Hello, We have 2 nights in Venice in July and would like to have a recommendation for accommodations. We're a family of 4 and location is important and air conditioning.
We'd like to be close to San Marco. Thanks.

Check out the Hotel Riva. We are staying there in mid-May, in a double with canal view. It is only 130EUR, including breakfast and taxes (120EUR w/o view). I'd originally found it recommended here on Travel Talk, and it's also listed in Rick Steves' Italy book. It's between the Rialto Bridge and San Marco. Website looks nice, reviewers say it looks as cute as its pictures. www.hotelriva.it.
My daughter stayed at the Casa Rezzonico at the past Carnivale, and liked it a lot. It's slightly more, but still only about 150EUR w/breakfast. But it's not as close to San Marco, if that's important to you.

csabia,

Hotel Bisanzio is close to San Marco, but just far enough away from the noise of the crowds....it is not an atmospheric hotel, but very pleasant...we stayed several nights two years ago....the staff is friendly and helpful...

Check out Locanda Orseolo. We stayed there in 2004 and it was a lovely experience. Its near San Marco but in a quiet corner. The owners are delightful, speak great English and make a mean breakfast! We found the rates quite reasonable. We paid about $210.
http://www.locandaorseolo.com/en/

This guest house is 3 minutes from both the Rialto Bridge and San Marco. It was completely renovated in 2004 and had very nice bathrooms and efficient air conditioning. We loved it. The quad will easily fit a family of four. Since it's so reasonably priced, you might just want two rooms depending on the age of your children. The room on the top floor has its own balcony. www.casacosmo.com

Check out PENSIONE LA CALCINA, a 3-star which is about a 10 min. walk from San Marco. The hotel has some rooms with a view on the shipping canal.

I'm very confused by all the choices in Venice. I think I want to be near San Marco, but would appreciate advice. We're not really shoppers. Since we're a family with children (9 & 12), I'm also concerned about travelling from where we leave the car to the hotel.

In March my husband and I stayed in a wonderful hotel with a balcony overlooking a canal about halfway between San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. It was heaven - can't recommend it enough!

http://www.locandaalgambero.com/inglese/hotel.htm

Maureen B.,
I booked the Hotel Riva a couple of weeks ago for a night in July for 3 people. They quoted me 170EUR for a room with view. Where can I get the 130EUR or is it just higher in July than mid-May?

csabia, it's crowded in July around San Marco. You'd be better off in a more distant part of the city -- which isn't really all that big.

If you drive in over the causeway and drop your rental car at Piazzale Roma, it's just steps to the vaporetto (water bus) stop. Which vaporetto and which vaporetto stop depends on your hotel.

Check out the AL GAMBERO located on Calle dei Fabbri. This street runs between the Rialto and St Marks. Rooms had just been remodeled along with baths when we were there in 1999. Nice place, nice people. Breakfast was included.

Dherron, I don't know about the prices in July vs. May. I did contact the hotel directly via e-mail ([email protected]), a few weeks ago, to get the 120/130EU prices w/breakfast.

P.S. Dherron, our price is also for two people and yours if for three, so that explains some difference.