Hello!
My husband and I are planning our first trip to Venice. I have been intrigued by this city for years and would love to really experience the mood of it all. Does anyone have recommendations for romantic hotels and good restaurants? Also, any suggestions on tours and sites would be appreciated (especially those that are off the beaten path).
Thank you so much!

Venice is discussed exhaustively on this site as so many people love it. If you put "Venice" in the Search the Forums box, you will find answers to most questions.

It's really hard to make hotel recos without some idea of your budget.

Agree that there are numerous threads on this as a starting place.

It would also be helpful to know how many days you will be in Venice.

We spent a while in Venice, and I wrote a little.

It's here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...st-verbose.cfm

Here is a start. I do suggest you read several hundred posts and trip reports on this site--use the search.

BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS IN VENICE:

BEST MID-RANGE 3 STAR HOTELS: Prices will vary from 140 to 250E

• www.locandaorseolo.com Rave reviews in good location

• www.lacalcina.com Popular hotel in Dorsoduro on Zattere

• www.pensioneaccademia.it A Venice standard on Grand Canal

• www.cadeidogi.it Small hotel in Castello with decent prices

• www.cortegrimani.com Diverse family apts. in good location

SMALL B&Bs: PRICES VARY FROM 100E TO 220E AND BY SEASON

• www.locandabarbarigo.com Love this location—only 5 rooms

• www.corte1321.com Helpful hosts in San Polo area

• www.guesthouse.it Great value but not my favorite location

NICER 4 STAR HOTELS: prices range from 250 to 500E—vary by season

• www.ponteantico.com Lovely new place at Rialto on Grand Canal

• www.capisani.it Boutique hotel near Accademia Bridge

• www.liassidpalacehotel.com Lovely amenities in Castello

• http://hotel-venezia-metropole.com/ Fabulous location but pricey

WILD CARD OPTIONS: Hotel & apartment options with good prices:

• www.hotelmessner.it Well priced rooms & apts. in Dorsoduro

• http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/ Apts. in a real 16th century villa

Hi! If you are looking for a romantic hotel in Venice I suggest you the Hotel Santa Marina.
http://www.hotelsantamarina.it/
It's a nice 4 star hotel really near to Rialto's Bridge and St. Mark's Square.
There are different kind of rooms but I suggest you the junior suite: Venetian style, hydromassage tub and a romantic view on the Santa Marina canal.