I am going to Venice (two couples) for a weekend at the beginning of December. Can anyone suggest a good hotel? I don't mind spending a bit but I want a hotel with a bit of life in it! Any suggestions?

Please say what you want to spend per night per room. What do you mean by a hotel 'with a bit of life in it'?

The Hotel Ca'Pisano is well-located and has modern decor.

topping once

We were in Venice two years ago and stayed at the Hotel Principe. I believe it started around 150 Euros a night.

http://www.veniceby.com/principevenice/

It was right on the grand canal - some rooms even have a view of it and everyone can use the patio/balcony on the lower level. It's close to the train station and not far from St. Mark's square.

I don't understand the "bit of life" bit. What does that mean? Hotels are for sleeping, showering, changing clothes, breakfast, etc. The rest of the time, we're out and about.

I think if you want the hotel to have a "bit of life" you have to supply that yourself, LOL!

Seriously though BW what did you mean? A room with a great view, real close to Piazza San Marco. I am not sure what you meant either.

I stayed at the Hotel Spagna in Canareggio-wonderful place and price (120euro). In my opinion, it makes sense to arrive into Venice (Santa Lucia station), drop your bags (the hotel is a five minutes walk, at best - no point spending on an expensive water taxi to take you and your bags to San Marco and similar touristy areas) and explore the city on foot. There are lots of great hotels in venice including the danieli and gritti palace, so its really a function of your budget/location preference.

I don't think the OP is coming back

check www.accorhotels.com

Novotel Venezia Mestre 2 nights 3-5 dec at Eur 90,00 / 105,00 double room for 2 people depending on rate restrictions/conditions, breakfast included. It is not downtown venice but mestre is just 5/10 minutes by train or bus from Venice S.Lucia or Piazzale Roma

We liked Hotel Ala. Various prices depending on room, view, etc. Great breakfast...

Yesteday I noticed some great winter rates for the San Moise Hotel. Right off St Marks square, gets great reviews here and at venere and tripadvisor. Superior double w/ breakfast shows 115eu weekdays, 140 weekends.

http://www.sanmoise.it/eng/hotel.html

I usually offer up my favorite Pensione La Calcina. But I like it because it is calm, peaceful, quiet, a bit off the beaten path... so don't think it fits the "Bit of Life" requirement -LOL.
www.lacalcina.com

http://www.inns-venice-hotel.cagottardi.com/

Don't know if you are still looking, but this might do it.

Have to second the HOTEL ALA, is only
about 2-3 blocks from the Pza S. Marco
about 10 mins walk to the Ponte Rialto,
less than a block from S. Giglio vaporetto stop and airy in a large
square, hjave stayed there twice in past years and will return in Feb... Richard of LaGrange Park, il.

I can't believe a Venice thread has gotten this far along with no suggestion of Locanda Orseolo! I don't know what "a bit of life" means, but it gets rave reviews for its hospitality---not to mention the quality of its accommodations. It is frequently the #1 listing at tripadvisor.

http://www.locandaorseolo.com/en/rooms.htm

See reviews here and on tripadvisor. We would be staying there, except they're closed at the time we'll be in Venice in January.

The Ambassador Tre Rose, about a block from San Marco. Reasonably priced. Quaint. Excellent staff.

How about Al Campaniel ? It's actually a small bed and breakfast, but the rooms are big, everything is VERY clean and Marco (the manager and the owner I believe) is the best when it comes to clients treatment. During our recent trip we stayed 3 nights in Superior Double room with private bathroom inside (~80 Euros per night) and one additional night in Standard Double room with private bathroom just next to the room (58 Euros).

The place is about 50 meters from S.Toma vaporetto station and about 20 minutes (on foot) from S.Marco.

Very highly recommended !

The OP has never returned, folks.

I've only recently seen references to "OP". Is that "original poster"?

yep