Anyone know anything about the Hotel Commercio & Pellegrino or Hotel Antico Panado in Venice? Do they have direct canal access or do you have to cross bridges with luggage to get to them? There don't seem to be many reviews on either.

Also, anyone have recommendations for hotels in Florence? We're looking into Loggiato dei Serviti, but they may be booked for our May/June trip. Any other leads?

I haven't heard of the two hotels you mentioned in Venice.

In Florence, we really liked Tourist House Ghiberti.

www.touristhouseghiberti.com

Sally

We stayed at the Hotel Alessandra in Florence in 2003. Right by the river, and ready access to the museums. Also, great quad room and decent breakfast included.

Another vote for the Tourist House Ghiberti. We loved it.

Unfortunately Tourist House Ghiberti is booked for a few of the nights we will be there. Anyone have an opinion about Loggiata dei Serviti?

In Florence -- the only other hotel where we have stayed is the Morandi alla Crochetta. We thought it was a great hotel, but we stayed there years ago and I believe the prices have gone up a bit. It isn't too far from the Duomo -- closer to the Piazza SS Annunziata -- on via Laura. We had a great room with a small terrace. My parents had a room with frecoes on the walls. Breakfast was extra, but I would still recommend it if it is in your price range.

We stayed at Hotel Villa Belvedere a few years ago in Florence and are staying there again this May. It's across the river with great views of the town, has large rooms, a pool, beautiful garden, a restaurant and the owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. You can reach them at [email protected].

It depends on what your price range is but a very nice hotel in Venice is the Locanda Orseolo. It gets rave reviews on Trip Advisor about the charming proprieters and the wonderful rooms. For a canal room with king bed it is £170 and for a courtyard view with double bed is £160. A great hotel but again depends on what your willing to spend.

Adding my two cents. On a recent trip to Florence we stayed at the Tourist House Liberty and were very pleased with the accomodations (plus it is very reasonable). Alessandro, the proprietor, is very easy to work with.

We will be going to Venice in a few weeks and staying at Locanda Orseolo. We are very excited about this as we have heard great things about this place.