We LOVED the Foscari Palce and can highly recommend it. Here's a link to tripadvisor reviews - consistant 5's accross the board.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=...+palace+venice

And, the link to the hotel website:
http://www.thegiannettihotelsgroup.c...ari/prezzi.asp

Slangevar: I agree. Hotel Ala prices can be all over the place. But I had clients staying there last October, and even the standard rooms were pretty far above 150 e. I think the OP is going in October.

I also have to say that the hotel was full, and the clients were not happy with their rooms or the service. I was surprised, and of course, nothing pleases everyone, but we had always like the Ala. That's why I suggested the balcony rooms if they can get them.

Oh, dopey me. It's August, not October. I take it all back.

LOL! I don't understand their rates either. I was looking for a room in October (granted it was over a weekend) and it was about 400 euros. But when I looked for a mid-week room in August (for the OP), it was a little over 100. That's quite a swing!

Have stayed at two of the above recommendations: Bisanzio and Metropole. Bisanzio is cheaper and closer to San Marco. Metropole is more expensive and a little more out of the way. If you can afford it (and get a reservation) I'd go for the Metropole. Also, if you can afford it , try to arrive by water taxi. Sigh.....wish I could go back.

PS Metropole , now, has a very highly acclaimed restaurant.

Another vote for Foscari Palace.

We stayed there earlier this month in a lovely room (described as a deluxe double) facing the Grand Canal for 259 euro per night, including breakfast.

If you are flexible, and would like to have a full immersion in the very heart of Venice, I's suggest you to rent a holiday-apartment here: http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/rent/area8!italy_.htm

They are always my favourite, very professional agency. I am sure they will be able to find the most suitable solution for you!

Hope it helps.

Valeria :-)

> Bisanzio ... closer to San Marco. Metropole is more expensive and a little more out of the way.

Grandma, those hotels are the same distance to Piazza San Marco. They are about 20 meters from each other. Metropol is at the left corner when you walk out of the alley to Riva Schiavoni. Otherwise you are right Metropol is more expensive. Like you I stayed at Bizansio, the first time I visited Venice in 2000.

I third Foscari Palace. I stayed there twice, the year it opened 2004 (deluxe double GC view) and 2005 (Gonzaga Suite). Since it was both in winter, I paid €160 and €235 respectively and I found it a steal considering the general prices of Venice and the hotel's overall quality. Also because I didn't need air-con either time, I was not sure but I learned the hotel is equipped with air-con and it works according to recent reviews I read. If you can get Grand Canal view, that would be very nice ( well even without, you can use their rooftop terrace).

hi, gg,

the "Dream of Italy" website just told me about a deal for July and august at the hilton Molino Stucky [vile name] 5 star hotel in Venice - E149 + taxes a night. they say that you have to quote code PR20AP.

OK, it's a bit out of the way [being over on the Giudecca] but I believe they have a shuttle launch and I seem to remember reading good things about it here or on Trip advisor.

and at that price, who's grumbling?

good luck,

Regards, ann

Kappa....I was younger when we stayed at the Bisanzio.... maybe that's why it seemed closer to San Marco -:)