would like to spend a week in Venice in Feb. Is there one hotel that stands above all others or are they about the same in quality? Also what day drives from Venice would be coll to explore without having to drive 6 hours?

Todd, re hotels, it depends on your budget and preferences for amenities <BR>In the luxury class,hotels that stand out include the Danieli, the Europa-Regina, and others. <BR>In the medium (3-star class) hotels that stand out on this forum at least include <BR>the Flora, the Do Pozzi, Bisanzio, the Bel Sito, and others. In the budget class (1 or 2 stars) are the Galleria, the Accademia, <BR>Pensione Seguso, etc. You can do a Search on this forum for Venice hotels and find many suggestions, also look elsewhere on this Fodor's website for hotel suggestions in various categories. <BR>I also have a file; if you'd like to see it, email me.

would love to see your file, thanx. am going soon to venice soon want to spend about $150 a night, any suggestions?

Good evening, Todd <BR>The Do Pozzi as mentioned by Elaine <BR>is a three star hotel with 29 rooms <BR>and is located about a block and half <BR>west of the Pza..S. Marco. Have used <BR>this hotel eight or nine times since <BR>the early 80's They are connected with <BR>the ristorante Da Raffaele who gives <BR>a discount on food. The Bisanzio is <BR>is located just off the Riva about one <BR>block east of the Pza S. Marco, again <BR>a very good location.. The Flora is very <BR>close to the Do Pozzi and another good <BR>hotel in the same area is the Kette. <BR>Have also used the Ala in the late 70's <BR>befoe the Do Pozzi. Check into www.veniceinfo.it for good information on Venice..Would strongly <BR>suggest as far as day trips out of <BR>Venice, only Verona and Padua, Vernona <BR>about an hour by RAIL and Padua about <BR>a half hour. If you want a list of <BR>ristorante recommendations, drop me a <BR>line and will reply. Richard of La Grange Park, Il... <BR> <BR>

I just got back after staying a week at the Bisanzio - based on a recommendation from this site. I set up all the arrangements with them on email (they have a website www.bisanzio.com) and would definitely recommend them. Double rooms were about $125.

I am assuming you know the Carnavale in Venice is the week of the 18-26 Feb, probably all booked by now.

Todd, <BR> <BR>We are partial to the Hotel Giorgione in Venice, (4 Star quality at 3 star prices). It's about one block off the Ca d'Or vaporetto stop. It's a lovely palazzo with beautiful rooms, public areas, breakfast room and interior courtyard gardens. You can view all areas of the hotel on their web site. <BR>They apparently have recently become a part of the german Steinenberger chain--which run some lovely hotels. The included breakfast buffet is exceptional. <BR> <BR>In addition to the day trip recommendations for Verona and Padua, we really enjoyed touring the Grotto Gigante and the Castel Miramare, both just a few miles north of Trieste. They are easily reached only a few kilometers off the Autostrada exits. (Both are open all year --we just did this trip over Thanksgiving.) <BR> <BR>Both can be done in a day--about 1 1/2 hours driving time from Venice. You-ll need 1 hour for the grotto tour and another 1 1/2 for the castle and garden areas. <BR> <BR>The Grotto Gigante is the largest cave room in the world that is opened to tourists. Positively amazing -- and we are not easily impressed! Large enough to hold St. Peter's Basilica inside the room cavern. <BR> <BR>Castle Miramare was built by Emperor Maximillian for Carlotta. It sits perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic. The surrounded area is surprisingly similar to the French and Italian Rivieras with tropical foliage and mountains cascading to the sea. <BR> <BR>If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. <BR> P&gt;S&gt; If you will be keeping a car while in Venice, it is much cheaper (8,000 Lire per day) and safer to park in Mestre adjacent to the train station, rather than at the Venice parking lots. <BR> <BR>

Here's another vote for the Hotel Bisanzio. <BR> <BR>...an excellent value... <BR> <BR>-Tony

As J points out, from February 16th through the 27th you shouldn't be able to find any rooms, by now.<BR><BR>As for side trips, the train is more convenient (no hassle with parking in the cities you'd be visiting, no checking your car in/out in Venice, train's very cheap). You may visit Padua (30/40 min ride one way), Vicenza (50/60 min), Treviso (30 min), Verona (1 1/2 hours). In principle, you may visit any 2 out of Padua, Vicenza and Treviso in a daytrip.<BR><BR>Paulo<BR>

We are also "Venice Virgins". What is carnavale?

Carnevale is the spelling, actually - - from the Latin "Carne" and "Vale" - - "Meat goodbye" - - the pre-Lenten continuous party also known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The two other large, well-known celebrations in the world are in Rio de Janeiro and in New Orleans. There are some Carnevale celebrations in other parts of Europe, but none compare to the captivation that overtakes Venice. It is Carnevale that brings out the connection between Venice and its festive masks - - as depicted in many historic (and semi-historic) movies, especially any realting to the life of Casanova, Venice's most (in)famous lover and "party man".

Well, as for daytrips I'm partial to Vicenza since I grew up in the area....There are many beautiful villas and towns in the area...You should also try visiting the Dolomites and the resort town of Asiago if you're interested in skiing....Verona and Padova are also beautiful...if you have any questions feel free to e-mail or post a question.

Also Carnavale is a time when hotels may charge double their regular rate, and/or may be booked months or sometimes a year or more in advance, plus the city will be packed to the gills.If this is your first trip to Venice I suggest you try to avoid Carnavale, unless you have a great deal of patience , money and wild parties are your bag.

\ <BR>Another day trip option via the train is Florence --- it does take a little longer, but you can take the early morning EuroStar ("ES") train and I think the travel time between 2 cities is about 2 hours. <BR>

Here's one of the posts for Robert.