First trip to Venice, single woman alone. Must reserve hotel today, two final choices still available - opinions? How important is location to safety, walking, ease of boat travel, etc.?

HOTEL RIVA is near San Marco, canal view w/gondolas going past, breakfast, AC if requested, private bath $120/day or shared bath $94/day

LA CALCINA is waterfront Dorsoduro at Zattere, private bath, lovely garden terrace bar/restaurant, AC but no view of Guidecca canal, breakfast, $129 per/day (is it too far from activity or to walk back alone early evenings?)

I have stayed at La Calcina twice. One time solo in a non-view room that was just perfect for me (real nice furnishings, drapes, etc.). Cool and quiet.

The hotel was incredibly comfortable for me. The front desk is organized and helpful. Great breakfast.

There's lots of activity along the Guidecca canal promonade (I don't know that the correct term) and people all over. It feels totally safe. I prefered being a tiny bit removed from San Marco myself. Less hectic.

I would take the Hotel Riva, with the gondola view and private bath-that's ideal-and a private bath is essential to me. Excellently located, the Hotel Riva gets good reviews on tripadvisor.com, particularly for the canal view rooms.

Thanks suze and Girlspytravel! Your comments summarized exactly where I am at this point. They are similar but Pensione La Calcina is a bit nicer I suspect, but being close to the action at Hotel Riva is enticing this first time. I have read tripadvisor reviews, both are fine but Calcina's are definitely better. Grazie!

I've stayed at the Riva but not at La Calcina, which gets good reviews.

I would stay at the Riva again for the canal-view rooms. It's a nice, serviceable, extremely well-located hotel, but not a luxury property.

We liked it.

Hello...

My wife and I stayed at La Calcina in March 2004. We stayed in a front room (don't remember the number).

Though it rained most of the time, the view was beautiful and there was a little rooftop balcony with a table and chairs for us. It was a beautiful place.

Just be careful you don't get one of the small side rooms that look out on the walls of a neighboring building.

We loved the place, but the restaurant was disappointing for the money.

SS

Actually I've had one of the single, side rooms that looks only on to the next building. I loved it. It was very private and comfortable. Cozy feeling.

If the view of the gondolas swings your vote, I can understand that (though for myself I prefer more quiet place, a bit away from the 'action').

Grazie! I booked the Riva after all, and yes, for this first time, I think the whole gondola thing did it for me. I always "save" something for the next time, so perhaps it's Pensione La Calcina! Thanks for the comments.