I need suggestions on a hotel to stay fairly central but not to pricey, somewhere with a bit of character rather than a modern. I know that the Italian 3 starand 4 star vary tremendously. Help!!!

We like the Hotel Ala about 10 minutes walk from San Marco. It has character, is on a small canal and very near a vaporetto stop. Though it is centrally located it is very quiet. I'm not sure what you mean by not too pricey but it is a reasonably priced 3* hotel.

We enjoyed the AL GAMBERO on Calle dei Fabbri in 1999. The rooms had been remodeled and baths were nice...small, but nice. The hotel is located about half way between St Marks and Rialto Bridge. Nice people and breakfast was included. Our room #1 overlooked a small canal. Not a fantastic view, but still nice. This hotel was a good value and we would use it again.

Hotel FLora is very charming, www.hotelflora.it.

we also stayed at hotel flora.
we were lucky and had a nice room overlooking the palatial home behind it and its courtyard!
great rococo breakfast room.
very venetian.nice patio/garden weather permitting.

www.lacalcina.com

Another vote for Hotel Flora. The owners/staff are very helpful, the location is great. Request a large room.

Hotel Giorgione is very nice and located on a nice, quiet street. There is also a wonderful Osteria just a few doors down.

Locanda Orseolo!!!!

I agree with Hotel Ala, good 3 star in great location.

Hotel Mercurio right beside La Fenice. I just returned last week and had a lovely 4 night stay. We had a triple room (no 2) overlooking the canal. The room was spacious and very clean. The room overlooked the canal which was really nice but a little noisy late at night with the water taxis. Staff were very pleasant, breakfast was fresh, coffee was hot! 10 minute walk from Rialto and 5 mins from Piazza San Marco. Highly recommended!

Pensione Accademia in the dorsoduro area is so charming...We loved our garden view. The dorsoduro area is quieter than San Marco, and yet it is convenient...just a 2-minute vaporetto stop away from San Marco, or you can walk if you really want to.

Thanks everyone for your help! I'll surf the internet now.

Does it have to be a hotel? Just this month we stayed in a GREAT B&B that was suggested by a member of Slowtrav.

try www.hotelaidomori.com close to Piazza San Marco and maybe you want to ask for room number 9. It has a nice deck that overlooks the campanile.

We just returned from Venice. Spent three nights at Ca 'Satriano B&B. It is about 5 minute walk from San Marco and 2 minute walk to Academia Bridge. A great location. With only 3 rooms, we and friends had the place all to ourselves. Breakfast of fresh, warm breads and stong coffee are provided each morning and then after cleaning you are left alone to come and go with your own key. Its like having a home in Venice. $130 Euros per night with a 5% discount for cash. They are slow to respond to email, so be persistent.

On the same canal, was Hotel Novecento. A beautiful little boutique hotel with just nine rooms. Very romantic and value priced (for Venice) it would be my choice if you want a few more "hotel amenities" but lots of charm. Both are great locations with easy walking or vaporette access.

http://www.ca-satriano.com/www/page.html

http://www.veniceby.com/novecentovenice/

locando Leon Bianco

http://www.venicebooky.com/

Locanda San Barnaba, close to the Ca' Rezzonico vaporetto stop and near the Accademia bridge, was the nicest surprise of our recent trip. The website doesn't do it justice.

www.locanda-sanbarnaba.com

We enjoyed La Calcina and found it quite easy to get around from there.