Has anyone stayed at the Pensione Accadamia in Venice? Prices in late May are pretty steep. Is it worth it? Fodor's review says they have reports that it is a little on the shabby side. But most guide books rate it highly. Would appreciate any comments!

Mary,

Stayed at Pensione Accademia in fall of 1993, and we loved it. Requested a large room and it was lovely. Faced a side canal and the people watching from our windows was fascinating. The staff was friendly and helpful, gardens gorgeous. In 1997, tried to reserve again for spring, but they were still undergoing long renovation, so I assume it is even better than we remember it. The other great thing about it is location. Dorsoduro is the "artsy" section of Venice, with galleries, wonderful trattorie and ristoranti, lovely neighborhoods and shops. Churches and the evening strolls really special. I would take a chance again.

Barbara, Thanks for your response to my query about the Pensione Accademia in Venice. I've been very confused, not to mention anxious, since I've already sent off a check to secure our room at the end of May at the Accademia. Some guide books rave about the Accademia; others say it could use some updating. The Fodor Italy Guide book gives it glowing reviews plus a star and yet on the Fodor web site, their review says they are getting reports of rundown conditions. They seem to be contradicting themselves! So I do appreciate your taking the time to tell me about your experience there in 1993. I hope the renovation will be completed by the time we arrive. We also were attracted by the location - we definitely want to be away from the San Marco crowds! Any special restaurants that you enjoyed in Venice? Again, thanks so much for sharing your experence at the Accademia.

I stayed at the Accademia in October of 1997 and thought it was great. I do not remember any ongoing renovations. A room on the canal will give you an interesting view but the early morning garbage boat can be a little loud. The rooms, garden and location make it worth the price.

I have stayed at The Accademia twice, once in 1994 and again in 1997. I highly recommend this hotel and in fact hesitate to tell people about it because it does get filled up. The rooms with a view of the canal are the best. The hotel is set back and not right on the canal so you do not get as much noise as other hotels right on the canal. Charming is the word I would use to describe the interior. The place is decorated with lovely antiques. The service was wonderful. Here's a hint - always call to make your reservation. If you fax them they are always booked. E-mail me if you have any more questions.

I stayed at Pensione Accademia in September 1997. Did not find it shabby, just charming, it an Italian way. Breakfasts were very good. Location was ideal. Close to everything, but just far enough away to be distant from the crowds. My friend and I had a strange room. Inside the door there is a cubby hole with a bed and a night stand. Through a door was the bedroom. So we both had some privacy. The bedroom had a view of a canal. Be sure to ask for a large room. We saw the room next door, and the couple had a tiny room. We hated leaving the pensione. If I were to go back to Venice, I would stay here again. I recommend you visit the island of Burano. Not as popular as Murano, but a better choice in my opinion.

I couldn't get into the Pensione Accadamia in May so
I opted to stay at the Hotel American in the same area. Has anybody stayed there? Can you suggest any restaurants?

Just got back on here to tell you I spoke to a friend today who just returned from a week in Venice. He said the Accademia is once again torn up for renovations. The whole front and lobby are being done and he said they have just set up a make-shift lobby area and are using only a tiny back entrance to the hotel. Probably not a good time to be there, since construction would be noisy as well as unsightly.

I have not stayed at the American Hotel, but I have seen it and it looks very appealing. It gets consistently good review from the travel writers now that it has been renovated.

Barbara, thanks for the warning. Unfortunately, I didn't see it until today (5/3). I'm in panic since we leave in 3 weeks and apparently things are pretty well booked up at this point. Did your friend have any idea how long the renovation at the Accademia would last? Thanks, again, for your help. I'm going to try and fax the hotel tomorrow and can only hope they will be honest with me about the conditions there.

Barbara, thanks for the warning. Unfortunately, I didn't see it until today (5/3). I'm in panic since we leave in 3 weeks and apparently things are pretty well booked up at this point. Did your friend have any idea how long the renovation at the Accademia would last? Thanks, again, for your help. I'm going to try and fax the hotel tomorrow and can only hope they will be honest with me about the conditions there.

Mary, No, don't know how long the construction will be going on. I can give you some other suggestions if they are booked. You might get lucky if they've had a cancellation, but definitely ask for a large room. Some are quite small. Good luck.

I saw your posting on the Fodor's bulletin regarding the Academia Pensione in Venice. Could you please send me their address and/or telephone number to contact for reservations?

Thank you!
Sue

Fax # for Pensione Accademia from the States is
011-39-41-5239152