We're visiting Venice mid - May for our 10th Anniversary. Most of the hotels I've called are booked (Accademia, Galleria, La Calcina). The American has availability but the rate is EUR 233- 268 -- seems high given the Fodors target is EUR 103 highest. I want to stay in Dorsoduro, up to EUR 150 is fine. Any other recommendations? And, does the American rate seem high to anyone else?

Happy anniversary (a little early). I like staying in Dorsoduro, too, and have stayed at the Accademia and Galleria, which are good choices in your price range. In 1997, a friend and I stayed at the Locanda Fiorita<BR>[http://www.locandafiorita.com/come-en.htm], which is on San Marco but just over the Accademia Bridge from Dosoduro (3-4 minutes on foot) and is under E150. It is very simple, clean, and has a friendly staff. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful vacation!

Try Locando Leon Bianco. http://www.leonbianco.it/<BR><BR>You may also should try a search on this forum for other recommendations.

Since it's your 10th anniversary... I would suggest the suite at Hotel Centauro. It is not far from St Marco, but not too close to be touristy and over-priced. The suite has 2 (!) balconies that overlook a side canal (did not smell) that gondolas go down, sometimes singing to their patrons. We stayed in our room and watched gondola rides, rather than spending the $ for one! The ceilings must have been 14 feet tall! The breakfast was great- big for Europe standards- everything except hot entrees. I can't really comment on rooms other than the suite, we peeked in one and it seemed similar to ours other than no balconies, no huge living room.

Just in case you might not have noticed my posts on other messages, you might try the Savoia & Jolanda or the Pensione Wildner, both with great views across the Grand Canal. I personally like the Metropole, but their rates are much higher than these two.

Try the Hotel Giorgione. We stayed there in July and were very happy. It's a little off the beaten path, but just a short walk to major sites. Have a great time and Happy Anniversary.

Dear Kelly,<BR>I just spent New Year's at the American, and didn't pay NEARLY that much - we were there 8 days for around $1100 total. (I didn't do the math, but I think that's considerably less than you are being quoted) We liked the hotel a lot - we had a balcony with a view of the side canal on which the hotel faces, a huge room - best of all, they let my friend sit in the breakfast room for hours and write and drink coffee while I slept late. But not for over $200/night; some of these other recommendations are a better value.

We stayed at the Hotel Rialto in March 2001. We loved it!! Our window opened on to the canal and the Rialto Bridge. It was a perfect location -$150.00 USD we ahd a fabulous time!!

I would return to Locanda Sturion in a heartbeat. There are only two Grand Canal front rooms (about 100 yards from the Rialto Bridge) and I paid about $175 last May. No elevator, but wonderful room, breakfast, and staff.

I would stay with Venicerentals.com<BR>An apartment rental company. I got a nice 2 bedroom for $190 (they had lots for $150) behind S. Marks Square. It was lovely and a bargain.