We will be in Venice in early June and need a hotel for 3 nights. We(my 17year old granddaughter and I) would like to be as close to everything as possible, but also need a reasonable rate. What is the best way to get from the airport? And what about restaurants? We also need to get to the cruise ship dock. Thanks in advance.

You're new here (how do I know that? click on your own name - -one of the usefu ltips that Fodors fails to tell you when the send you that e-mail confirming your new registration)...

... so anyhow, you have no way of knowing that there is a pet peeve against using the word "reasonable" (rate). Reasonable to whom? Donald Trump? You need to define what you seek to spend. Otherwise, many people will tell you that 350 euro per night is "reasonable", particularly in Venice.

It's a good place to start to browse www.venere.com - - you can see the spectrum of rates Venice has to offer, and the location on a mp of eac property also.

Welcome to the forum.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

p.s. see also http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34612225 and e-mail it to [email protected]

DeeRae, welcome to the board. Since this appears to be your first post, please allow me to offer some advice. First, you may want to tell us what research you've done so that we can help you narrow down your choices. Also, we have to know what "reasonable" means to you. Is it 100 euro a night or 300? Have you done a search on this forum for the dozens of suggestions that are made on a daily basis? Have you looked at other websites that are recommended here, like tripadvisor.com or www.venere.com? Have you purchased any guide books to get an idea of what areas you'd be interested in staying?

Those are just a few suggestions to better help us help you.

In a further effort to help

browsing at venere.it is a great idea, because it will give you an idea of prices. Please be aware, if you are not already, that everyone is looking for the most convenient and nicest hotel in the best possible location. To get all of those things maximized at once costs a lot. So give some thought to what the priorties are: price, location, elevator or not, air conditioning or not,etc.

Once you choose a hotel, they, or we, can suggest transportation from the airport. Will you have a lot of luggage?

Same goes for restaurant recs, what are you interested in spending on say, dinner, per person. Venice is an expensive city.

Hi DeeRae,

Another research tool for you is the little box above "search this forum". When you find a hotel, restaurant, etc. you are interested in, type it's name in this box, and click on "Search". This will bring up previous threads containing reference to the item you are searching for. If that doesn't help, just ask. Fodorites can be very opinionated.

Bringing your message back up "to the top"... lest you never find it...

I'll suggest finding a hotel is your first and most important things to do. Then they can tell you options for transport from the airport and give specific directions. I would think your cruiseline can give directions for getting to the dock.

I would not worry so much about restaurants. The central part of Venice is fairly compact. With a few suggestions or just by walking around you can easily find places to suit you. There are many small cafes that are not too expensive.

This board can help you best if you give an approximate $ amount you are able to spend for your (I assume double) room. And if you want a hotel, or are willing to consider alternatives like B&B or convent stays.

My husband & I have been to Venice twice, and both times stayed at the Hotel Gardena. It is somewhat pricey,(maybe 200-240EU), but that can be the case in Venice. It is located on a small canal just steps from the Grand Canal. You can see the Grand Canal as soon as you exit the hotel. The location is convenient for some nice exploring on foot. The hotel has an elevator or stairs, very pretty & clean rooms w/ private bath, and decent buffet breakfast. The rooms are also good sized, and if weather permits, there is a small outside area for breakfast, too.
We became quite friendly with Lucio, (the hotel manager), and Francesco. (sadly no longer there) All of the staff were so helpful and accomodating. We were in Venice when 911 happened. The staff couldn't have been more concerned and caring - expressing their sorrow for us, and translating t.v. and newspaper updates for us.

This hotel is very close to a main vaporetto stop. I would, however, take the water taxi from the airport. It is so much easier with luggage. The taxi was $75 in 2001, but definitely worth it. I suppose the fare could have gone up since then. If you can find it, (ask at the hotel), try the restaurant called the 3 Columns, (can't remember the spelling in Italian), for the most delicious authentic Venetian pizza. If my memory is correct, it was in the San Croce district. Hope I helped a little, and have a great time.