Driving through most of Italy this June and having trouble with hotels in Venice. I keep reading that the Dosoduro area is where to stay. Is this true? Also, does anyone know anything about La Calcina Hotel or American Hotel or Galleria? Any help would be great - also any restaurant suggestions would be lovely particularly those that aren't so touristy if that's possible.

We stayed at the Hotel Galleria (actually, their dependence) in Oct 2002. Loved it...very clean, convenient and reasonable. About 100E/night for a twin room.

La Calcina has had something like 50 mentions here in the past 6 months or so - - the large majority favorable or receommending, I think...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgTopic...na&start=0

Best wshes,

Rex

Rex, Thank you. I've been reading through your recommendations & appreciate your help & knowledge. La Calcina hotel sounds like the perfect choice for us. We don't want to be in the busiest area of Venice nor in a large or pretentious hotel. Thanks again. Monica

You're welcome.

I'm sure I'm among those other posts somewhere, but I have stayed at Pensione La Calcina twice (originally recommended by my friends who live in Switzerland). It was perfect for me both times. Beautiful building and furnishings, well-run with competent staff, nice breakfast included, good central but a touch off the beaten path location, right near a vaporetto stop (obviously I could go on & on!).

Suze, Thanks for the info. After all the agonizing, La Calcina does not have a room that sleeps three which is what we need. The Pensione Accademia and Hotel American are my next options. Our last stop will be in Switzerland - any suggestions for the Zurich area? Thanks again.

I sent a request form in yesterday and was told there aren't any rooms left for the dates I needed, which were June 22-23rd. So..Im on the look again. Good Luck and let me know what you come up with. Thanks!

We stayed at the Hotel American in Venice. It has been reviewed here, so a search on that name should bring up many posts. We loved it. The room we had was small but beautifully done. Bathroom brand new and everything worked. A/C, which was critical! I can't tell you about other rooms.....each seems to be different. But, if they have rooms when you need them, and in the configuration you are looking for, this is a nice hotel with a fantastic location. But don't be surprised if you end up with small rooms.