Any comments about the Colombina Hotel or Locanda San Barnaba would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Stayed at Locanda San Barnaba after the New York Times reviewed it and we loved it. It's just a few steps from a vaporetto stop, but we were able to walk everywhere. The breakfast room is very cozy and nice, and the girl who handled it was helpful. For the price we got ($125), it was fantastic, and although I've heard the prices may be higher, it's definitely worth it based on other prices of Venice hotels I've looked at. The rooms are a very good size, and the area is full of very good restaurant, but quiet at night. It doesn't have canal views (I think they were repairing the one in the back). Any other info, let me know.

Wendy<BR>I haven't stayed there but I was curious about the Colombina which has only been open for two years, so I went to look at it last fall. Location is behind P. San Marco, a 7-10 minute walk from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop. Walking there the first time might be a little confusing, but after that it's easy. Since it's new, everything about it is fresh and attractive. I saw a large double that could accommodate a third person in a nice built-in daybed, and I also saw a standard double. Rooms were medium-sized based on my European experiences. I would not call them small by European standards. Bathrooms also medium-sized, completely modern. Room d&eacute;cor traditional, but light, airy, and charming. Very quiet location, especially the rooms that face the courtyard. Attractive breakfast room, and breakfast is included in the price. There's also a bar on the main floor. I may very well try this place next time.

Hi Wendy,<BR>I also would suggest to go to the Colombina. A friend of mine found it also a quiete, private palce(only about 30 rooms). The best of it - all in venecian style decorated. Prices in november were about EUR 170,- per double<BR>and breakfast.

Thanks for the help! Trying to decide between this and Albergo Quattro Fontane because we're going with the kids in July. Any opinions on this? Many thanks!

Stayed at the Colombina last month. It was lovely, the staff were great, the breakfast was nice and they would cook eggs, etc.<BR><BR>Great location behind Piazza San Marco. We had room 211 with 3 big windows looking into the canal. Lovely.<BR><BR>The dock was a big step up from the boat from the airport.

Hi Wendy,<BR>...if possible - do not choose July/August for venice - no matter which hotel - everything is overcrwoded!!!!!!!<BR>Keep this in mind ! That is no fun with kids to stay in line for attractions or rush through the crowds of japanese, european, brazilians or even aussies.<BR>Also don get angry to the italians, when the appear a bit frosty when they under pressure - they live more relaxed and have a different point of view for live.<BR>Any questions ?<BR>Shain/Germany/D&uuml;sseldorf

Hi Wendy,<BR>We stayed at the Hotel Rialto, right on the Grand Canal at The Rialto Bridge. Perfect central location for all shopping and sites. Water taxi right out front door. Easy to get to from train station. Charming rooms $150.00 USD ask for canal view room. We would stay there again. Have a great trip. Leave time for Murano-A MUST!

Hi Wendy,<BR>Colombina is a very nice 4 stars Hotel, we were there at the end of November.<BR>We got the price of $ 75 from a travel agent. I've never been at S.Barnaba but is difficult to find a better one.

Help! The Colombina sounds ideal, but I'm confused! Shain-- the rate you mentioned of 170 Euro translates to somewhere around $150 US, give or take.<BR>Sheril's rate of $75 is about 1/2, also for November. Am I missing something (assuming this is a double room)? Could either/both of you clarify this? Thanks. Dave

sorry Dave <BR>I did not specify. It was $ 150 for a dbl room in November. The operator contact is [email protected]

Wendy and Dave,<BR><BR>just an FYI, the person that is recommending arbaspaa is a travel agent violating the no-advertising rule here at Fodors and presenting herself as a fellow traveller. She has posted in this forum before as [email protected] and bob. Her name is catherina unger. If you do a search for c. unger you will find many similarly-phrased posts.

Hi again,<BR>regarding the price, my friend took a german operator, which accepts creditcards.<BR>Actually prices now until 15.march 02<BR>are:<BR>EUR 146,- per double room (only su-fr)<BR>EUR 162,- " " " (only fr-su)<BR>from 15.mar - 01.may 02 its<BR>EUR 248,- " " " (only su-fr)<BR>EUR 296,- " " " (only fr-su) <BR><BR>Need more infos ?<BR>Email me<BR>Shain/Germany/D&uuml;sseldorf

All prices incl. <BR>Tax, service, charge, breakfast<BR>Shain

Thanks to Shain and Sheril. Dave