My husband and I are traveling to Venice May 2010 and will be staying for 3 nights. We are hoping to rent an apartment with a view of the canal. We would like to be close enough to walk to restaurants and shops, but not in very loud area. We heard that San Polo and San Marco are nice and central, but would like to hear from those who have been there. Any specific suggestions on areas to stay or stay away from??

You might need to indicate what your budget is. A view of "the canal" will not be very cheap - unless it is not the Grand Canal.

Stayed here last May. Smaller apt. is right on grand canal and also has a water dock on the canal that all apartments can use. Loved the view.


http://www.cortetiepolo.com/eng/appart.php

macdogmon, hello again! The apartments look great but only show per week price, do you know if they rent for less than a week?

We stayed for 4 nights in a 2 bedroom they have, that is not advertised. Email the owner (a very nice lady who lives in the palazzo) and I am sure she will give you per night prices. We loved staying there and loved the neighborhood it was located in. Sitting out on the water dock on the grand canal was one of the most memorable times of our trip last spring.

i haven't used these people, but they were mentinoed in another thread:

http://www.viewsonvenice.com/

you could also try www.vrbo.com, homes away, [both owner listing sites rather than agencies so tend to be cheaper] or www.italy-accom.com.

also look at the slow travel website for listings and recommendations.

Have a great trip

regards, ann

Our budget is around 250 Euro or less per night if this helps with your recommendations.

We enjoyed our stay at this apartment. It doesn't overlook the Grand Canal - we didn't want the noise. Has a small balcony overlooking a side canal with the gondolas going by. Very close to St. Marks but away from the crowds. A 3 night stay is their minimum and it's well under your budget at 160E.

http://www.rosadivenezia.com

Hi! My husband took me to venice for our anniversary some years ago, we stayed at Hotel Giglio http://www.hotelgiglio.com/ and our room had a great view on the Grand Canal - plus it's in the centre of Venice, near the waterbus stops, but not in a crowded area...