Hi everyone, <BR>I just came back from Venice, (no I didn't let Osama stop me) and had a great, and yet, Inexpensive trip if you can believe that. <BR>The weather was fantastic too. <BR> <BR>I had 10 days of spring like weather. It was a bit foggy a couple of mornings but it burnt off by 10 a.m. and actually was quite nice to see. Overall the weather was wonderful. <BR> <BR>Venice is at a true bargain right now due to the lack of American tourism. Everything is Half Full....restaurants, hotels, airport etc. I was so refreshing to enjoy the city all to myself, well, at least with lesser crowds. <BR> <BR>I got a very, very cheap flight with Lufthansa and got bumped to business class for free! <BR>I rented a really nice, spacious apartment for $140 (or about 280.000 lire) a night. It was much less than a hotel with a lot more room. <BR>I rented it from an American company called: Venicerentals.com <BR>Their phone number in Venice is: 041-276-9798 <BR>From Florida I had to dial 011-39 first and I think its that way for the rest of the US too. <BR>The apt. was a real bargain and the company very easy to work with, I definitely recommend them. <BR> <BR>I also got a discounted (had to haggle for that)taxi ride to the airport from S. Marco area...I gave him an offer for 100.000 lire and he took it.....rare, he wanted 150.000! <BR>I also got a 40% discount in a jewelery shop on Rialto Bridge just for asking, and even a bargain in Murano! <BR> <BR>Venice is really suffering without Americans and it shows compared to my last visit last year. <BR>If you aren't afraid of flying, you should take advantage of this time and reap travel bargains. <BR> <BR>If anyone needs any tips or info. just let me know. I have there been several times and know it well and may be back for the New Year. <BR> <BR>Susan

Good deal, Susan. Exactly where was the apartment located? Do they have apts. primarily located in one district or all over? Was your price the lowest end or were even cheaper places available? <BR> <BR>

Susan, you lucky devil! This is the first time in about 6 years that I haven't been in Venice in October (ran out of vacation leave!). I'm glad you went...*sigh* I wish it had been me!

Hi Jeff, <BR> <BR>To answer your questions. Well, they had about 8 choices for me in "my" price range which I told them was under $150. They were in many different areas of the city. Our apt. was just about 3 minutes from St. Marks, which is the main square of Venice. What happened was that because of their cancellations they said they were upgrading me for free when I arrived to a nicer, larger apt. than the one I paid for. It had 2 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and 2 bathrms. The one I paid for was half that size and not as centrally located. They were really nice and as I say....a bargain. <BR>Susan

Hello Susan. My boyfriend and I are going to Italy in 3 weeks (we too are not letting Osama stop us). We are flying into Venice and staying for only two days before we head to Florence. Any recommendations as to how we can make the most of our short time there restaurants, sights...)?

Hi Heather, <BR> <BR>With just 2 days you can't see too much but if you get a good guide book, you should highlight your interests...art, churches, architecture, etc. Its so hard to tell point you in a direction without knowing your interests. As for typical tourist attractions, definitely go up to the top of the Campanile Tower on a nice day for the tallest view in the city, go into see the Doges Palace, get lost in the back alleys of neighborhoods such as the Jewish Ghetto and Dorsordoro. As for restaurants, Alla Madonna is a great value and has very good seafood for about $30 per person. Its near the Rialto Bridge, ask anyone, its famous. Vivaldi is another value and is near Campo S. Aponal, also near to Rialto. It is small and not too fancy but has great risottos and is very reasonably priced. <BR>My favorite place in Venice is Pizzeria 900 because it not only has super pizza, very cold beer, and great appetizers, but also jazz music I think on Wednesdays during most of the year. It too is near Rialto and there are signs for it along the main street at the base of Rialto Bridge(on the S. Polo side) <BR> <BR>For higher end places, there are many, Da Fiore is one of the best in Venice, but very expensive, about $100 per person. Its just off of Campo S. Polo square. <BR> <BR>Have fun, you'll love it! <BR> <BR>Susan

Heather, I forgot to mention the art biennale going on I think until mid or end of Nov. it was a great take-in this year. <BR>Susan

Susan, how did you get bumped to business class on Lufthansa? I am dying to know.

How much should a water taxi be from the train station to a hotel near San Marco?

Mark, we just got back. We were charged 25,000 ITL per person from Tronchetto (Car Park) to our hotel on the Grand Canal. Got a free tour to San Marco first before they returned us to our hotel by the Accadaemia Bridge. This included our luggage.

Donna, It was just luck. They told me when I checked in at the counter. I didn't ask why so as not to rock the boat. I wish I knew what I did, I'd do it more often. <BR>Susan

Mark, They charge whatever they fell like charging. There should be a rate guide posted in their taxi on the window by law, but they always cover it up and charge whatever they think they can get away with. Just make an offer like I did and if he wants it, he'll take it. Susan

Susan, <BR>My husband and I leave in 2 days for short trip to Venice - how much should we offer for a boat ride from airport to San Marco area? We wanted to buy shoes and Italian leather jackets while in Italy (gifts for our children) - is Venice a good place as we wont' be in Florence? Thanks - we can't wait to go! <BR>Nancy

Nancy, it normally costs about 150.000 lire but they accepted my offer of 100.00. But then again, I was alone, without much luggage, just try to deal with them.

Thanks for your mail to my hotmail acct.

Tip that I forgot to mention. Don't buy those paper dancing Mickey and Minny Mouse things that dance next to a radio. Its a scam!!!! No magnet, just black paper on the back. They are tied with an invisible string to the radio. <BR>

I have seen those dancing scams everywhere and lots of people purchasing them too. I will now warn them if I see them in the future in my travels.

Way to go Joe!

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