We are going to Venice in September and have narrowed my search down to 3 hotels. Does anyone have any insight or experience with:

1) Hotel Algi Alboretti
2) Pensione La Calcina
or 3) Locanda San Barnaba

La Calcina is a great favorite here. Put it in the search box and you will find dozens of reviews.

There are also a few, I think, for Agli Arboretti and Locanda San Barnaba.

I stayed at the Agli Alboretti in June. It was clean and the staff was excellent. It was more rustic than any place I stayed at in the San Marco area. The Accademia area is quite a different feel from the San Marco area, more artsy and quiet. The restaurant garden courtyard was charming.

September this year, i.e. in 2 months time ? I don't know about the others but I'd be surprised if La Calcina still has any availability.

I do hope you mean Sept. 2006.

Calcina (charm and water views) and Barnaba (charm and a major NY Times article) are very "in-demand" small hotels. Usually, one needs to book six months in advance for the best rooms at these two places.

Agli Alboretti is more known for its first-class restaurant. The hotel is cozy and the staff is lovely but I think the place could use a great decorator and some brighter colors. It's not in the same class as the other two because the attention to detail just isn't there.

La Calcina is an excellent choice, I have stayed there twice and adore the place. But before you stew over your decision too much, contact the hotels to check availability. La Calcina is VERY popular (deservedly so) and often is booked solid far in advance.

If you do mean September 2005, I would suggest immediately calling the hotels.

Hotel Basilea, on Rio Marin, is near the railway station, on a little side canal. Very clean, good location, quiet, fun. Nice staff.