so i had really wanted to stay at Monaco Grand Canal, Metropole, Columbina ... which are all booked for the 3 days I was looking at in May. Any ideas for alternatives? <BR><BR>Thought about reserving at backup hotel and then checking with the above hotels when we get to Italy to see if anything opens up. How likely for this to work?<BR><BR>Thanks.

yes of course you can try them again later, but be sure to check the cancellation policy at the place you reserve. Some places require a week or more notice for cancellations.<BR>There are so many good hotels in Venice at all levels, these are just a few more<BR>that are often recommended and have good locations and they may have some availability:<BR>Do Pozzi, Ala, Giorgione,Ca Pisani,<BR>Locanda Leon Bianco,Hotel American,Bisanzio, Caneva, etc.<BR>Many of those can be found at<BR>www.venere.it which is a good source of info on Venice hotels.<BR>

just got off the phone with Ca Pisani, and they are also booked but can give me 2 nights of 3. will try others. <BR><BR>is hotel american ok? have read some mixed reviews, some quite negative.<BR><BR>thanks!

The Londra Palace, a SLH property, is a nice alternative, or even the Grabrieli Sandwirth, or the Luna Baglioni. Also the Saturnia International is another nice hotel, as is the new hotel, owned by the same family, the trendy and smartly decorated, located in Dorsoduro, Ca Pisani.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>S

ttt

these are some comments that I have copied into my Venice file, I have not stayed there<BR>Feb 02 Fodor's forum: "I can only comment on the Hotel American in Venice as we stayed there in August. It was perfect for us. Quiet location but visible from the Grand Calal and only a few steps from the only little "piazza" on the Grand Calal where you can just hang out if you want to. Easy walk from the Accademia Bridge & vaporetto stop. Fabio & the staff were friendly & efficient without being effusive and intrusive. Not much English spoken, but we had no problems. Our room had no view to speak of, and it was small. On the plus side, it had obviously been redone recently and was beautiful. The bathroom, though also small, was spotless. Everything worked, including the air-conditioning which we needed in the 95 degree weather. Buffet breakfast was generous. Much fruit, bread, cereals, cheeses, juices, coffee. I would stay there again if the price was right. They did give us a 10 or 15% discount for paying in cash."<BR>May 2001: "Just returned from a stay at the American in Venice. Very comfortable,clean, and excellent value for the money. Definitely would stay there again." <BR>May 2001: "I can endorse the Hotel American - not fancy, but we had a pretty huge room - especially by European standards, which had a teeny little balcony which looked out over the canals. Teeny bathroom - but I didn't want to square dance in there so it was fine. Loved the location - just far enough from the Accademia bridge to feel like you were sort of off the beaten track. Breakfast was really good, too. While it's not the poshest place in Venice, I was very satisfied, and would certainly stay there again."<BR><BR>Here's another hotel, again just one of many<BR>Fodor's forum April 2001 "We just spent 4 terrific days in Venice at the Locanda Art Deco Hotel 2966 Calle delle Botteghe San Marco. It just opened a few months ago, and is absolutely wonderful. Tucked away a few blocks from San Marco, with beautiful decorated rooms and baths. Probably about 10 rooms total. opening special was only about $100 US per nite. "<BR>Hotel Astoria, Calle Fiubera #951, San Marco, tel 041 522 5381 28 rooms, clean and simple. Doubles $90-$120 <BR><BR>and another<BR>Hotel Bernardi-Semenzato, Campo SSS Apostoli, Cannaregio 4366 From Italian Cooking magazine Dec 01: "Luxury accommodations at bargain prices." Near Rialto Bridge.<BR>Tel. (041) 52 27 257<BR>Fax (041) 52 22 424<BR>Good comments on it in the Venice hotel Rants & Raves section on this Fodor's website, but it is the annex building that is praised.<BR>Even better ratings can be found there on the Bisanzio.<BR>

thanks, topping<BR>