1 week in Paris and 1 week in Venice with 17yo son and 22yo nephew march 16 to April 1.
 

I would like to rent an apt or b&b so that I can use the kitchen for breakfast ect. These guys are big eaters and not picky at all. I am looking for a great neighborhood in regards to ambience and easy friendly restaurants.
After our week in Venice I thought I would rent a car and stay at the Cipriani Hotel in Asolo with the boys of course. What do you all think of that idea? I love you fodorites! last year I stayed on R. de Verneuil in St. Germain and loved it. I am not looking for the cheapest place but the best neighborhood. I need the same for Venice.

I'll top for you.

Can't somebody help us? The best neighborhood for us. Do you think it is mportant to be near San Marco in Venice? Should we stay in the Marais or St. Germain or Monmartre or Les Halles? I would so appreciate your input.

My daughters at similar ages really enjoyed staying in the Latin Quarter, the 5th arrondissement. Lots of young people and a student vibe in the neighborhood.

Maybe it would help if you posted your budget, of if you re-posted, with "apartment" and B&B in the title. People probably think your post is asking for things to do with guys that age.

As for Venice, I do not believe it is important to stay near San Marco. Distances within Venice are shorter than they appear on the map. The city is very compact and it is easy to walk from one neighborhood to another.

Actually your posts helped. I just read in "A Thousand Days in Venice" that the Dorsoduro area of Venice is alot like St Germain area in Paris...... but is that too faraway? We will stay in the 5thor 6th arr. in Paris. I am reading "Into a Paris Quartier" by Diane Johnson which is all about St. Germain and also where she lives when in Paris.

When I was in Venice, we stayed in San Marco but spent much of our time in Dorsoduro, which is a short walk over the Accademia Bridge. Nice area, certainly not far from the things you will want to see.

Since you're interested in renting an apartment, have you looked at www.slowtrav.com? It's a mine of information about renting in Europe, especially in Italy. Also search this site for past posts about renting in Paris. There was a lot of activity on that subject not so long ago.

Hi Palione,
For Paris, I'd suggest the 5th/6th districts (Latin Quarter/St Germain). Close to everything, good shopping and restaurants, University and major art school there, clubs, parks,etc..The 4th (Marais) is also a good choice. Either is easy walking distance to main sites and good access to Metro and RER (airport, Versailles)

Mike

Hi palione, is there a special reason you want to stay in Asolo? The Cipriana Hotel is beautiful of course but as far as Asolo being really interesting for the young fellows I think about the Italian friends I have that lived in Asolo at that age and they were so bored there. They could hardly wait to get to University.

Unless there is a reason that you are staying in Asolo I would suggest that somewhere else might be of more interest to the fellows. Bologna is a beautiful city and is full of university students so it is a vibrant place and there would be so many things for all of you to enjoy together or separately. And the food is fantastic. BTW, you wouldn't need the expense of a rental car as you would just take the train from Venice to Bologna. Best regards.

LoveItaly
Thanks for the input on Asolo. Bologna sounds like a good idea. We arrive into Venice March 23 and depart April 1 at 10:50 a.m. soooooo I thought we would stay in Venice Mar. 23 and leave on the 28 to perhaps Bologna and then come back to Venice for one night Mar 31. I have been to Asolo before and loved and thought it might be fun to chill at less hectic place after Venice and Paris. I have never been to Bologna and the thought of no car is nice and I think the boys would love to take a train. They would enjoy a university city also. So where do we stay in Bologna? I checked out the slowtrav site... it is full of useful info. Mahalo!!!!! I can't wait, these little Hawaiian boys are going to be so inspired. I guess we will have to seek out sushi in Paris.

Was also going to suggest the Dorsoduro neighborhood in Venice, since there is a University there. Campo Santa Margherita seemed to have lots of young people around later at night than most areas of Venice (from my experience)which is not a late night town in general...

Lucky you, going to Venice!

Last time I was there, about three years ago, we stayed in an apartment near the Frari church. It's a converted medieval palazzo that has been split up into flats. We found it characterful, very convenient and cheaper than a hotel. See the website www.frari2000.it.
I'll happily answer any more questions.

I would not stay near St Marks because it's very much the middle of tourist-trap-land, whereas other areas (you only need to move a few streets away from the main drag) have some local life - neighbourhood bars and cafes, students, old ladies doing their shopping in the market. St Mark's is easily walkable, although getting anywhere in Venice is slow on account of the labyrithine but atmospheric alleyways. Going by boat, the vaporetto stop is only 5 mins away.

PS Your Bologna idea is an excellent one. It's a wonderful city and the food is among the best in Italy. The pasta is a revelation - golden, silky, rich, lightly dusted with parmesan - and the herby chicken I ate there haunts my dreams.

I was also going to say Dorsoduro for Venice. There are lots of apts. there too. Here's one option that's been popular
http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/rentsuk.html

The well loved hotel, La Calcina also has some apts. For a week's stay you will feel more like you're in a less touristy area and it is filled with young people and good restaurants. Also keep in mind Venice is relatively compact and most things are not that far.

I think St. Germain or the Marais would be good locations in Paris, but I would worry more about finding an apt. that suits your needs (right number of beds/baths etc.) b/c almost any location within a single digit arrondisement would be fine. Here's one previous thread with lots of apt. rental cos. in Paris.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34592679

I stayed at the Hotel Roma in Bologna last January. This is an inexpensive/moderate hotel with a brilliant location a few steps from the main plaza. I would recommend it as long as you are not looking for too much charm. The staff was very helpful and gracious. I have lots of information on eating in the city in my trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34743272

Not the question you asked... but a suggestion I wanted to make for your guys. Be sure to check out the Segway tour in Paris. Fat Tire Bikes runs a really fun tour.

Hi palione, I have never stayed overnight in Bologna as every time I have tried to get a hotel room there were no vacancies due to trade shows.
So do reserve your hotel as soon as possible! I am sorry I can't personally make a recommendation for one. Ekscrunchy's hotel sounds like it is located in the perfect location. And TripAdvisor should have a list of hotels with travellers reports.

I do think all of you will enjoy Bologna and I believe you will find it relaxing, at least I always have. And taking the train will be so much easier than renting a car etc. I will look forward to your trip report next spring!!

I've stayed twice at the Orologio in Bologna - http://orologio.hotel-bologna.net. You couldn't be more central, and the breakfasts are fantastic (do I talk about food too much?).

As for Venice, I've looked out another website that you might find useful: www.venrent.com, an agency that specializes in apartments to let.

In any case, have fun - I am thoroughly jealous.