Would love to know what your favorite hotel in Venice is and why?
Thanks

The first time I went to Venice (2002), I stayed at Hotel Principe. It's a 4 star hotel housed in a palace on the Gran Canal in Cannaregio, near the train station. The area is lively because it's on one of the commercial areas of Venice. It was quite good. The room was lovely and the breakfast included a wide selection of food.

The second time (2005), I stayed at a convent called Casa Cardinal Piazza. It's also in Cannaregio next to the church of La Madonna dell'Orto. I really loved it. It's housed in two palaces with a lovely garden. The area is very quiet during the day and a bit spooky during the night, which I loved. Breakfast is basic and it has a curfew at 11pm. You hardly see the nuns, who are kind of elusive.

The third time (2006), I stayed at another convent called Casa Caburlotto in Santa Croce. The area is lively too, but it's not really that beautiful. It's also housed in a palace, but it looks more like a boarding school than a convent, for it was very busy during breakfast and, in the morning, there were poeople taking some kind of classes. The breakfast was more basic than the one at Casa Cardinal Piazza. The nuns are really kind and warm, which compensated for some of the things I kind of disliked.

My favorite, so far, is the Marconi. It's right at the foot of the Rialto.

Have you considered renting an appt?

We found it cheaper than a hotel. We stayed in a "non-touristy" area (Santa Croce), that was central to everything. There was a wine store, newspaper store, sundries store, bakery, a handful of good restaurants, grocery store, and bank right in the campo. The apt. was less than 5 min walk to the vaporetto stop and down one of the calles off the campo.

Our apt had 2 BRs and a dining/kitchen/living room, large main BR overlooking a canal and a great outdoor deck that overlooked the rooftops of Venice and a small canal. It was great to come home mid-day when it got a little hot, relax at "home" with a drink, read a little, plan dinner, then venture out again.

Every night the locals would gather in the campo and the kids would play soccer. We'd sit and eat by candlelight by the canal outdoors at a little restaurant right around the corner and listen to the campanile bells ringing, then walk our 20 paces home. Every morning and night 2 stray cats came to the main door of the building, where we left dry food out for them. They were so sweet. It was all magical and made us feel really like a part of Venice life and not a tourist.

I don't know your budget, but I would check into it if it's something you're interested in. It was all very easy - the owner met us at the vaparetto stop, walked us there, showed us around, gave us hints on where to eat.

We rented through an agency, and had them to call (along with the owner) if we had any probelms - which we didn't.

I've posted the link for you. They also have smaller, less expensive places. Great agency -
http://www.venice-rentals.com/venice/v143.shtml

Locanda Orseolo (sp?) - don't have my notes in front of me, so I hope I spelled it right! Wonderful location - just off San Marco square, but quiet and quaint. Wonderful breakfast - made to order. Rooms very nice, service fantastic! Expensive (220E/N in Oct), but we loved it. No regrets there!!

Residence Corte Grimani. It just opened in the summer of 2005, but already has a great following; terrific reviews on Trip Advisor and here. Very nice location on a minor canal - sort of right between St. Marks and the Rialto Bridge. There are 15 rooms - "all suites" - think very lovely Embassy Suites. Nice furniture, nice linens, nice people.

Hotel Canallito. quiet side street still close to Rialto and St Marco's.
Lovely people and beautiful rooms.

Pensione La Calcina. I've stayed there twice. It is a good value and nice atmosphere, really well run, quiet, and out-of-the-way. Breakfast in the small dining room or on the patio over the Guidecca canal is nice. Rooftop terrace is divine. I perfer the neighborhood of Dosoduro more than more central congested areas.

I've only visited Venice once (a few weeks ago), but when we return, it will always be to Locanda Orseolo.

It is run by a husband and wife team, and everyone member of the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. We were overwhelmed by friendly and welcoming they were - and genuine. It is in a fantastic location. Central but also quiet. Lovely renovation. Fantastic breakfast. I really can't say enough good things about Locanda Orseolo actually. It was the first stop on our honeymoon, and the perfect start.

www.locandaorseolo.com

We've been to Venice four times (last week was our 4th trip). So far, Hotel Abbazia near the train station was our favorite. The staff are very friendly and helpful, the location is good, and the rooms are very comfortable.

Thank you all for suggestions; and opinions, which mean a lot! Several places unfortunately, were either unavailable when we will be there or they were for a weeks stay. So far I am leaning towards the Pensione La Calcina or Hotel Locanda Orseolo. It will probably depend on availablity.

Rd: Do you have a web add. for Hotel Canallito?
Thanks again.

I just typed in Hotel Cannelito on my search bar and hey presto!

FOSCARI PALACE
This lovely 4* hotel would usually be out of our price range,but we went in January. Unbelievable luxury for 130 euros! Steps from the Ca D'Oro vaporetto.

Old palace with large, modern rooms and baths. Absolutely gorgeous. Do a search: I've done several reports on it. Trip Advisor also has spot-on reviews.

Have only been there once but we loved our hotel -- Hotel Antiche Figure.

When are you going ?

On our last trip to Venice (which was our third), we stayed at Pensione Accademia and absolutely loved it. We will most definitely stay there again.
http://www.pensioneaccademia.it

Another vote for Orseolo. Have stayed there twice and just made reservations for our third visit in November 2007! Read the reviews at Trip Advisor.

<<So far I am leaning towards the Pensione La Calcina or Hotel Locanda Orseolo>>

Traveler2, I would contact any and all hotels you are possibly interested in ASAP to see what is available. You didn't mention your travel dates, or how far in advance this is, but those two are extremely popular hotels.

I found no website for
Hotel Canallito
nor
Hotel Cannelito
but I did find one for
http://www.hotelcanaletto.com/english.htm

You all have been a great help! I am planning on going about the 1st of April. I have contacted one of the hotels and they did have rooms available; however when I checked some of the other web sites, 2 other hotels did not have availability.

I briefly visited Venice once and made the mistake of not listening to the good advice of Fodorites and stayed outside of Venice. This time I am will not make that mistake!
Thank you all.