I absolutely loved the place I stayed two trips ago, so, let's see, 2003:

Casa Martini
www.casamartini.it

Also stayed at this B&B in 2005:
Ca'Torelli, booked through
www.veniceby.com

hi lele,

as you are travelling with a child, would you consider an apartment?

you will certainly find one that is cheaper than a triple hotel room.

most renters require a minimum of three nights.

regards, ann

We just got back from our Italy trip and after finding our top picks already full - we made reservations at the Hotel Splendid Venice. We were not disappointed! It is located in the St. Mark area on a small canal. The rooms were wonderful and impeccably clean. The breakfast was great. There were 6 of us and we ate one night in the hotel restaurant. The maitre 'd suggested items that were not on the menu and they prepared an outstanding meal for us - ending with a to-die-for souffle! We had double superior rooms at 260 euros each.

We went to Venice a few times with DD. Once stayed at Hotel Flora--if you get a large room it will be fine. Last time stayed at Villa Stella on Lido with a very large room and a terrace that was great, but if it's a first time to Venice, you'd probably want to stay in Venice. However, we've been there many times and enjoyed taking the vaperetto in to town every morning and back again at night.

If it were just the two of you I'd recommend Ca Maria Adele in Doraduro.

<<There is a pensione/hotel right next to La Calcina that looks nice but is not often mentioned... anyone know the name of it?>>

Pensione Seguso

I stayed there many years ago--1989. I enjoyed my stay then--had a large room with a wonderful view of Giudecca. However, at that time they required half or full board. We had half board--breakfast and one other meal. The food was OK and considering that it's sometimes challenging to eat in Venice, this may not be a bad idea for some.

Another option in Dorsoduro I keep hearing about is the Hotel American Dinesen on the S. Vio canal.

http://www.hotelamerican.com/

For me now, I love Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo. It's in a different neighborhood (S. Croce) but has some of the same allure--close to sights, yet removed from the bustle. And the price and welcome are wonderful.

http://www.alpontemocenigo.com/en/index.htm

My girlfriend and I booked through this site:
http://www.veneziasi.it/Default.asp?L=3

This site is through the city of Venice. It was the most helpful site that I had found to book our hotel this June. All of the other hotels that I have stayed at the past three years were booked as well, that is why were searching. But there are several major events occuring on the mainland and in Venice around the end of main begininng of June, which is why everything is full and expensive.

We stayed at the Antiche Figure and could've have been more pleased. The bed was large and comfortable. I always joked that I wanted to "thank the Academy" when I went into the bathroom b/c it was so gorgeous with crystal chandeliers. The hotel was very conveniently located on the Grand Canal right across from the train station. It was quiet at night, and the staff was outstanding.

We stayed at Pensione Seguso and it was the worst place I've ever stayed in Italy, but that's just my opinion. We actually ended up losing money because we paid for 3 days and left after 1 and they only gave us a partial refund, but still, we were so glad to get out of that place, that we forfeited the $. Would not recommend this place at all!

art what was wrong with it?

It was awhile ago, so hard to recall exactly, but it didn't feel clean, the beds were very uncomfortable, and we had to share a bathroom down the call even though we had reserved a room with a bathroom. As I recall, it was dark and felt dingy and we all really disliked it. Maybe they've improved it since, but it was just not a good experience for us.

that all sounds like enough to turn me way off. Thanks for sharing.

We used Hotel Ala last November and it was just perfect. It is close to St Marks, short walk from Vaparetto stop, has nice rooms, excellent breakfast, and friendly staff. We got an excellent rate of 110 Euros in November but I have no idea what the cost is in "high" season.

We have also used La Conda Sturion and it was very nice, but if you can not handle many, many steps it is not for you.

Another vote here for casamartini.it

We paid 180 Euro per night in Oct 07.

We loved this hotel and it's location.

jewing
I'm glad to see that you also liked Casa Martini (www.casamartini.it); it's been some time since my stay there (2003). It didn't work out for another trip in 2005, but I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

What we liked the most: The owners! They gave us great tips on nearby 'back-canal' restaurants we never would have found on our own. That and breakfast on the balconey...glad it is still a good place.