Thanks so much Jean, I will continue my research!

For a late September/early October trip, time's a wastin'. I'd book something now that you can cancel if you find another you like more.

Jean, have you stayed at the American? I am able to get a corner room with balcony. Do you know if they have a public terrace too?

I can't decide between staying at the American in the Dosoduro area and a few other selections... including Locanda Vivaldi or Hotel Londra in the San Marco square, The Hotel Bucintoro in Castello or AD Place a funky looking hotel on a quiet canal. I am having SUCH a hard time making a decision. Any input from anyone on these.

Honestly, you'll have a perfect time at ANY of the places you just mentioned.

I personally (and it is a PERSONAL decision) would tend toward the Hotel Bucintoro simply because I personally like a quiet area to retreat to. It's also close to less crowded (and cheaper) cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood between the Hotel Bucintoro and and the public gardens. You may have different priorities.

I haven't stayed at the American, but I prefer the Dorsoduro.

I know, I will probably love them all! I don't think Ive ever had such a hard time trying to decide though! I feel like Im developing obsessive compulsive disorder -- every 5 minutes Im at the computer checking out more hotels!!

Ive heard great things about the Dorsoduro, so I was hoping to stay in that area.... but the American isn't really making me that excited. It looks nice, and its really the only hotel with a balcony that is in my price comfort zone....but... my husband is a bit of a fancy pants and Im afraid he won't like it. So (in this moment at least) Im leaning towards the Bucintoro because Im worried that the hotels on St Marco will be too crowded and busy. ahhhh.

Thanks again for everyone's help and patience. Further input is always welcome!

Book something. Keep looking if you like, but pretty soon your better options will disappear. Include your husband in the process so he can't complain about the final choice.

Bottom line, it's only a hotel room. It's not your next house.

I agree with Jean 100% - just book one that is acceptable with a decent cancellation policy, then continue on with the obsessive-compulsive search for the "perfect one", or else you are in jeopardy of losing all of your options.

Our friends have stayed at the Bucintoro for years (spent
their honeymoon there ) and love it.

Thank you! Im going for it - have a request in. They actually have a balcony for one room too, so I'll see how much that is or if its available.....

Hey SG,

If I were in the $400-$500/nite market, I would absolutely insist on a balcony.

Are you trying to save the price of a bellini at Harry's Bar?

((I))

I don't know what Harry's Bar is -- but cocktails on our balcony sounds wonderful!

Success!! The balcony room is open at the Bucintoro - and its a bit higher than I wanted to pay - but looks soooo worth it! Thanks all for your help.

Now I just need to nail down my itinerary for our roadtrip to the Dolomites!

You will enjoy having a room with a balcony. We loved our 4th floor suite with balcony at the Londra Palace. It was narrow but long and could easily accommodate 4 chairs and a small round table. We sat out there every evening and sipped wine before going out to dinner. We also loved having a drink on the small roof top terrace - beautiful!