I am going to florence, Italy and venice--am looking for hotels a step below the 4-5 star holtels in good locations. would sappreciate your help. thanks--going in october--been there before but looking for smaller type hotels.

If you do a search here you will see tons of recos for 3* hotels in those cities. There's also a lot of info in the destinations section above. And you might try Venere.com.

Topping for pussywillow who just joined and got buried quickly.

ttt

Don't know your exact price range, but my husband and I recently enjoyed 3 nights in Room 33 at Pensione La Calcina in Dorsorduro, 780 Zattere (39-041-5206466). It was 175 EU per night. Our room was beautiful with 2 big windows that overlooked the water and floating restaurant, and private bath. I loved the location - close to vaporetto stop and nearby many charming restaurants and shops as well as not too far from San Marco. I got the recommendation from a friend and also have seen many mention it on this site. Check out www.lacalcina.com. Good luck!

My husband and I stayed in Suite 39 at Hotel Europa last June (2004) and LOVED it. I believe we paid 140-145€ for the 2 bedroom suite with a huge private bathroom, great a/c, breakfast, and original 300+ year old frescos adorning the ceilings.

The hotel is on a noisy street but the windows are triple layer and no street noise filters up.

About a 5 minute walk to the Medici Chapels in the Basilica de Lorenzo and about an 8 minute walk to the Duomo and Baptistry.

The Hotel Europa is in Florence.

Second for La Calcina. Breakfast was very nice. We would stay there again, but it isn't on the Grand Canal, albeit very close.

Count me in as another fan of Pensione La Calcina (stayed there twice). It's a popular 3-star (with good reason) so contact them asap if it appeals to you. It's on the Guidecca canal right near the Zaterre vaporetto stop. To get to San Marcos is maybe a 10-15 mins. walk over the L'Acaddemia bridge. Lovely breakfast included. Rooftop terrace available for private reservation.

www.lacalcina.com

p.s. sorry for spelling errors, I know i've got some above.

Oops, and La Calcina is in Venice.