I want to take my 14 year old daughter for a long weekend to Venice in April or May. We will fly from London and travelling there is not a problem but I am wondering whether 2, 3 or 4 nights is best? Is a 2 night stay too short? Any recommendations for reasonably priced hotels - we have done backpacking to 4* but are looking this time for something with character and not too far from the main sights.

Also, any suggestions for good eating places (cheap and cheerful and more up market - preferably not too touristy/overpriced!)

We are having a big trip in the summer (return trip to Costa Rica) so have to watch the budget on this 'extra' holiday, but don't want to miss out for the sake of saving a few Euros.

Any suggestions for intineraries would be appreciated too.

The Costa Rica board has been really useful - hope this will prove to be the same.

Thanks in advance

lovetravelling - I love Venice so much I would stay as many nights as possible. I took my teens there and they fell in love with Venice too. I would opt for four nights if you have the time and the money. You can do some of Venice in two nights but you are only likely to hit the highlights and leave a lot of areas undiscovered.

There are many suggestions for hotels and dining on this site. If you simply put Venice hotels or dining into the search function you will find a lot of information. I like La Forcola Hotel in Carnergio but I am not sure it falls in the reasonably priced range at that time of year.

I envy you and your daughter this wonderful trip. Enjoy. Jackie

I would take at least 3-4 nights. I went with a group of friends and had a wonderful time. We also went an appartment from venicerentals.com. The appartment was very nice and the person who meet us was great. She gave us details of our area and good maps. She also gave us hints on good places to eat. I can't want to go back and rent again.

Thank you - will check out your suggestions. Will definitely go for 3 nights - 4 if we can squeeze it in!

this recent thread discussed low-budget places to stay, I don't know if they are lower budget than you would want, but there are browsing ideas as well

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34564805

Lat November stayed at the Hotel Metropole which overlooks the Lagoon, excellent location just a few minutes from St Marks Square. Around 100 euros per night including breakfast. Water bus stop a minute away. Certainly felt safe in that area and would not hesitate to go back to that hotel.