We just stayed at La Calcina in late June. I know you will enjoy it. We were on the 3rd floor, and I (not the most athletic in the family) made it up the stairs with no problems. So unless there is a real mobility problem...I hesitate to mention it, but I had a harder time with the Academmia Bridge that you will likely take back and forth to the San Marco area; I was always ready to rest and enjoy the view at the top. (And you will walk, walk, walk all over Venice.) Speaking of views, do reserve time each morning to enjoy the lovely breakfast buffet at La Piscina restaurant on the Guidecca Canal (included with your room). There is much to commend the hotel (convenient location/easy to find, staff, good value for Venice), but breakfast was my favorite time of day.

People do love La Calcina, however, Locanda Orseolo is rated #1 on tripadvisor.com for B&Bs in Venice for a reason-the people who run that hotel, Matteo and Barbara, are some of the finest people you'll ever want to meet-people rave about LO and its service-they are made to feel very special by the staff -I didn't even stay there, but dropped in to meet them because I had had such a lovely correspondence with them-LO is just what you expect from a Venetian pensione-atmospheric, with some great canal view rooms, outstanding gourmet breakfasts (if you're into that-I'm not) and in my opinion, it's better located than La Calcina-given that La C is out there on the back side of the Zattere-but I can't knock La Calcina-it's also popular for good reason-but some of the rooms are quite small-the ones I saw were-however, it does have that great little restaurant right on the water to make up for a small room-that's a real perk to me, it's just that I really love the folks at LO- truly special people.

Sadly these days one can't get a reservation that easily at the Locanda Orseolo. But since Genie is going in May 2007 there may still be available rooms.

This is very true, Francophile-I believe you can't get a reservation there unless you book a year in advance.

Hi Genie,
I'll be there at the same time you are (2nd, 3rd , 4th May) but on the 4th floor!

Actually, we were able to find two rooms available at LO for several nights in January and/or early March. Rooms were also available for those same dates at Liassidi Palace (for less than LO), but we opted for LO anyway.

I've stayed at Pensione Accademia and Locanda Orseolo.Gypsygirl is right-LO is outstanding,it's a whole experience.Yes,you are near PSan Marco,but you enter via a quiet courtyard. You really don't feel as if you are in the fray.All of the good things you hear about it are true.It's an exaggeration,however,to say that you need to reserve a year in advance.I booked three months ahead.You never know,it's always worth a shot.They've been so successful,they are planning to open a second hotel next year.

I have had dinner in the hotel at La Calcina which was nice,but for me,the location is a bit too far.I like quiet,but I also like convenience.

carolsc, hello!
I just read your post today, as I have been gone for three weeks.
Maybe we will see you at breakfast at La Calcina. We're checking in on the same day. Can't wait !!! Genie

I booked there last week for the end of August (this year!!) and am really looking forward to my visit. Their customer service has been outstanding - and I do love gourmet breakfasts

I just gave up a night at LO (17 Sept) if anyone wants to grab it! : )

They probably had a waiting list already. When I was there in March,Barbara told me that Bruno answers over a hundred e-mails a day looking for availability!

I believe it! we reserved 5 nights this Sept. LAST Sept.