My wife and I will have 4 nights next week (July 1-5) in Europe before we embark for a cruise out of Rome.<BR><BR>It has come down to Cannes versus Venice.<BR><BR>We have reservations at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes and the Grand Hotel Dei Dogi in Venice.<BR><BR>We are indifferent as to whether we have 4 nights at the beach or not so it comes down to value for the $$$ in the cities and the quality of the hotels.<BR><BR>We have been to Venice before (in winter) and have never been to the French Riviera.<BR><BR>Thoughts?<BR>

Tango,<BR><BR>If you stay in Cannes you can visit lots of other areas somewhat close by - Nice, Monaco, St. Tropez small French Village like St. Paul de Vence (not sure I am spelling it right), etc. So I would opt for Cannes.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>JB

Through this past Saturday Venice was horribly hot and packed with tourists. Go to Cannes.

Dear Tango;<BR>since you've aleady been to Venice I would opt for Canns ; it should be wounderful weather this time of year.If you are up for it; you can take the train to little towns along the Rievera. I'm not sure what your preferences are; but a trip to ST. Paul de Vence would be well worth your time.<BR>Be sure to have lunch at la Colombe d' Or; on the beautiful patio under the olive trees.Reservations are a must the # is fax 33(0)4 93 32 77 78. Phone #33 (0) 4 93 32 80 02. They speak English well you can call for directions from your hotel in Cannes.Good luck<BR>Viva la France <BR>Sherri

I agree with Sherri. Vence is a charming place to visit when you are visiting the Riviera. Lots of countryside to explore. Enjoy!

I cannot imagine anyone spending an instant in Cannes, one of the most over-rated (admittedly surrounded by other, more beautiful towns) when they could be in Venice, one of the most stunning and unique places on the planet. I would only go to Cannes on business. I stayed at the Martinez a few years back and we were not impressed. Cannes is a better choice only if you've never visited the Riviera and even then, there are nicer towns in which to stay (such as one of the tiny hill towns up above Cannes).

Hi<BR><BR>I didn't like Cannes at all, but if you're using it as a base then fine. There is a very good, quick and cheap train service to Nice and Monaco, both of which are a million times better than Cannes. Compared to the other two, I found it tacky looking, and a lot dirtier...<BR><BR>Hope this helps!

Thank you all for you rather passionate opinions thus far...<BR><BR>Perhaps neither spot is the place to go next week?<BR><BR>Venice being hot and crowded (though we do have resrvations at the Grand Hotel Dei Dogi which is off the beaten path) and Cannes being dirty (I was expecting a luxury beach-resort atmosphere).<BR><BR>Any places you would suggest as an alternative?<BR><BR>...keeping in mind it is impossible to get reservations on the Amalfi Coast and Capri...<BR><BR>Switzerland maybe?<BR><BR>Thoughts?