Accomadations in Venice
 

I've been looking at hotels, B&B and Inns in Venice - and I'm a bit overwhelmed by my choices.

I'm going at the end of October for 3-4 nights. I want to spend no more than $250-275 per night.

I'm not sure exactly what neighborhood I should pick either. We are going to walk/water taxi around a lot and want to be fairly close to a majority of the tourist sights. Although I like the idea of an area with good restaurants and a little quieter than the really busy touristy areas.

I've checked out Trip Advisor and found lots of places that would work and look great. I guess I need someone to tell me why they loved their accomadations in Venice so much, and what I should avoid.

Should I look for a canal view? Is being close to a water taxi stop important? Is is a hassle to travel to the train station or Airport a hassle with luggage?

Help!

I don;t think you mean water taxi (very expensive - and completely unnecessary unless you're coming in with significant luggage) but vaporetto (water bus) for which you can buy a pass.

Water taxis don't have stops. You can pick them up at all the major spots - but they will take you anywhere in the city - including the many private docks of hotels, houses etc.

Venice is very walkable and compact, so most places are close to tourist sites. You should plan to walk and vaporettos. We've been to Venice three times and have never taken a water taxi; we've schlepped our bags from the train station onto a vaporetto and then off near the hotel and then walked. Sure, it is a bit of a hassle, but sometimes travel is.

Whether or not you want a canal view is a personal decision related to what you value when traveling. My husband and I are never in our hotel room except to rest for maybe an hour before going out to dinner, and then to sleep, so view is not important to us. But I will say that when we've gotten a room with a view by chance for the same rate as a non-view room when we checked in, we liked the view!

I loved the Pensione Accademia in Dorsoduro, for several reasons:

1. its location;
2. its old world charm and service
3. its very romantic past (It was the scene of "Summertime" the Kathryn Hepburn movie.)
4. the nearby restaurants, etc., and the fact tht it is a bit away from the hustle and bustle of San Marco square.

We loved Corte Grimani (see link) http://www.cortegrimani.com/en/apartments.ht

We had the room with a view though there is not much to look at, a small canal below. The rooms were spacious with a kitchen/dining/living room combination, a bath with washer/dryer and a bedroom. What was great is that it is very close to Plaza San Marco but just far away to not be noisy or busy. The staff was excellent. They provide morning fruit in the lobby. There was no trouble hauling luggage. The price is well within your budget.

From the airport we took the Gold Line vaporetto which is a litter pricier than the regular line but much less expensive than the water taxi. There was only one other couple on the boat. From what I saw, it was just as nice as a water taxi but you didn't get to drive up to the door of the hotel. Very much worth the extra money to take the Gold LIne.

Corte 1321 was great...

http://www.corte1321.com/en/index.htm


its cheaper than $250 a night i would assume (depending on exchange rate)

its in a quieter area a short distance from the major tourist areas, not far from Campo San Polo

5 mins from rialto, 10 - 15 mins from san marco

a 3 min walk to a vaperatto stop on the grand canal (san silvestro)

no view, but a great courtyard from which to enjoy breakfast or a late night nightcap.

We stayed 3 nights last Sept. at a small B&B within a 3-5 minute walk to St. Mark's Square: B&B Corte Campana, run by a delightful, helpful young man named Riccardo. Only 3 rooms (all spacious & clean)-- ask for one of the 2 w/bathroom in the room; the other has bathroom off the hall. An expanded continental b'fast is included in the price. Free internet! If I recall, we spent about 180-190 euros per night -- quite reasonable for Venice accommodations (cash only). Off a very quiet street, too. Only drawback is a 3-flight walk up the stairs, but Riccardo will assist with the luggage. A great location for all the Venice sites! Check out its website. Good luck!



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Make sure you're not there during Carnivale. It's packed with people then and it makes it hard to get around. The costumes were a sight, unfortunately I couldn't see many other sites.

SDTRAVELS:
I am in the process of booking a suite at the Corte Grimani as we speak. I have a choice as to whether we get one with a view or one without.
The one with is @ $75 more per night. In your description you said the view wasn't much.
Knowing the price difference quoted to me, what would you do?
Mille Grazie!

We loved our stay in the Locanda Antica Venezia, in a quiet street 5 minutes walk from St Marks. If you look at the room pictures (which don't really do it justice), we stayed in the room with the orange coloured bed covers and roof beams. It has loads of character and was very convenient. There are lots of steps, if that is a problem We booked it through Venere, which has loads of reviews, including mine.

http://www.anticavenezia.com/eng/index.html

In November 2007 we stayed at Hotel Ala (which is a member of Best Western but don't let that bother you)and it was excellent, with very nice rooms and good staff. The location could not be better and the rate should be in your range. It is a short walk from St Mark's. We actually were able to book it for 110 Euro a night in November with full breakfast. That was an excellent rate.

Hotel FLora is a very charming small hotel, a couple of blocks from St. Marks. It's kind of set back off the (pedestrian) street and has a peaceful garden where you can have breakfast or an afternoon drink.

Have been to Venice 3 times in the past 5 years. The first visit we stayed near the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. We had a beautiful view but with the exchange rate the way it is now... In 2005 we stayed at Pension Guerrato which is just a few minutes from the Rialto bridge and very close to the Rialto market. This was very nice (lots of steps) and we tried to stay here in 2007 but it was fully booked. In 2007 we stayed in one of Hotel Campiello's apartments (new in 2007) which was great! Minutes from St. Mark's square and very easy to find. The apt. was on the ground floor so no stairs and the a/c worked great!

Locanda Orseolo...no question..there is a reason why tripadvisor rates them the #1 B&B in Venice...it is for their personal service, attention to detail and darn friendly manner. Barbara, Matteo and the rest of the staff will treat you as family and as if they have known you forever.
I have been on the streets of Venice and their staff who were off work and running personal errands have called me out on the street with nice hellos and conversation.
They are helpful with excellent restaurant recommendations and will reserve for you and provide many timely tips to make your Venice experience most enjoyable. ...and that is not even mentioning the fantastic chocolate and banana crepes personally prepared for your breakfast..LOL