Thanks to all of you for your great advice! I have checked into a couple of hotels mentioned but they're booked for the time period and price range I had requested. I also should have mentioned in my original posting that I want a canal view as this is our 20th wedding anniversary. I realize that'll increase my hotel room cost, but it's more important that I get a canal view. I'll keep checking and appreciate your leads. The persistent will prevail....

HI--we liked the Marconi--as did others on this board--very much. Just about 2 bldgs down from the Rialto Bridge, it felt both very much in the center of things and yet also very relaxed.