My husband and I are arriving in Venice via a cruise ship, staying probably only 1 night before picking up a car and driving to Rome. My husband walks with 2 crutches. I am looking for a hotel that is not too far to walk to with suitcases and such and a hotel that has an elevator. I was told something near the big San Marco piazza ? <BR><BR>We also want to rent a car in Venice to drive to Rome (where we will drop the car off as soon as entering the city!). Where is a good place (easy access, again) to rent a car in Venice.<BR><BR>As you can tell, this is our first trip to Italy and I have concerns regarding access.

Kathy, I suggest you meet with a travel agent who KNOWS Venice intimately. Venice is NOT an easy city to walk around in, especially if you're going to be carrying suitcases. There are men who will carry them for you, but it's expensive. But you'll need the help!! You'll be travelling by vaporetto boat, and maneuvering on crutches will not be easy. Car rental will occur outside Venice, possibly at the boat stop near Roma - again, a travel agent who has been to the city can help you. Staying in Venice only one night, and handling you've outlines, will be a real challenge - are you sure this is the way you wish to do this part of your trip? If I were you, and if I were set upon Venice, I'd stay at least two nights - give yourself some time to adjust and see Venice - the way you have it planned, it sounds like a huge amount of work and little pleasure. Just my take - perhaps others see it differently. Ciao

Kathy - Take a look at the Commercio & Pellegrino at http://www.commercioepellegrino.com/<BR><BR>It's straight ahead from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, which is next to the San Marco stop. About a 50-foot walk from the stop. Hotel's nice, too.

http://www.travel-italy.com/hotels/h...an_zulian.html

The Metropole has its own dock, and the porter took our luggage from the taxi and placed it in the lobby- then took to our room. It is close to St. Marks. Great breakfast.