3 of us) when in fact all he had was OJ. He could not have crumpled up the bill any faster. The bill was paid with Mastercard but the look on his face was priceless. I think he had been taken to the woodshed by his boss about this and it showed. .

Thanks Jacketwatch for the info. We booked our Venice hotel (Locanda Orseoloa) and hope to book Barcelona in the next couple of days. I don't know what I'd do without the "inside scoop" on some of these place!

You're welcome and have a terrific time.