I have read a few posts about this but I was wondering if there were any more ideas. What area would you prefer to stay in while in Venice - right in San Marco or by Lido.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Not Lido unless it's summertime and you like to spend time at a beach. I like Canareggio.

Definitely, absolutely in Venice proper. We have stayed in Dorsoduro and San Marco and liked both. As long as you stay a couple of blocks from St. Mark's Sq., San Marco is a very nice place to stay. On my first trip to Venice as a student, we stayed in Lido. It was not the same at all. The best part about Venice is walking around and soaking up the atmosphere - much easier to do if you are staying there.

We also stayed in Durosodo and loved it. I don't know your budget, but I absolutely recommend the hotel Ca Pisani (http://www.capisanihotel.it/sections/intro/choice.asp)

This is one of the best run hotels I have ever stayed in. The staff was absolutely fabulous, the rooms were clean and great. Can't wait to go back!

ANY area within Venice proper would be my choice over the Lido (since you'd have to take a boat every time you wanted to do something in Venice). It doesn't have to be right at San Marco, but at least on the "mainland" somewhere.

Actually "mainland" is NOT the term I meant as Venice is islands itself. Somewhere in the central part of Venice I mean.

I agree - stay on Venice itself. It doesn't need to be San Marco - nowhere is that far from anywhere on Venice. The best part about staying in the city, is that early in the morning, and late evening, the vast majority of tourists seem to disappear, and you seem to have the place to yourself (I would think this may not apply in high summer, or during Carnevale)

Even in high summer or during special events you can easily get away from the crowds in Venice--just walk away from the major tourist hubs along the Grand Canal. And you don't have to walk all that far either.