Hi I am planning a wedding next year in early Oct. in Venice, can anyone suggest a lovely romantic restaurant or hotel, in which to have a lavish dinner celebration?<BR>As of now the guest count is 35 people.<BR>Thanks-<BR>la dolce Italy<BR>Fluffy

I would consider Da Raeffele.

Hi Bob,<BR>thanks for the info. do you have a phone and/or fax # for the Da Raffele.<BR>I looked for reviews on both fodors and frommers and could not find any.<BR>I know you know your stuff, so any info. would be helpful<BR>much thanks,<BR>la dolce Italy<BR>Fluffy

Hmmm ! I could not find a # in my files. It is possible that Elaine may have it--she often touts it as well.<BR>It is connected to the Hotel Do Pozzi--you may find it under that name. We had our best meal in Venice there. The location is fabulous--on a side canal halfway between San Marco and Santa Maria del Giglio stops, and at a gondola station. The price was not too bad--about 82E for two with vino.

HI Bob, thanks for the info.<BR>ELAINE if you see this I would love your opinion.<BR>All others would be welcome... my top 3 objectives are: romance/views- good location/fairly centeral- and great food<BR>Thanks everyone.<BR>Fluffy

Hi Fluffy<BR><BR>There are at least 2 strings that would be helpful to you, both initiated by Statia. One is &quot;Venice-romantic restaurants&quot;-the other is &quot;Anyone been married in Venice?&quot; The first lists Antico Martini (great food, they have a dance floor in their piano bar area if that matters to you, very central location, very pretty but NO view), Da Fiore, Regina &amp; Europa Hotel, Cipriani Hotel (where Statia ultimately chose), Danielli Hotel &amp; maybe a few others (in addition to Da Raeffele).<BR>The second lists websites for wedding planners.<BR>Who's getting married? Good luck!

By the way, there's a new luxury hotel just opening called the San Clemente Palace on San Clemente island (sounds like the Cipriani set up) that might be worth checking into. They have several restaurants. The website is http://www.thi.it/english/hotel/san_clemente/informazioni.htm<BR><BR>Other nice hotels (but don't know about their restaurants) are the Bauer, Londra Palace, Gritti Palace and the Metropole. La Caravelle in the Saturnia Hotel has great food but I don't think the room is special enough (dark wood panel).<BR><BR>

Flufy. Do a search under Hotel Do Pozzi and you will find the hotel site and a link to the ristorante. They also own the Hotel Ala and pensione Accademia. I suspect you can work a package deal.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.<BR>Bob I have emailed the Do Pozzi for info. on the restaurant, an interesting tid bit-I referred a friend to the Do Pozzi, she just returned from Italy and said it was her favorite hotel.<BR>Keep the suggestions coming.<BR>I am most greatful.<BR>Fluffy

Thanks Bob and MC for all your suggestions.<BR>Bob I have emailed the Do Pozzi for info. on the restaurant, an interesting tid bit-I referred a friend to the Do Pozzi, she just returned from Italy and said it was her favorite hotel.<BR>Keep the suggestions coming.<BR>I am most greatful.<BR>Fluffy