I will be traveling solo in Sept. to Venice for about 2 weeks and to the Veneto (Verona, Padua and possibly Vicenze). Any suggestions for decent moderately priced hotels suitable for a mature woman (preferably under US$100 or is that not possible in Venice?). Also, has anyone been to Vicenze or would I do better spending more time in Verona or Padua or elsewhere nearby? Restaurant and other suggestions would also be welcome.

When in September? You're welcome to come "bunk in" with the Fodorites' fall trip, as we have bedrooms to spare in the villa (on Lake Garda, 30 minutes from Verona), Sep 22-29. <BR> <BR>Read more details at www.rexbickers.italy.com <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Topping - - to give the real questions a fighting chance <BR>

We had good luck with guestinitaly.com for accommodations in Venice.

I don't know anything about www.guestinitaly.com - - but I was surprised to read that it charges a 60.000 commission on booking a room, and a little bit surprised that it wouldn't be mentioned in postings by Elvira. <BR> <BR>I didn't get the sense that it offers discounted room rates to offset this charge, but I didnt do a detailed analysis of the rates offered (did a little browsing to see what it offered for Rome for September, for example). <BR>

Dear Rex, <BR>Thanks for the suggestion but I would rather spend time in Verona and Padua soaking up that atmosphere. Perhaps I might go to Lake Garda for a day. If so, can I contact you?

Hi Betty! If you decide to go to Vicenza, we stayed in a two-star hotel called Albergo Due Mori (Ph 0444-321886, fax 0444-326127). It's a no-frills hotel, but clean, pleasant and a half-block from Vicenza's main square. Our double room, with private bathroom, was about $70, if I remember correctly. Good luck!

I was just reviewing info posted here, regarding Lake Garda - - and I just now noticed that you answered my message of July 18, several weeks ago now. <BR> <BR>Of course, you can contact me. <BR> <BR>And if you do not want to come visit us at Lake Garda, perhaps we can meet up with you in Verona or Padus (or Mantua or Cremona or ...) <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

It's small (only 10 rooms) -- it's basic accomadations (no elevator & lots of 'old world charm') -- well located, right by the Accademia Bridge -- and believe it's the cheapest hotel that sits on the Grand Canal. <BR> <BR>Hotel Galleria --- website @ http://www.hotelgalleria.it/indexbri.htm <BR> <BR>ONE CAVEAT --- despite it's very attractive price, you really don't want to stay in their one single room. Yes, it was only 100,000 lire, however it's closet size tiny. VERY, very small! <BR> <BR>Other rooms at hotel are doubles --- price ranges between 160,000 thru 200,000 (still in your budget range). Assume the cheaper of these share the bathroom on the hallway. Bathroom was clean & well maintained. <BR> <BR>Hotel Galleria is definitely a budget level accommadation & nothing fancy, but for price/location it is a good value.

Robin, great to hear your recommendation as we'll be staying there in a quad room with own bathroom. <BR> <BR>Yes, Betty, Venice is expensive but a friend of mine suggested staying at Treviso, only 25 minutes away from Venice. Treviso - a nice old walled town with canals. If we hadn't already booked our hotel this would've been our alternative.

Rhonda - you won't regret your choice. There is nothing like waking up in, and going to bed in, Venice.

We opted for the Ramada International Venezia - just over the bridge from Venice. They have a mini bus service which goes from hotel to the Piazzole Roma. We have a room with king size bed; private bath; sattelite TV; all amenities for under $100 per nite. Good luck. Nancy

Palzazzo Priuli With regards to the hotel, Palazzo Priuli is the fourteenth-century home of the noble Priuli family. This famous, gothic building rises alongside two canals in a tranquil neighborhood of historic Venice not far from Saint Mark's Square. Great efforts have been made to restore the lofty beamed ceilings, the original terrazzo alla Veneziana floors, and the carved, stone staircase. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated; most of them overlook the tiny, gondola-filled canals. <BR>www.palazzopriuli.com <BR>[email protected]

Thanks everyone. With your help (and a bit of a splurge in Venice which I'll make up for by cheaper rooms in the Veneto) I'm set. I'll try to post travel tips to help others when I return.

Dear Rex, <BR>I tried to Email you today but they said your account was closed. Sorry for the long delay in responding to your message - I hadn't checked Fodors for several weeks. I will be in Verona from the 26th Sept until Oct. 1. If that corresponds to your dates at Lake Garda or at Verona I'd be delighted to meet. Betty

Betty, <BR> <BR>You tried to e-mail me at [email protected] - - and it said it was closed? Seems very unlikely, as I have (sent out and)received other e-mail from various people today. <BR> <BR>I take it this constotutes your permission for me to e-mail you, so I will do that. <BR> <BR>Or my telephone number is listed on www.rexbickers.italy.com <BR> <BR>Best... <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>