I second the recommendation to go to venere.com to search for hotels. Type in your dates, specify four people in one room, and see what comes up. Sort by price and you'll see your options.

You probably realize that $150USD is only 100 euro?

You'll need to look at apartments or 1-star hotels to even hope for a quad (4 people) for that price in Venice, water view or no.

I have backpacking style friends who stayed in Padua and took the train in for sight-seeing in Venice.

Most of the people who recommend not staying in Mestre have not stayed there. And I'm sure many of them have bigger budgets than I do.

My husband and I DID stay there, and because of the cost savings were able to stay an extra two days in Venice (area--for purists). The train is just one euro each way and takes less than 10 minutes. Takes away the magic how? You get off at the train station and walk or take a canal boat to get where you are going. Take a look at the Best Western Hotel Bologna, right across the streer from the Mestre train station. Lovely rooms. Great rates. Another plus was that we were a block away from the bus that took us to the airport for a pre-dawn departure. Another was the availability of nearby shops for film, laundry, etc., that did not charge the triple prices that stores in Venice charged. An apartment in Venice would be nice, but check the price against the Hotel Bologna. (You can search for the hotel name in threads here and see me defending it numerous times.)
V.

I would try to find ways to economize elsewhere if it means being able to stay in Venice. Venice at night is so wonderful -- the day tourists leave and many parts of the city (even San Marco) are quiet and accessible. Try Venere.com or Booking.com. We've had very good experiences with both these websites. They offer a wide range of accommodations and prices, and their traveler reviews are very helpful.

no again to mestre. The magic of Venice is to be able to walk out of your hotel very eary in the morning and walk around or very late at night after the day trippers have left. It is very, very different then. Worth the price. Again, as others have said you would be best to look into an apartment, I'm sure you will be able to find something close to your range.
dave

Try http://www.hotelriva.it/index.html.

It's very well located with quads available. Not for $150, but you might be hard-pressed to get that.

There may be better choices but I was very happy with Albergo Marin. I just checked the prices and in March their price is 100 euros/night for a quad but I expect the price will be higher in August. It would be great if you could find an apartment though.


http://www.albergomarin.it/

We stayed once at the Albergo Doni. I checked thier website and a triple room now runs from 90-125 Euros per night. Not ensuite but includes breakfast. The location is great. It is on a small street next to a minor canal very near St. Marks square. It is family run, very clean, basic and very quiet. Although breakfast is included you can get a reduction if you waive it when you reserve.

I just saw your post clarifying your needs. The Albergo Doni does have a quad but it is out of your price range. Two doubles may be less. www.albergodoni.it

I should also mention the www.eurocheopo.com site. You may well find something there. The Bernardi Semenzato seems to be in your price range. I have not stayed there but but passed it many times and it seems nice on the outside and is well located. I hear that it is decent. You may want to check it on Trip Advisor.

I have just booked Hotel Bernardi-Semenzato, it is meant ot be centrally located, well reviewed and reasobaly cheap!

www.hotelbernardi.com/en/hotel.html

Have to book by phone or email

Email [email protected]

I booked a twin bedded room with shared shower and toilette at 75 Euro per day, bed and breakfast.

cheers

That seems a very reasonable choice for your needs. Please post upon return with your thoughts. We find buying a day pass or multiple day pass for the Vaporetti a good savings since we tend to use them alot. You can also use the pass for the boat to Murano and I think Burano. You will find Venice to be a very walkable city and great to just wander about.

We are visiting Venice in June & have booked a quad at the Casa Cosmo. The rate is 200 euro/night. The reviews seem postive. Good luck!

www.casacosmo.com

Pension Guerrato quad : Four beds with bathroom € 175,00, €5 discount for cash so €170. Web site says includes breakfast - for 4 people that should be bonus enough to put it in the ball park. Again, it was great location near Rialto Bridge. http://web.tiscali.it/pensioneguerrato/homepenen.html

We stayed at Hotel Canal and Walter a few years ago. Our room was a quad with a private bath, and was in your price range. We did go in December, though. My parents were lucky enough to have a room right on the Grand Canal.

http://www.hotelcanal.com/en/rooms.htm

This is a very basic hotel, but we found it to be clean and fairly comfortable. Breakfast was pretty good, service was friendly..we had no complaints. It is on the Grand Canal not far from Piazzale Roma and vaparetto stops are very convenient. According to their website, their quads start at 75 euro. We booked through venere.com


Good luck!

Great suggestions and I'm thrilled to hear about these less expensive options in Venice.

MOLTO GRAZIE TUTTI QUI!!!!
THANK YOU EVERYONE HERE!!!!

You all gave such insightful suggestions, that is why I love this board. I have contacted all hotels mentioned and surprised to get good rates; going in August and seeking a quad seems to be a good combination. Some give discounts for cash, you must ask.

Have not made hotel decision yet but will post it here when I do.

Ciao e grazie, Debbie

Let me add another accommodation option in Venice. We stayed at the B&B Corte Campana for 3 nights last Sept. Check out its website www.cortecampana.com Close to St. Mark's Square, quiet, spacious 3-room B&B. One of the rooms is set up for a family of 4 with in-room bathroom. Reasonably priced, by Venice's standards. Includes an expanded continental b'fast & has free internet. Riccardo will treat you well. Pay in cash for a better rate. Recommended by Rick Steves. I, too, encourage you to stay in Venice. Your kids will love Venice's beauty & uniqueness. Good luck! Ciao!

Thank you ZippityDoDa- I just sent them an e-mail and will see if there price is better than Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo that we are strongly considering:

http://www.alpontemocenigo.com