Oh! Heck, we are having a difficult time deciding between Locanda Barbarigo (Kiki's recommendation) and Pensione La Calcina. Locanda Barbarigo apprease to be newer with fewer reviews. We are going in March and will be there for three days.<BR><BR>Help?

Go the La Calcina. They have a very good reputation and you shouldn't be disappointed. Venice is expensive when it comes to lodging, however. And some 3 star hotels are as much as a 4 star. Check out this great website: www.venere.com. I've compared prices to the hilt from many different websites (Orbitz; Expedia; Travelocity; and lots of others). This one is by far the most consistent and lowest when it comes to prices. Let me know what you think!

check out the website for Palazzo Sant Angelo. www.santangelo.hotelinvenice.com.<BR>Great hotel, great location, we stayed there Sept. 2002.<BR>Look at their "special" rates. <BR><BR><BR>

Ann, I have stayed at La Calcina on two trips (August 1997 & 1999). It was recommended to me by friends who live in Europe. I don't know the other hotel, but i LOVED Pensione La Calcina. Absolutely perfect!! That's my real email if you have any specific questions, I'm happy to answer.

Ann, We just got back from a week in Venice and walked the whole magilla. As in most cities, location is the key. La Calcina is a nice place but the location is not our favorite. I really tried to analyze a dozen possible locations for future reference and decided that the area between San Marco and the Accademia bridge was the best. Locate the Santa Maria de Giglio vaporetto stop on your map--the Locanda is very near here--a wondeful location.<BR>Other hotels in the area include Hotel Ala, Violino d'Oro, Hotel Torino, and Do Pozzi. That is my choice to best see Venice by foot or vaporetto. Good luck !

In contrast to the very well-traveled (possibly even jetlagged) Bob, my husband and I loved the location of La Calcina. It's away from the tourist crush (but not too far) and on the fascinating Giudecca canal. The hotel is expertly run--they really know how to do it there. Ask for a front corner room and you won't be sorry. Their breakfast (included) was yummy.<BR><BR>.Now, Bob, about that trip report...

Hi there,<BR>If you are interested in finding a very good value for money place to stay in Venice, then pls send me an email.<BR>Have a good day.<BR>Jack

I haven't stayed at either, but for my preferences L. Barbarigo has a much more central and convenient location, also with more shops, cafes, etc close by.

I love the location of La Calcina! A tiny bit off the 'beaten-path' (thankfully) but a quick 10-15 mins. walk into the heart of things. The promonade along the Guidecca canal is lovely, local, and not a big crush of people. There is a handy grocery store and post office and smaller cathedral nearby. <BR><BR>It is a cool oasis to return to at the end of a hectic day. Agreeing with Betsy, the hotel is expertly run. You are in good hands there, and feel it. The breakfast either self-serve in the charming little dining room, or waiter-served out on a patio over the canal (and maybe even room service I think) is very nice.

We stayed at the Locanda Barbarigo a few weeks ago and were very pleased -- the owners are very nice, the afternoon person was great. It was one of our favorite hotels and we would highly recommend it. When you factor in the price, it's great.

Would someone care to comment whether breakfast at La Calcina includes scrambled eggs and bacon (as is the case at the Pensione Accademia), or only the "traditional" cereal, fruit, rolls, salami, cheese, croissants and jams?

Just returned from Venice; La Calcina has a classy yet intimate atmosphere. You should be aware, though, that currently construction is being done on the walkway in front of the hotel, which makes for a not-so-attractive entry. Once the work is finished, I would recommend La Calcina with no reservations. We stayed at their "Iris" apartment, a couple of blocks behind the hotel, on a small piazza. We actually saw more residents than tourists in that area!!! The apt (2-rm suite w/bath) is charming, inexpensive (155EU), and a nice location, if you don't mind not being right on the water. The breakfast is the "traditional" one that gac describes.

For gac... Calcina's breakfast included yogurt, cereal, cheese, meat, rolls, coffe or hot chocolate, stewed fruit, etc. Eggs were available but at additional charge.

topping for Hans

Breakfast at La Calcina is pretty basic and by travel standards similar to other places in Italy. You can order eggs (extra..I think about $4 euro). You also pay extra for any other kind of coffee drink than cafe american. In anser to the question about the two hotels..I can only speak to La Calcina..we thought the location was great and thoroughly enjoyed being able to get away from crowds at the end of the day.

La Calcina! First because I love it and the people there, for another you're going in March, and while Acqua Alta isn't a certainty, you'll appreciate higher ground in the rain!<BR>Also, I love the Dorsaduro/San Polo and Castello districts. It encourages you to go out exploring more in the neighborhood and it really is a short hop away from central items. <BR><BR>As to proximity to shopping-there are some great art, leather and boutique like shops not too far away (almost nothing except Torcello is too far away in Venice).

Hi Ann,<BR><BR>It's great that you received lots of input from fellow fodorites. I really liked the location of Locanda Barbarigo, especially since it was 2 minutes from the Giglio stop. Not sure the location of La Calcina, although the raves sound great. I really felt like I was living ancient Venice at Barbarigo, but with modern amenities and very friendly staff.<BR><BR>I hope that you get the opportunity to take in some of the shopping that I mentioned in my posting, especially the visit to Murano, which was a highlight. Visit the Cenedese glass factory there, even if you don't buy anything; it is truly a marvel in glass. The jewelry at Cenedese was not expensive and just beautiful. They go for $400+ at Neiman Marcus or Saks, and are alot less there. There are 2 Cenedese factories on Murano. I went only to one near the Church (I believe that I left better instructions on my posting from this past Spring 2002).<BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>Kiki