Me and my friend have reserved 2 nites at Pensione Accademia and 2 nites in Monaco & Gran Canal from 29 Nov.to 03 Dec. We wanted to stay all 4 nites at Accademia but they will close from 01 Dec for renovation. They confirmed us a double room with canal view (with superior dbl on waiting list.) for 178 euro. For the following 2 nites, we then got M&G Canal for the same 178.- euro(special promo rate). We have already been to Venice and we don't mind changing hotels like this. My friend really wanted to try Pensione Accademia even for 2 nites. With M&G.Canal, we don't expect things such as canal view for this price. Our room will most probably be very tiny one but somehow we would be happy to experience this almost deluxe (4-star plus) hotel at 3-star price. <BR><BR>Any comments welcome about this arragement we have made, especially from those who have stayed at both hotels. We have found many comments on Pensione Accademia but very few on M&G.Canal. Somehow this hotel seems less popular than other 4-5 star hotels on the Gran Canal. Why?

One thing to think about is this: We stayed at a well known hotel in Venice just before it was closing for renovation, and it was not a good experience. They were cutting corners, getting ready for the closure. The food at breakfast was not entirely fresh, and dwindled on the last day. The maid's service got slower, and just a general feel of staff getting ready to close the hotel on us. They were pleasant, but we felt they didn't want to be bothered with guests question's, etc. while they were getting ready to close up.

Debby, thanks for your comment. Yes, actually I thought about it too and told my friend who had wanted to stay there. He still insisted so if things<BR>go as your experience, I will blame it<BR>on him, not on the hotel or on Venice<BR. I might post the result after our trip.

www.lacalcina.com<BR><BR>Pensione La Calcina facing the Guidecca Canal near the Zaterre vaporetto stop. Lovely hotel. Within your price range for view doubles. Check out their website.

Ms/Mr another hotel idea,<BR>Thanks for your comment/Pensione La Calcina. I take it in consideration for<BR>this Novermber or sometime next year.

Debby made a good comment and you probably want to think that is why they gave you the discount, they know their service will not be top notch at that time. Also check to see if the renovations will have started while you are still there! Nothing like hammers and non working plumbing in the morning.

Nora, but 178.- euro for p.accademia is<BR>the max.rate for a standard double room according to the rate on their site. I see no discount there. Still thanks for your advise. I will check with the hotel<BR>if we might have inconvenience (hammer<BR>noise or more seriously no hot/water<BR>in the morning, etc.)during our stay.

Well, if that is the max. rate, you should ask for a better deal, since the hotel will be shutting the doors behind you. Can't hurt to ask. Many people never pay rack rate in the best of circumstances. Good luck.

Yuk, don't go on the last day your hotel is open. You will live to regret it, tell your friend you would rather go back when the renovation is complete. Don't be a passive partner, Iron. Speak up, the service will not be good.

I will let you know the reply from P.Accademia. Besides, Monaco & G.Canal is my choice so I let my friend decide the first 2 nites. I'm not being that<BR>passive, Pete, but thanks for the advise anyway.

Although a long time ago (September 1985) we still have fond memories of our stay at the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal. It's a great location - beautifully appointed rooms - great food and views. Since it was summer, we often ate on the lovely terrace alongside the Grand Canal. <BR>Maybe you shouldn't be concerned about not getting a room with a canal view. We did - but it was actually a bit noisy with all the acitivities on the canal right under our windows. We would return in a heartbeat and hope you will enjoy your stay there as well. <BR>

Anita, thanks for your advice which was the first concerning Monaco & Gran Canal. We will be happy staying there.