Has anyone stayed here? Also spending 4 days in Venice in November - has anyone experienced the flooding I've read about- also suggestions for really getting a flavor of the city....want to get lost as I have read that is a must What about Murano- is this a must? Even in November?

I've been to Venice in November, and have experienced the flooding (acqua alta). We bought rubber galoshes and it was not a problem. They put raised platforms down many of the streets to walk on.

The flooding comes and goes with the tide, so it doesn't last all day. Shopkeepers and hoteliers are used to it--they put barriers in their doorways (a foot or two high) in an attempt to keep out the water, and mop up the rest.

During rain we sought refuge in the Accademia, Guggenheim, and Scuola San Rocco (there's also Doges palace and Basilica San Marco).

I wouldn't call Murano a 'must' but I did enjoy the shops where they make the handblown glass. Do NOT however, get sucked into a 'tour" of any fornace--it's a ruse to have a captive audience to sell the glass items. Better to browse on your own.

I don't regret going to Venice in November. I'd take the wet weather over Summer's heat and overcrowding anyday!

thanks so much for your response Ralphie- we will go to Murano but not take a tour....did you spend the day there ? Have lunch ?

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...20Acqa%20Alta/

This is the worst (or best since it was fun too) acqua alta I have experienced. Was at the beginnig of December 2005. The closr you get to San Marco Square, the depper the water gets since the square is the lowest part of Venice. It does not last long. This time it started early in the morning and the water was almost gone by 1:00pm. That's the usual case.

http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q...%20dec%202006/
And these are from Christmas 2006, when I had all 4 glorious days. The ones with Murano Glass Chrstmas tree are of San Stefano Square on Murano Island where I took a lunch on a sunny outside terrace next to the glass tree. 247, 266, 267, 218 are also on Murano Island. It's a nice change from Venice proper. I enjoy taking a walk on those canal side streets. If you have time, Burano is very beautiful too but it's 45 minutes farther compared to Murano that is only 10 minutes vaporetto ride from Fomndamenta Nove of Venice. Murano also has a nice glass museum.

I have not stayed at San Clemente Palace ( probably never will, only because I enjoy strolling around Venice proper day and night - until midnight. For that I don't want to be based on another island, 15 minutes boat ride away) but I know it's been open since 4 or maybe 5 years now, a renovated former mental asylum. I actually accompanied a friend 4 years ago to the hotel. He was preparing to organize a conference so its sales manager gave us a tour of the hotel. I remember ridiculously large corridor compared to usual Venice hotels.

I like Venice in November. Probably becase I have been lucky to have had many beautiful days then. Also verry little crowd, low hotel rates, etc. Lots of nice things at this time of a year. Negatives are of course, it can be cold and day time is short.

Hi jaxman. I don't know anything about S.C. Palace; sorry. However we were in Venice in eary Nov. '05, '06, & will be there in early Nov. this year. We love Nov. in Venice - not so many people! Also, the weather is cool - nice for so much walking. We have not experienced any flooding. Some water with elevated walkways during the early morning hours in parts of San Marco square, but wouldn't call that flooding.

Personally, if I only had 4 days in Venice & it was my first visit, unlike other Fodorites, I would not want to waste my time by getting lost - I would maximize my time - too many wonderful things & places to see & do. Our Freytag & Brendt map from Barnes & Nobles kept us from getting lost.

Leisurely wandering in the non-tourist areas - yes. I suggest the S.Elena residential area. It is beautiful. Just walk from San Marco along the Grand Canal towards the Naval Museum & keep going to S.Elena. The area around the Ca' del Sol mask shop is beautiful also.

If you decide you have time to leave Venice & visit Murano, I suggest you take in Cimitero (first stop & free if you don't go to another island), then Murano, then Burano. We visited all in the same day. We had lunch on Murano. The cemetery island is full of history. We were respectful & didn't take photos because it was Sunday & there were many mourners present.

On Murano, we got beautiful glass Christmas tree ornaments for E25 - great souveniers for the family back home. Don't worry about visiting the glass making demos on your own while visiting Murano. Just don't take a "free" tour from Venice. We found the prices in the local stores to be better than at the glass factories.

On Burano, I got some great photos of the gorgeous colorful buildings along the canals - stunning color. We also visited the Lace Museum & watched the ladies skillfully make lace by hand. At one of the local stores, we bought small wall placs with lace writing that read Venice & Burano. We hung those above our photos for each place. Also, as usual, we walked around the residential areas, outside the tourist areas. We loved Burano.

But, we wouldn't sacrifice visiting S.Marco Bascilica (including the balcony & museum upstairs, the Treasury, & the Golden Altarpiece), strolling S.Elena, Correr Museum, Rialto Market stroll, & Ca' Rezzonico. Those were our favorite places.

Have fun in Venice! Julie

Ralphie, the photos are great !
Many thanks-some of your December ones remind me of Prague at night, I guess its the silhouettes against the night sky. Those bright boots I understand are being sold all over by vendors and don't keep the water out. Did you bring your own boots? After looking at your photos I really am looking forward to this trip. Is Venice one of your favorite cities in Italy?

Sorry kappa ! I was so excited to receive photos I jumped the gun....so thanks Kappa & all of you who responded.
I have always found this site to be the absolute best for information you don't find in guide books. Julie, we will check out Burano.

kappa- thanks so much for sharing your lovely photos. We are going in late November as well and I've worried that with the average rainfall we would have lots of muddy skies. Photography is a passion of mine so I need pretty skies. ;o)

I've been singing "blue skies smilin' at me" ever since I saw your photos.

jaxman, yes, Venice is one of my favorites. It was THE favorite but recently I go more often to Prague (that you mentioned. Both are incredibly beautiful cities ).

I have never taken boots myself (have been to 10 times in last 5 years.) The only time I bought them was December 2005 when I had that big acqua alta. They are readily available from street vendors and at many shops.