Venice Honeymoon?
Dec 24th, 2004, 02:18 PM
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Venice Honeymoon?
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in Venice. We want to stay the entire seven days in one place. I know some people say its much too long to stay in Venice while others say you can never get enough of it. It's understandable though, what's good for one person may not always be the best for another. We've had our heart set on staying at Locanda Orseolo. I've heard nothing but wonderful feedback about this place. Unfortuantely Bruno said they have no availability during the time we would like to go. We have no problem changing our dates if they have openings later. We are still in the midst of planning our wedding, so that's not an issue for us. (Some things are just worth waiting for!) We want to get married on May 28th, and had planned to take our honeymoon right after. So my question is: What would be a good time to visit Venice around May/June, perhaps July? I understand that is peak season? So we are willing to postpone it a bit. We truly don't have a problem when it comes to our honeymoon date! Also, we would love some feedback about where to dine, what to see...things of that nature. We just basically want to relax, take in the culture, the food, the sights. I'm told the streets are very confusing, but in turn, that wandering around and exploring the neighborhoods is the best part. Any feedback is fine with us! It's good to hear both sides of it. Does anyone have any suggestions on other hotels or B&B's to look into? We want something smaller...I've just had better service in smaller facilities, they have the time to focus on their guests, makes it more personable. We are so excited about this trip...Neither one of us has ever been out of the US. Italy is the one place we've always wanted to go...especially Venice! Any feedback, suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!
Dec 24th, 2004, 03:06 PM
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<i>Angean's text, with paragraph breaks.</i>
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in Venice. We want to stay the entire seven days in one place. I know some people say its much too long to stay in Venice while others say you can never get enough of it. It's understandable though, what's good for one person may not always be the best for another.
We've had our heart set on staying at Locanda Orseolo. I've heard nothing but wonderful feedback about this place. Unfortuantely Bruno said they have no availability during the time we would like to go. We have no problem changing our dates if they have openings later.
We are still in the midst of planning our wedding, so that's not an issue for us. (Some things are just worth waiting for!)
We want to get married on May 28th, and had planned to take our honeymoon right after. So my question is: What would be a good time to visit Venice around May/June, perhaps July? I understand that is peak season? So we are willing to postpone it a bit. We truly don't have a problem when it comes to our honeymoon date!
Also, we would love some feedback about where to dine, what to see...things of that nature. We just basically want to relax, take in the culture, the food, the sights.
I'm told the streets are very confusing, but in turn, that wandering around and exploring the neighborhoods is the best part.
Any feedback is fine with us! It's good to hear both sides of it.
Does anyone have any suggestions on other hotels or B&B's to look into? We want something smaller...I've just had better service in smaller facilities, they have the time to focus on their guests, makes it more personable.
We are so excited about this trip... Neither one of us has ever been out of the US. Italy is the one place we've always wanted to go ... especially Venice!
Any feedback, suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in Venice. We want to stay the entire seven days in one place. I know some people say its much too long to stay in Venice while others say you can never get enough of it. It's understandable though, what's good for one person may not always be the best for another.
We've had our heart set on staying at Locanda Orseolo. I've heard nothing but wonderful feedback about this place. Unfortuantely Bruno said they have no availability during the time we would like to go. We have no problem changing our dates if they have openings later.
We are still in the midst of planning our wedding, so that's not an issue for us. (Some things are just worth waiting for!)
We want to get married on May 28th, and had planned to take our honeymoon right after. So my question is: What would be a good time to visit Venice around May/June, perhaps July? I understand that is peak season? So we are willing to postpone it a bit. We truly don't have a problem when it comes to our honeymoon date!
Also, we would love some feedback about where to dine, what to see...things of that nature. We just basically want to relax, take in the culture, the food, the sights.
I'm told the streets are very confusing, but in turn, that wandering around and exploring the neighborhoods is the best part.
Any feedback is fine with us! It's good to hear both sides of it.
Does anyone have any suggestions on other hotels or B&B's to look into? We want something smaller...I've just had better service in smaller facilities, they have the time to focus on their guests, makes it more personable.
We are so excited about this trip... Neither one of us has ever been out of the US. Italy is the one place we've always wanted to go ... especially Venice!
Any feedback, suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!
Dec 24th, 2004, 03:20 PM
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Can't help you much, angean, as I've never been to Italy.
However, a guidebook and a map are basic essentials, wherever you go.
Just to get you started, here is a website with what look like good tips for travel in Italy:
http://www.vbella.com/resources/tips.asp
Here's what looks like a good 2-week itinerary for Venice and its surroundings. Since you'll be there for only one week, you'll need to make some choices, perhaps forgoing the day trips to points that are furthest afield.
Hope that helps.
However, a guidebook and a map are basic essentials, wherever you go.
Just to get you started, here is a website with what look like good tips for travel in Italy:
http://www.vbella.com/resources/tips.asp
Here's what looks like a good 2-week itinerary for Venice and its surroundings. Since you'll be there for only one week, you'll need to make some choices, perhaps forgoing the day trips to points that are furthest afield.
Hope that helps.
Dec 24th, 2004, 03:23 PM
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Dec 24th, 2004, 04:06 PM
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Thanks for the replies and I truly apologize for not putting in paragraph breaks! I swear I got knocked offline three times while trying to post and by the last time, Well lets just say I typed like crazy before I got kicked offline again!
Anyways, I will check out the links. Thank You for that, I appreciate it!!
More feedback would be great!
Anyways, I will check out the links. Thank You for that, I appreciate it!!
More feedback would be great!
Dec 24th, 2004, 04:17 PM
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Hi Angean and also waving at Judy, a friend from another travel board!
I can hardly think of any more romantic city than Venice. I love it when it's sunny, raining (ok, not as much) or foggy. Simply put, it's magical.
I could suggest other hotels, but if you have your heart set on Orseolo then I'm not sure you'd be happy! The Italians are not known for "follow up", so I'd recommend emailing Bruno every month to see if there's a cancellation. After 3-4 emails, he'll get the idea you're serious and if one does become availabile, he'll no doubt contact you. If things don't look promising, feel free to email me at: [email protected] and I'll suggest one of my personal favorites.
Planning a wedding is an exhausting undertaking (as if you don't know this by now)! I would recommend taking off right afterwards, as you can get some well deserved rest on the plane on the way over and still beat the mad rush of June & July.
Yes, the streets are very confusing, so plan to get lost and enjoy it -- you'll never know what you'll stumble onto!
Ciao!
Melodie
I can hardly think of any more romantic city than Venice. I love it when it's sunny, raining (ok, not as much) or foggy. Simply put, it's magical.
I could suggest other hotels, but if you have your heart set on Orseolo then I'm not sure you'd be happy! The Italians are not known for "follow up", so I'd recommend emailing Bruno every month to see if there's a cancellation. After 3-4 emails, he'll get the idea you're serious and if one does become availabile, he'll no doubt contact you. If things don't look promising, feel free to email me at: [email protected] and I'll suggest one of my personal favorites.
Planning a wedding is an exhausting undertaking (as if you don't know this by now)! I would recommend taking off right afterwards, as you can get some well deserved rest on the plane on the way over and still beat the mad rush of June & July.
Yes, the streets are very confusing, so plan to get lost and enjoy it -- you'll never know what you'll stumble onto!
Ciao!
Melodie
Dec 24th, 2004, 05:02 PM
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I agree with Melodie that it would be better to take your honeymoon right after the wedding. It is so nice to have that relaxation to look forward to after the celebration.
I know you have your heart set on Locanda Orseolo, but you might also try getting Room #4 at La Calcina. It is probably already booked, but definitely worth a try. It has a large terrace overlooking the Guidecca Canal.
We stayed at La Calcina and LOVED it!! Locanda Orseolo was booked for our dates as well, so we booked La Calcina. We stayed in Room #38 which also has a big terrace but only a PARTIAL view of the Guidecca canal. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean and very pleasant.
I know you have your heart set on Locanda Orseolo, but you might also try getting Room #4 at La Calcina. It is probably already booked, but definitely worth a try. It has a large terrace overlooking the Guidecca Canal.
We stayed at La Calcina and LOVED it!! Locanda Orseolo was booked for our dates as well, so we booked La Calcina. We stayed in Room #38 which also has a big terrace but only a PARTIAL view of the Guidecca canal. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean and very pleasant.
Dec 24th, 2004, 05:57 PM
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we spent a full seven days in venice last march...we have been there before at least twice...its no problem, there is plenty to do....while it is small it does take time to get around....it is also quite expensive...food especially...
we rented an apartment and really liked that experience...we were right in the heart of dursoduro and that was really perfect...you might consider that....a maid came in a couple of times during our stay...you might want more service however....
i would not go in mid-june, july or august however....too hot and too many people...consider waiting until september or early october...is that too late??
we rented an apartment and really liked that experience...we were right in the heart of dursoduro and that was really perfect...you might consider that....a maid came in a couple of times during our stay...you might want more service however....
i would not go in mid-june, july or august however....too hot and too many people...consider waiting until september or early october...is that too late??
Dec 24th, 2004, 06:24 PM
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Have you thought of changing hotels midway through your honeymoon? Stay in two different areas? Try two recommended places?
When we travel and plant ourselves in a city for 6-7 days (i.e. Paris, London, Florence) we always stay in two different hotels.
New neighborhoods to explore, restaurants, churches, sites, etc. We've never regretted this strategy.
You have chosen a wonderful location, and your seven days will be magical. I'm trying to convince my sister to honeymoon in Venice instead of Hawaii.
Enjoy your trip!
When we travel and plant ourselves in a city for 6-7 days (i.e. Paris, London, Florence) we always stay in two different hotels.
New neighborhoods to explore, restaurants, churches, sites, etc. We've never regretted this strategy.
You have chosen a wonderful location, and your seven days will be magical. I'm trying to convince my sister to honeymoon in Venice instead of Hawaii.
Enjoy your trip!
Dec 24th, 2004, 06:44 PM
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Waving back at Melodie.
Angean, here's another userful link to a discussion thread right here at Fodors Talk that's called Helpful Information : Italy. Some of the posts are about places to which you will not be going, but some of them are specifically about Venice, and others are relevant to any and all Italian destinations.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
Angean, here's another userful link to a discussion thread right here at Fodors Talk that's called Helpful Information : Italy. Some of the posts are about places to which you will not be going, but some of them are specifically about Venice, and others are relevant to any and all Italian destinations.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
Dec 24th, 2004, 07:07 PM
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Wow! All of you have been so helpful, Thank You! Such good advice too. Yes, we will definately consider a different hotel. (I will check into the one mentioned) We are pretty laid back about it all, so nothing is set in stone. It's just nice to have a general idea to start with.
I'm sure it will not be our only trip to Venice. From the sounds of it, it truly does seem like a magical place! You know, I'm really thankful to get room numbers too, that is a great thing to know..Getting a location that someone has experienced instead of the ol' SURPRISE!!...Here's your tiny, run down box of a room!
Two hotels, very nice! I think I will check into that too. Whatever I choose to do, I'm definately checking back here first! You all seem to know a lot about the good and the not-so-good places to stay.
I do appreciate it. Any other idea's??
Thanks everyone!
I'm sure it will not be our only trip to Venice. From the sounds of it, it truly does seem like a magical place! You know, I'm really thankful to get room numbers too, that is a great thing to know..Getting a location that someone has experienced instead of the ol' SURPRISE!!...Here's your tiny, run down box of a room!
Two hotels, very nice! I think I will check into that too. Whatever I choose to do, I'm definately checking back here first! You all seem to know a lot about the good and the not-so-good places to stay.
I do appreciate it. Any other idea's??
Thanks everyone!
Dec 24th, 2004, 08:28 PM
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Along with La Calcina, a lot of fodorites really love both the Pensione Accademia and the Galleria, near the Accademia Bridge (opposite side from San Marco.)
By the way, if you go later in June or in July, you will want air conditioning, and that will eliminate some of the more budget-minded and charming pensiones and small hotels.
Here's a less well known option:
Hotel Palazzo Priuli
Highly recommended by a budget-minded acquaintance of mine. She described it as "elegant." Fondamenta de l'Osmarin, 4979 30122 - Castello. A few minutes' north and very slightly east of the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop. About 5-10 minute walk from Piazza San Marco.
Air conditioned, takes credit cards
Hotel website at www.hotelpriuli.com/Hotel_Palazzo_Priuli-en.htm
Rates include taxes and continental breakfast. Email is [email protected] You can see more pictures and some positive comments from guests at
www.itwg.com/itw12664.asp?CODE=GJ793
also http://www.charmingvenice.com/priuli/pages/apart.htm
I wouldn't base my plans around the availability of any one hotel--Venice has lots of romantic and comfortable places to stay.
By the way, if you go later in June or in July, you will want air conditioning, and that will eliminate some of the more budget-minded and charming pensiones and small hotels.
Here's a less well known option:
Hotel Palazzo Priuli
Highly recommended by a budget-minded acquaintance of mine. She described it as "elegant." Fondamenta de l'Osmarin, 4979 30122 - Castello. A few minutes' north and very slightly east of the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop. About 5-10 minute walk from Piazza San Marco.
Air conditioned, takes credit cards
Hotel website at www.hotelpriuli.com/Hotel_Palazzo_Priuli-en.htm
Rates include taxes and continental breakfast. Email is [email protected] You can see more pictures and some positive comments from guests at
www.itwg.com/itw12664.asp?CODE=GJ793
also http://www.charmingvenice.com/priuli/pages/apart.htm
I wouldn't base my plans around the availability of any one hotel--Venice has lots of romantic and comfortable places to stay.
Dec 25th, 2004, 05:16 AM
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Good morning and Merry Christmas angean! You've gotten lots of good advice. I would either go right after your wedding or wait until September. (There is a regatta in Venice in early Sept. that sounds like a wonderful spectacle to watch.) July and August will be crowded and hot.
I think the idea of staying in 2 places is a good one if you don't mind packing and unpacking. Why not get availability info from L. Orseolo? Perhaps they have 3-4 days free within the week to 10 days after your wedding.
There are no shortage of well liked hotels in Venice and I also agree that a specific room in some places is a way to go. Frequent poster Patrick has recommended room 402 at the Hotel Rialto. Here's what he said on a previous post.
"You might check with the Rialto Hotel. It isn't so luxurious as your other two options, but if you can get them to guarantee you room #402 (they call it a junior suite) you won't be sorry. It is the largest and most elegant room in the hotel with large sitting area and a triple balcony across the front looking right out to the Grand Canal. It is right at the Rialto bridge. We last paid about $300 a night for it in July. www.rialtohotel.com"
There are so many previous posts here on dining, sightseeing and hotels in
Venice, you might try doing some text searching. Lots of honeymoon in Venice info too. Happy Christmas and happy reading.
I think the idea of staying in 2 places is a good one if you don't mind packing and unpacking. Why not get availability info from L. Orseolo? Perhaps they have 3-4 days free within the week to 10 days after your wedding.
There are no shortage of well liked hotels in Venice and I also agree that a specific room in some places is a way to go. Frequent poster Patrick has recommended room 402 at the Hotel Rialto. Here's what he said on a previous post.
"You might check with the Rialto Hotel. It isn't so luxurious as your other two options, but if you can get them to guarantee you room #402 (they call it a junior suite) you won't be sorry. It is the largest and most elegant room in the hotel with large sitting area and a triple balcony across the front looking right out to the Grand Canal. It is right at the Rialto bridge. We last paid about $300 a night for it in July. www.rialtohotel.com"
There are so many previous posts here on dining, sightseeing and hotels in
Venice, you might try doing some text searching. Lots of honeymoon in Venice info too.
Happy Christmas and happy reading.
Dec 25th, 2004, 11:06 AM
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Merry Christmas to you too!!
I must say, I am so impressed with the staff at Locanda Orseolo! After Bruno stated that they had no availability for the dates we requested I emailed him back and said we we're open to other dates. He responded very shortly after offering us dates less than two weeks later than we originally requested and at a great rate.
What a wonderful gesture! His sincere kindness and willingness to accomodate us was very impressive! We went ahead and booked the room. I cannot express how happy this made us.
We are looking forward to our honeymoon in Venice and our stay at Locanda Orseolo.
For as busy as this gentleman must be with his hotel, he has gone out of his way to help us and responded extremely fast to my emails.
I can see already why this hotel has had nothing but praise.
Thank You all for your suggestions, it is greatly appreciated. I will let you know how it goes, although it is still six months away!
In the meantime, I truly enjoy this place and will keep coming back to see what everyone has to say!
Thanks again!!
I must say, I am so impressed with the staff at Locanda Orseolo! After Bruno stated that they had no availability for the dates we requested I emailed him back and said we we're open to other dates. He responded very shortly after offering us dates less than two weeks later than we originally requested and at a great rate.
What a wonderful gesture! His sincere kindness and willingness to accomodate us was very impressive! We went ahead and booked the room. I cannot express how happy this made us.
We are looking forward to our honeymoon in Venice and our stay at Locanda Orseolo.
For as busy as this gentleman must be with his hotel, he has gone out of his way to help us and responded extremely fast to my emails.
I can see already why this hotel has had nothing but praise.
Thank You all for your suggestions, it is greatly appreciated. I will let you know how it goes, although it is still six months away!
In the meantime, I truly enjoy this place and will keep coming back to see what everyone has to say!
Thanks again!!
Dec 26th, 2004, 12:38 PM
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Hi Angean,
Glad the Orseolo worked out.
Some ideas for you
We have eaten at
Cantinone Storico, recommended by more than one person on this forum. It is on a canal near the Accademia Bridge, within sound of the bells of one of the churches. Lovely atmosphere. Excellent cooking. Very good presentation. Superior service. Highly recommended.
Alla Madonna on Rio del Vin near the Rialto Bridge
Many people have recommended
Taverna San Trovaso 041-5203703 from Accademia Bridge Walk away from the Canal Go Right at Calle Corfu to first side canal Fondamenta Priuli Go Left.
Visit the
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which has two important works by Titian. And
the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, famous for a series of more than 50 paintings by Tintoretto; it is to Venice what the Sistine Chapel is to Rome. (Open 9:00 - 5:00) 3054, San Polo
Visit the market area (especially the fish market) near the Rialto. If you are a foodie, get Saffron.
We like Specchi Veneziana di Barbini Sergio at 1720 Calle del Cristi phone 041 524 03 45 for traditional Venetian masks.
Enjoy your visit.
Glad the Orseolo worked out.
Some ideas for you
We have eaten at
Cantinone Storico, recommended by more than one person on this forum. It is on a canal near the Accademia Bridge, within sound of the bells of one of the churches. Lovely atmosphere. Excellent cooking. Very good presentation. Superior service. Highly recommended.
Alla Madonna on Rio del Vin near the Rialto Bridge
Many people have recommended
Taverna San Trovaso 041-5203703 from Accademia Bridge Walk away from the Canal Go Right at Calle Corfu to first side canal Fondamenta Priuli Go Left.
Visit the
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which has two important works by Titian. And
the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, famous for a series of more than 50 paintings by Tintoretto; it is to Venice what the Sistine Chapel is to Rome. (Open 9:00 - 5:00) 3054, San Polo
Visit the market area (especially the fish market) near the Rialto. If you are a foodie, get Saffron.
We like Specchi Veneziana di Barbini Sergio at 1720 Calle del Cristi phone 041 524 03 45 for traditional Venetian masks.
Enjoy your visit.
Dec 27th, 2004, 06:06 AM
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Ira,
Thank You for the suggestions!
I am keeping track of of these places so when I go I will be ale to ask our hotel staff on how to find some of them. And perhaps recognize one when we get lost..Which I'm told is inevitable!
Our room has been booked and confirmed, with the wonderful help of Bruno. The worst part is having to wait almost six months!
I have no doubt it will be well worth the wait.
Again, Thank You for your help.
Thank You for the suggestions!
I am keeping track of of these places so when I go I will be ale to ask our hotel staff on how to find some of them. And perhaps recognize one when we get lost..Which I'm told is inevitable!
Our room has been booked and confirmed, with the wonderful help of Bruno. The worst part is having to wait almost six months!
I have no doubt it will be well worth the wait.
Again, Thank You for your help.
Dec 31st, 2004, 04:42 AM
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Congratulations and best wishes!
My husband and I are going to Venice for his birthday and staying at Locanda Orseolo. Bruno has been the most helpful person I have ever dealt with in Europe. He also said he would gladly help with restaurant recommendations, etc. I can't wait to meet him and his family.
After quite a bit of research on this board - and other places - I've decided to take my husband to Da Fiore for his birthday. I've read you must come with reservations booked well in advance.
My daughter and I visited Venice just before Christmas last year (she's 12). The first few days I was on a mission with map in hand and a list of things we had to see. I spent quite a bit of time lost and frustrated (and I have a PhD in Map Reading!). I enjoyed Venice so much more when I put the map away and wandered. I don't mean this as a negative - but there is no one thing in Venice that I felt was a "must see" (with the possible exception of the mosaics in St. Marks).
I'm re-reading 1000 days in Venice (largely for the restaurant suggestions) and have found DK Top 10 Venice and City Secret's Venice (I bought it off the internet) to be good resources.
Have a wonderful honeymoon.
My husband and I are going to Venice for his birthday and staying at Locanda Orseolo. Bruno has been the most helpful person I have ever dealt with in Europe. He also said he would gladly help with restaurant recommendations, etc. I can't wait to meet him and his family.
After quite a bit of research on this board - and other places - I've decided to take my husband to Da Fiore for his birthday. I've read you must come with reservations booked well in advance.
My daughter and I visited Venice just before Christmas last year (she's 12). The first few days I was on a mission with map in hand and a list of things we had to see. I spent quite a bit of time lost and frustrated (and I have a PhD in Map Reading!). I enjoyed Venice so much more when I put the map away and wandered. I don't mean this as a negative - but there is no one thing in Venice that I felt was a "must see" (with the possible exception of the mosaics in St. Marks).
I'm re-reading 1000 days in Venice (largely for the restaurant suggestions) and have found DK Top 10 Venice and City Secret's Venice (I bought it off the internet) to be good resources.
Have a wonderful honeymoon.
