Socialtraveler....we are starting to let go of the beach idea and I think if we had a pool at the hotel, it would give us some down time. Thanks for all the info. The Molino Stucky Hilton looks really good.

giadav - those prices for advance booking at the Stucky look very good.

I know the situation is rather different, but the last time we went to Paris, we booked over 6 months in advance and paid around 50% of what the same room would have cost if we'd booked later. The Stucky is nice as [I understand] it has a free shuttle from the airport and into Venice proper, as well as the ordinary vaporetti that stop nearby as well, and it's away from the hurley burley, which you may appreciate in July. What have you got to lose?

The Molino Stucky Hotel, old thing, is on Guidecca. You have to take a launch from the Zettere--near the Billa Supermarket-- to cross.

I never understand why people come here to ask travel questions and get put out or vexed when they don't get the answer they want.

St. Cirq was spot on when she suggested you look at a map or do some research on your own before you post a question. Obviously, most people know Venice for its canals and gondolas so not sure why you think Venice is a beach holiday destination.

However, this doesn't surprise me as most people who post here are as daft as a three-legged foxhound.

If you want a beach holiday, guv, you should check out a place like Forte dei Marmi, Ibiza, Biarritz, etc.

There are many good restaurants in Venice away from the Madding Crowds. La Zucca is a good suggestion from Our Mutual Friend Tarquin. Another is A Beccafico in Campo S. Stefano.

There are plenty of nice restaurants away from the tourists crowds if you head up to Canneregio thru the Jewish Ghetto to Madonna dell'Orto.

Don't forget to have an Aperol Spritz in Venice. Everyone in Venice, to the rent boys to duchesses stop and have a spritz during the hot afternoon.

Ciao for now. See you at the bowling alley.

Tschuss,
Thin

thin - i think that you are being a little unfair to the OP - not everyone knows that there aren't any beaches in Venice except at the Lido, and she certainly seemed to know about canals etc. nor has she seemed put out by any of the answers - in fact she has seemed extremely open to ideas which are rather different to the ones she started with.

I'm sure she'll be duly grateful for your excellent advice though.

Well Said "annhig". And besides, he called me "simple minded" and I found that insulting. Anyway.

Thank you so much for your direction. We are very excited! Booked the Molino Stucky. This whole trip was unplanned, spontaneous and everyones help on this board is very much appreciated! We are looking forward to a fabulous vacation. :)

In that case you will be next door to the atmospheric and welcoming Fortuny factory and showroom. Their fabrics are divine. Further down the canalside, past Alla Palanca, a fun place for lunch, is a shop which uses Fortuny fabrics for frames and notebooks. The Giudecca is uncrowded and interesting, and the view across to the Zattere is beautiful.

giadav - i hope that your open-mindeness is rewarded by a lovely stay in Venice and an excellent cruise.

buon viaggio!

this is what tarquin is talking about:

http://www.fortuny.com/#/venice_showroom

We are so excited for our spontaneous and completely unplanned trip to Venice. Everyones input, helped in putting it together for us. Especially in the short timeframe I had in making a final decision. :-)

This is a message board where people come for help and information. I find it interesting that some of the posters here feel the need to be condescending and insulting. Apparently that must make you feel like a bigger and more important person.

Our favorite restaurant in Venice is Alle Testiere. It is quite small and has two seatings per evening so you have to make reservations well in advance. E-mail your hotel and have them reserve for you if you are interested. The seafood is inventive and excellent.

mamcalice....thank you, I will do that. It will be our anniversary.