Tropics

Anyone stayed at either hotels in Venice? I would like to know which one has easier modes of transportation from the airport so we don't get lost. Also, how were the rooms? Did you enjoy staying at a smaller hotel versus a chain hotel? Thanks.

Rastaguytoday

I stayed at al Piave many years ago. I thought it was a modest hotel.

I do know that when tour guides started recommending it, their prices shot up significantly. Their location is very good, however.

They also have (had?) and apartment separate from the hotel, that a friend of mine stayed at.

kappa1

I have never stayed at either hotel but have passed many times by the both.

For the access, Cavalletto E Doge is much easier. It's just behind Piazza San Marco and overlooking a " gondola parking". Hard Rock Café is on the other side of the "parking". Get off the boat ( Alilaguna airport shuttle boat) at San Marco, cross the Piazza and you will be at the hotel in 5 minutes or less.

Al Piavez is farther inland from the San Marco Lagoon and from the Grand Canal, near the Campo St.Formoza. I dont't think it has a direct access to a canal ( to check, if it does, you can get direct ... by costly water taxi. ). Might take close to 10 minutes with your luggage and with bridges to cross.

Cavalletto 4* and Al Piave 3*, I'd guess 4* hotel has "better" decor. It has not much to to do with chain hotels. BW ( at least European BW I know are) quite different and independent from each other, just under the umbrella name BW. They are not like the chains such as ACCOR (Novotel, IBIS, etc) or Hiltons for mexample.

kappa1

Access wise, Cavalletto is much easie but for me it's a bit too close to Piazza San Marco. Can be far crowdier in that area. And when there is Aqua Alta, Piazza San Marco is the first place (being the lowest part of Venice) to get wet...

Rubicund

We stayed at the Cavalletto E Doge Oreseolo a couple of years back at both ends of a cruise. It's a great hotel in a great position and if you can get over the cost, I'd thoroughly recommend it. Venice in the tourist season is busy everywhere, so don't let it put you off.

You won't have a high water problem except (mainly) between late autumn and early spring, so if your trip is outside of these times, you should be OK.