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Venice 2010

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Venice Rentals from your Venice guide book
Why: We used the co. www.Venicerentals.com they were easy to work with and very helpful. The Arsenale apartment that we rented was one of the best on our entire European trip.

Chris Turner in LA, CA USA 09/27/2009

Best: Albergo Doni
Why: Great location, good value. Our room was spacious for three, though dimly lit, as Rick notes. Breakfast was modest but adequate. The hotel could use fresh paint and softer bedding, but the hospitality more than made up for those few negatives. Nikkos was exceptionally helpful in getting us oriented in and around Venice and also on to our next destination.

A. McCaughan in Prospect, OR USA 09/24/2009

Best: Morandi alla Crocetta Hotel in Florence
Why: The staff was wonderful, offered recommendations, made the visit special. The locatino is also very quiet. Rooms clean and well sized.

Worst: Hotel Belle Art in Venice
Why: Rick describes the staff as stern. I would call them unengaged and rude. The rooms are in desparate need of an update and the breakfast rushed and limited. First time (of 8 or so) that I have not loved a RS recommendation.

Helen Boyne in Montclair, NJ USA 09/10/2009

Best: Allogg Barbaria B&B
Why: This place and its manager, Fausto, are fantastic. The place was great, the location convenient, and Fausto was the best! He was so helpful through all my emails before the trip and just as helpful during our stay. He was born & raised in Venice and gave us all the inside tips. He arranged a memorable gondola serenade for us, gave us good restaurant recommendations, helped us save money, and helped us make the best use of our time in Venice. He cares about his guests and wants them to have the best possible experience. He and his B&B truly made our May 2009 trip a dream visit. I hope to go back again and stay at the same place.

David Benson in Bloomington, MN USA 06/06/2009

Best: Hotel Campiello/apartment in Venice
Why: VERY ACCOMODATING staff. We were surprised by being seated at breakfast in the private dining room away from the rest of the guests. LOVELY APARTMENT!

Debbie Hines in Loudon, TN USA 06/02/2009

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: My wife and I stayed at Alloggi Barbaria on our last trip to Venice. The hotel was a wonderful place to stay. Out of the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas yet still close enough to be able to walk to them all quite easily. It's also very close to a vaporetto stop and grocery store, which is very convenient.

Giorgio and Fausto were friendly and pleasant hosts. Giorgio was very happy to accommodate any requests we had. Fausto's knowledge of Venice is amazing. The rooms were quite clean with private bath and television. I would highly recommend a stay in their hotel. We will surely stay there again on our next visit to Venezia.

Gary R. in Boxborough, MA USA 05/22/2009

Best: La Locandiera
Why: Not on your list this time, but I would recommend highly. Great Large room. Very helpful, sparkling clean and a super breakfast buffet (especially for Venice.

Phil McAtee in Warner Robins, GA USA 05/08/2009

Best: Corte Campana
Why: The room was large, bright and had a great shower. It was close to the action, but quiet and our family of four felt right at home. Riccardo is fantastic and helped with all the details of our stay - from restaurant reservations to shopping recommendations. We would love to go back and stay again!

Kris R. in Frankfurt, Germany 04/13/2009

Best: STAY IN THE CITY !!!
Why: Regardless of where you stay, Venice is glorious by day and enchanting by night! Do not miss the opportunity to cruise the canal at night, or walk the quiet streets and bridges. Venice is transformed when the "day trippers" are gone. There are many reasonably priced places to stay, just do a little homework! If you stay on the mainland, you miss half of what Venice has to offer, and after traveling so far and planning so long, why not enjoy it ALL? !!

L.Kelly in Newbury, VT USA 04/04/2009

Best: Hotel Flora
Why: Spent four nights there in Feb. 2009 based on RS recommendation and was very happy. Emailed reservation from Florence and they gave me a 10% RS discount. While a little tricky to find, it's an easy walk with baggage from vaporetto stop. Professional and efficient staff that speaks English. Delicious breakfast with fresh-squeezed blood orange juice, croissants, cheese, fruit, yogurt, the works (no meats). Rooms and public areas are "European Small", but everyone was friendly and it was super clean. Would stay there again.

Tim in Portland, OR USA 02/25/2009

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: Giorgio and Fausto were very good hosts. Fausto provided tickets at a discount for a concert at Chiesa di San Vidal near the Accademia Bridge to hear a Vivaldi and Mozart concert by Interpreti Veneziani, which includes one of the most expressive and finest cello players in the world, Davide Amadio (look up Davide Amadio on YouTube - fantastic). Fausto also help us by downloading pictures from my husband's camera on to our thumb-drive using the hotel's computer as a complementary service. This was extremely helpful.

We enjoyed the location. It was very close to the Ospedale Vaporetto landing, quiet, 15-20 minute canal & back alley walk to St. Marks Square, conveniently located right around the corner to Pizzeria Peter Pan where we purchased grande döners (5 euro/each) to take with us to eat on the train from Venice to Rome, La Boutique del Gelato (the best gelateria in Venice with the most generous scoops - 4 scoops waffle cone for 2.70 euro) is located close by on the walk to the Rialto Bridge.

Breakfast was served on time in a clean, open, bright diningroom. Our room was also clean, well-sized, and comfortable. Grazie!!

Leanne Roe in Everett, WA USA 12/31/2008

Best: Corte Campana B&B
Why: As if being able to spend 5 whole days in Venice for a thanksgiving holiday isn't enough good fortune, booking 2 rooms for a group of 5 adults,at the Corte Campana was the icing on the cake..The rooms were large, spotless, comfortable and full of sun light. The bathrooms were very American.(plenty of hot water and good presur, hair dryers and fresh towels for the asking.) Breaskfast was simple but more than adequate. The location perfect.. (two turns from St Marco's) But the best part of all was our host Riccardo who welcomed us, helped carry our bags up the stairs, gave us an excellent "orientation" to Venice and was full of recommendations, ideas, helpful hints, etc. A lovely community room with a computer with free access to e-mail, umbrellas and a hotline to his personal cell phone "just in case") is somthing I have rarely experienced. An excellent value in any currency. I have stayed in many of steves recommended accomodations in Italy and this was the best of all. I would stay there again and tell anyone else to do so.

Helen L in New York, NY USA 12/01/2008

Worst: The two recommended Murano glass shops on St Marks Square
Why: If you have $1000's to spend on a piece of glass it might be a good recommendation. They were very gallery-like. I wanted a more realistic, fun shop where the glass was a little easier to buy and yet still made in Murano. I found just the shop on a little street behind St Marks Square. The shop owner was friendly, talkative, encouraged us to pick up the pieces and take them to a table to look at them closely and in good light. I bought two pieces from him (not cheap but not out of reach). He was insured, and shipped them to me. Both arrived 7 days later, packaged beautifully and I couldn't be happier. The shop is called Nice Venice and the address is 1164 San Marco. The shop owner is Mario Brasi and he was hilarious and fun and very nice. When we go back I will be heading to his shop first! Check it out and maybe you too will recommend it to other!

Erica Ryan in Bakersfield, CA USA 11/10/2008

Best: Alloggi Alla Scala
Why: We have stayed here twice (2003 and 2008). The location is fantastic. Your are right between Rialto, San Marco, and the Academia Bridge. Anywhere you want to go is close by. They have remodeled since we were there in 2003, and the rooms are larger than they used to be. For this location, you can't beat the price: 85 euros a night with cash. A little higher if you want to use a credit card.

CA Adams in Everett, WA USA 11/10/2008

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: In July of 2008, my niece and I visited Venice, Italy and stayed at Alloggi Barbaria. Alloggi Barbaria is a charming bed and breakfast located in a quiet calle in Venice away from the not-so-charming hordes of tourists crowding the San Marco area but close enough (once you learn to navigate Venice streets and waterways) to visit many cultural sites. Conveniently located near several waterbus (vaporetto) stops, it is a marvelous jumping off point to visit the islands in the lagoon, like Murano, famous for its glass factory. Using the waterbuses, we found that getting almost anywhere central in Venice from this location took less than half an hour. The neighborhood around Alloggi Barbaria is a great escape from the crowds. My niece and I thoroughly enjoyed Venice as a unique, magical city rather than a place to elbow through crowds mostly because of our stay there. We felt like we got to experience the ‘real’ Venice. There is also a great grocery store around the corner, next to the boathouse.

Giorgio and Fausto are the friendly, helpful caretakers and are native Venetians. Giorgio left an impression of kindness and hospitality: after a complicated multi-flight trip, we arrived exhausted and jet-lagged in the evening. Giorgio immediately led us to our clean, spacious room, showed us our accommodations and how to work the air conditioner! It was just what we needed at that moment and made us feel like welcome guests.

The multi-lingual Fausto can advise you on all things Venetian – from Venice culture to restaurants to the best vantage points from which to see Venice on high.

Out of all the hostels we stayed at on our trip to Europe, Alloggi Barbaria was my favorite.

Cindy Reitzi in Middleton, WI USA 11/06/2008

Best: Corte Campana
Why: Riccardo is a consummate host. His philosophy is to "breathe oxygen" into his exhausted guests. And this he does. We are familiar with Venice, but we know the feeling of bewilderment and anxiety everyone feels when you've just been dropped off at the train station, tried to navigate the vaporetti, or do as we did, schlepped our gear (incl. a 7 and 10 year old) following signs to San Marco on foot. He graciously welcomed us an hour early, and as an "insider," he had terrific recommendations for gelaterias and restaurants that served local fare. He's like a long lost cousin -- really takes care of you. He'll also probably escort you to the right ALILAGUNA taxi that will take you straight to your cruise ship or the Mestre airport. Rooms are gracious -- the free internet access a welcome perk. He has worked very hard to make this a welcoming place. Trust Riccardo.

Jim Whitson in Seattle, WA USA 10/28/2008

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: Of all the places my aunt and I stayed during our trip to Europe this summer, the Alloggi Barbaria in Venice was my favorite. Giorgio and Fausto made us feel incredibly welcome and were always helpful and kind. Fausto seemed to know everything there is to know about Venice and gave us some great tips on where to go and where to eat. The room was clean and comfortable, the location was convenient (close to a vaporetto stop) and the neighborhood was a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of Venice. Another plus: the grocery store right down the block.

Julie Reitzi in Katy, TX USA 10/28/2008

Best: Hotel Al Piave
Why: Great value. Warm, helpful staff. Excellent breaksfasts. Pleasant restaurant next door. Great location. Very difficult to find following Rick's directions (young couple we spoke with had same difficulty using Rick's directions.

evelyn lynch in hatboro, pa USA 10/25/2008

Best: Allogi Alla Scala - right next to Bolova Scala
Why: It was only 85 euros a night after the cash discount. A good place if all you want is to sleep and shower up, which suited as just fine. Only less than 15 minutes to St Marks Square & minutes to the Rialto Bridge. Only down side - no breakfast and no soap in the bathroom. Thankfully I brought my own soap and found a great coffee bar owned by capable "Leo" that served panini with freshly sliced meat in them he made throughout the day between customers.

dfloyd in Sunnyvale, CA USA 10/20/2008

Worst: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: We usually agree with Rick's recommendations, but we found the Alloggi Barbaria quite disappointing. Giorgio must have been in a bad mood when we were there because he was very unfriendly. Breakfast was awful, and we barely had any hot water.

Roxann in Augusta, GA USA 10/07/2008

Best: Residenza A Tribute to Music Venice
Why: This small hotel was absolutely amazing! it is not on your book but we really think it should be. Rooms are nice, comfortable and clean with large bathrooms. Breakfast was tasty and plentyful, helpful staff...and, oh the view over San Mark's basin!! We spent hours watching outside our windows enjoying a good glass of fresh Prosecco. Martine and Daniel are so gracious...We can't wait to go back! www.atributetomusic.it info@atributetomusic.it

Gwen in jacksonville, FL USA 08/07/2008

Best: Casa Rezzonico
Why: Our room had a beautiful canal view and would have seemed quite large if there weren't 4 of us in it. The back yard has real grass, a rarity in Venice, where we not only had our breakfast but also our lunch purchased from the grocery store nearby. The area was centrally located and wonderfully quiet and uncrowded in the evening.

Anne Rosenfeld in Seattle, WA USA 07/10/2008

Best: Corte Campana in Venice
Why: We just returned from a 2 week trip to Italy. Our last two nights were spent in Venice at the Corte Campana. I cannot begin to describe how wonderful our stay was, but I will try.

We arrived in Venice by train and must admit, were a bit overwhelmed. But, Riccardo, the proprietor of this lovely B&B, gave us excellent directions to his place including which vaporetto bus to take and we found it without any problems.

The B&B is located about 2 blocks from St. Mark's on a quiet street. It is actually Riccardo’s family home and is quite charming and filled with beautiful Venetian furnishings. Three spacious, clean and air-conditioned bedrooms overlook a quiet courtyard. There is also a computer with internet that can be used at any time as well as a small refrigerator in the main living room.

Riccardo immediately made us feel right at home. On our first evening, we were walking outside and trying to decide where we should eat. We ran into Riccardo and he not only recommended a restaurant, but walked us to it and made our reservation for us. He also showed us an excellent place to buy wine. The wine was in barrels and you could get a 1 ½ liter bottle filled with your choice. Riccardo told us his favorite which we chose and it was the best wine we had on our trip! Riccardo also recommended a place to purchase our Murano glass. The quality and prices were great and when we mentioned that Riccardo had sent us, we were given a substantial discount. Riccardo also gave us helpful tips on the best times to see various sites in the city.

If you want a truly Venetian experience, this is the place to stay! We completely enjoyed our stay in Riccardo’s lovely home. Our only regret is that we didn’t stay longer!

Beth in Brooklyn Park, MN USA 07/01/2008

Worst: Hotel Riva
Why: Take Hotel Riva in Venice out of your book!!!. While Senora Iris was friendly, she overcharged us 10 euros per night. When we provided email confirmation and the price that was quoted to us upon booking, she would not back down. I would take it off the recommended list of hotels if that is the way guests are treated. I was unimpressed

I left feeling ripped off. Quite simply, we were treated unfairly.

Lisa in augusta, ga USA 06/22/2008

Worst: Ca' San Trovaso
Why: We were in the "Annex" -- 1st floor; it was clean and comfortable enough but dark and airless. The Guidebook said it had AC (one of our requirements!), but there was none, and so we had to open the window. The mosquitoes were HORRIBLE. We were covered with bites! The staff was not helpful. There is no radio, TV, clock or phone -- very unusual for 2008. This hotel should NOT be recommended. It is way below the quality of any other Rick Steves' recommendation.

Nancy Casey in Olean, NY USA 06/04/2008

Best: Hotel Riva- Venice
Why: Very friendly staff contrary to other reviews. Elena is sweet with great english and 2 other older staff members greet w/ smile and attempt to communicate. Great location and close to Piazza de San Marco. Ask for room #1 for a million dollar view of two canals. The rooms are small, but all you need when you are spending time discovering the streets of Venice. Great cappucinno's and spent time understanding why the breakfast was only bread and jam- as there is no evidence of refrigeration at hotel riva and all items (food, ice etc) is delivered to store fronts via boat or hand truck and very expensive. I would stay again- charming and affordable.

Holly Carpino in Dana Point, ca USA 06/04/2008

Best: Pensione Guerrato in Venice
Why: Beautiful rooms, excellent location, great prices, friendly staff. Can't be beat. It was our second time to stay there, we liked it so much.

Michael in Seattle, WA USA 05/31/2008

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: Very friendly staff, huge rooms (clean). Not far from St Marks square (10 min). It was nice being away from the action as it was in a very quiet location.

Kate Buechler in Winnipeg, MB Canada 05/22/2008

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: My wife and I stayed here for three nights in May. The price was right, the location was in a quiet neighborhood (easily walkable to San Marco) and the room (one of eight)was very comfortable, with the beds pushed together for king-size effect. The bathroom was clean and relatively modern, and there was a small alcove with desk and a chair, and cable TV. Owners Giorgio and Fausto were very helpful in recommending restaurants and suggesting sights to see. The only improvement I would recommend relates to the breakfasts, which consisted of somewhat stale rolls,pre-packaged croissants, and Tang-like orange juice. We would gladly have paid a couple of Euros more for a better breakfast. But we would still recommend this small hotel to any friends.

John and Angela in Hillsdale, NJ USA 05/21/2008

Worst: Riva
Why: Where to begin? Room - dark, no phone, dirty looking towels, bed that felt like a stone with a pillow like a brick, noisy. Staff - unfriendly, unhelpful, would ignore patrons because they were busy talking with their friends. Breakfast - couldn't really consider this a breakfast, it was more like a piece of bread with coffee. Ammenities - none! no public phones anywhere - we were told to go outside and look for the orange phonebooths, no internet connections, had to ask for a map of Venice and was given one with no explanations of where we were located on it. Did not escort us to our room, we were just told to go up the stairs and follow the signs. All in all, this was a bad price/quality hotel and I'm surprised that it is so highly rated in your guidebook.

Paul CA USA 04/26/2008

Worst: Hotel Riva
Why: Very disappointing. Floor was dirty, shutter was falling off the window, and worse of all were the paper thin walls. We were in Room #30 and could clearly hear the conversations of the people in the next room, not to mention every time they went to the bathroom. The breakfast was inadequate. A hard roll and coffee. Hotel staff was not friendly either - totally different than our experiences in other hotels in Italy. Would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

Eileen in Apex, NC USA 04/26/2008

Worst: Hotel Riva
Why: A bit noisy but manageable. By far the worst breakfast. Juice, coffee and all the buns you can eat. We stayed at the Hotel Centrale in Florence and the Hotel Golden in Rome and had a great breakfast at each. Hotel Riva breakfast was very poor.

Kelly Krug in Nanaimo, BC Canada 04/20/2008

Best: Hotel Bisanzio (Nov. 18 - 21, 2007)
Why: Excellent value (we were late enough to get winter rates) with good accommodations, great location and filling breakfast. Front desk was very helpful for dining recommendations (Al Giardinetto was good and we were the only tourists there) and arranging speed boat to the airport which was the only way to go and since we had 6, it was affordable and fast.)

Karen Nagata in Redmond, WA USA 04/17/2008

Best: Venice Hostel
Why: it was cheap, you get to meet people from all over the world, and really how much time do you really spend inside when your in ITALY!!!

Danielle Remillard in Boston , MA USA 04/15/2008

Best: Hotel Al Piave
Why: To us, expensive, but it was worth it because it was immaculate, pleasant, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast was nice but I don't know why everyone keeps raving about their scrambled eggs, though, on websites like Tripadvisor, because they were very strange indeed and we avoided them after the first try.

Cheryl Moody in Cheshire, CT USA 03/24/2008

Best: Hotel Campiello/apartment
Why: Our family of four spent 3 nights in August 2007 in one of Hotel Campiello's 3 apartments--The Bucintoro. These apts. were new last April, I believe, and ours was lovely. We had a one bedroom and then a sofa bed in the living rm. Each of these areas also had a flat panel t.v. The bathroom had a hydromassaging shower, a huge separate tub, and 2 sinks. The kitchen/dining area was very nice with dishwasher and microwave. The apts. are just a few steps from Hotel Campiello, which is just minutes from San Marco, and very easy to find. This apt. is located at the ground level so there are no stairs, which was a nice change from other places we have stayed in Venice. It is also air cond. and we were very comfortable here. I believe they also have a 2 bedroom apt. that would accommodate 6.

Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 03/17/2008

Best: Pensione Accademia
Why: Nice room, with a fantastic location in a (slightly) less touristy part of town near a vaporetto stop. The staff were very helpful, and the common areas were quite luxurious, and the views from the rooms are great.

Brian Gulledge in Woodbridge, VA USA 02/11/2008

Best: Hotel al Ponte Mocenigo
Why: We stayed 3 nights 10/31/07 to 11-1-07.Had a wonderful time. The directions to the hotel were perfect as the the tiny Calle della Campanile is easy to miss.The hotel was booked so we stayed in the Annex.Although the room was smaller we had plenty of room for the two of us( we travel light). The room was beuatifully decorated and very clean. The water presure never faltered and ther was lots of hot water. The breakast was a cold breakfast but very hearty... various cererals, fresh fruit, fruit filled croissants, fresh breads, cheeses,jams and butter. Of course there was a coffee bar. The staff was very nice and accomdating. One morning all the tables were full so they set up a table for us in the very large upstairs foyer.The hotel is close to the San Stae vapporetto stop which is very handy. Sandro was very helpful,patient and fun to visit with.He also was great at helping (and solving) us with a confusing transporation issue. It was a nice and quiet hotel in a local neighborhood- just what we were looking for our trip to Venice. Also,Sandro and Walter were very prompt in answering emails prior to arrival in Venice. We would definately stay ther again.

Shirley Creed in Wichita, KS USA 11/24/2007

Best: Corte Campana
Why: Rooms are huge, as are the bathrooms. Great shower. Quiet, but super-close to everything. East to find if you follow Rick's directions and/or the map on the Corte Campana web site. Riccardo is fabulous, cheerful, helpful -- and he speaks good English. I stayed here for 8 nights in October 2007 & LOVED it! Highly recommended -- I'll stay here again!!

Catherine Aster in San Francisco, CA USA 11/04/2007

Best: Locanda Casa Querini
Why: Great location near St. Mark's, but on a quiet square of its own. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 10/29/2007

Worst: Hotel Gambero
Why: I think they are charging unreasonable rates because of your recommendations. All the people we talked at the hotel to were Rick Steves travlers.First- no elevator, second the desk clerk was between unfriendly and sour, third the rooms are very small, third the breakfast is basically Dole fruit cocktail and rolls, fourth I think they are trading on your recommendation. They, as a 3* charged us 265E per night. While in Venice we checked with two 4* hotels and their rates were 250E. Despite a reservation, they stuck us on the 4th floor, we were told there was a good view, the view was of adjacent dirty tile roofs. A complete disappointment and I felt way overpriced for what we got. After we complainde, the third of three nights they moved us to the 2nd floor.

Mike Williams in Tampa, FL USA 10/18/2007

Best: Alloggi Barbaria
Why: Fausto and Giorgio answered all our questions and breakfast on the terrace was a delight. The room was large and looked out on a quiet groups of neighbors' terraces.

Jim & Megan Taylor in Seattle, WA USA 10/09/2007

Best: La Locanda di Orsaria
Why: Just about 4 minute walk from train station so you don't have to schlep your luggage on crowded vaperettos. Very dark and quiet at night so sleep was easy. It's in Cannaregio district so when you wander, you end up in neighborhoods with locals and their children, not just tourists. Staff was very helpful and gracious, especially the gentleman who managed the breakfast room-breakfast was very good. Have a copy of the International Herald Tribune available to read every morning. Give a 7% discount for cash. No lift for the 3 story building but not very difficult

John & Susan in St Petersburg, FL USA 10/08/2007

Best: Hotel al Cason, Padova (Padua)
Why: Comfortable room, reasonably priced. The people were very friendly. They served a substantial breakfast. The lady attending the desk was fluent in English. She recommended a restaurant a few blocks away that was outstanding and very reasonable. I neglected to record the name and address so I can't pass that on to your readers. They have a PC with Internet connections available to guests without charge. That beats an Internet cafe.

They also sold tickets to the bus tour of Padua that left from the Railroad Station. Open topped double decker bus, with earphones and multi-lingual translation.

Mike Romanov in Northfield, MN USA 10/04/2007

Best: Ca'Dogaressa - not in book, please consider
Why: Located on the Canale di Cannaregio, we were able to walk from the train station with ease AND were treated to breakfast canalside each day. The rooms were beautifully decorated in Venetian style wiht air conditioning and a good sized shower - a real treat! The hotel is seemingly family run, as our host and his wife, his daughter and her 2 or 3 year old son were often on hand at breakfast. Our room was cleaned both days while we were at breakfast, too. It felt a bit like staying with a family. I really enjoyed the warm welcome AND the location was ideal. We were able to be right on a canal without spending a fortune, off the "main" drag so it was quiet, yet we could walk to the train station as a central point and catch a vaporetto (fast or slow) to wherever we wanted. I'd encourage a look at this hotel for inclusion in future travel books.

Tiphanie Benoit in Macomb, MI USA 09/08/2007

Best: Pensione La Calcina
Why: It was very clean and located in a beautiful spot on the Giudecca Canal in Dorsoduro. For a family suite that slept four of us, the price of 240 eur per night was, in Venice, reasonable. Breakfast on the floating dock on the canal was the highlight of each morning.

Doyle Johnson in Medfield, MA USA 08/27/2007

Best: venicerentals.com
Why: Wanted to say thanks for the great tip on using venicerentals.com for finding an apartment to rent in Venice. Just got back from spending a week in Venice. The guide book alone was such a great tool in our visit to the city. Renting an apartment through venicerentals made the trip just perfect. Denise and Julie were great in finding us the perfect apartment and getting us accilmated to the city. Our apartment was perfectly located between Rialto and San Marco. We found ourselves spending the majority of the week coming back and forth between the sites and our apartment for rests as we walked through the streets of Venice. We felt like one of the locals using our campo and local market. Felt safe and secure using a company recommended in the guide book. What a fantastic week!!

Chris Williams in Laurel, MD USA 08/26/2007

Worst: Fondazione Levi, Venice, Italy
Why: Outrageous cancellation policy in poorly worded English, mailed to you after they have your credit card no. They charge you the full length of your stay if you cancel in less than 15 days ahead of your arrival, even at the height of the tourist season, even if you have a medical emergency (as I did)... I booked a 5-day stay for May and tried to cancel full 3 days ahead...

Gabe Kish in Pacific Grove, CA USA 08/24/2007

Worst: Locanda Sturion- Venice
Why: The stairs took all the energy we had left each day to climb. The staff was not helpful at all. They gave us recommendations to a laundry that was no longer still in business and they couldn’t explain to us why our hotel phone wasn’t working. We had to use our cell phones to make restaurant reservations. That was costly! The place was very smelly, hot and dirty. Our room had moth balls everyplace that stunk up the whole room, making it hard to breathe. We had confirmed reservations via phone and email for a room closest to the reception area and overlooking the canal. When we checked in, we were told it was booked in error and the only room available was one more floor up. You can imagine how emotional draining it was to climb all the stairs just to get into the hotel- reception area only to have to climb another floor to get to our room each night.

Christine Morrissey in Campbell, CA USA 08/23/2007

Best: Albergo Guerrato
Why: Very nice and helpful staff, clean room. We shared a hallway bathroom, which was never a problem. The breakfast was good. In a neat area with cheap pizza and gelato stands nearby.

Devin in Olympia, WA USA 08/06/2007

Best: Hotel Orion
Why: Near perfect location on quiet street steps from St. Mark's. Very clean and comfortable rooms. Nice bathrooms with good water pressure and hot water. Air conditioning worked very well. Nice breakfast included. Note: the first morning our server brought us refills and seconds. The second morning a rude woman server limited our selections. Rest of staff was very nice.

Ann Marzano in Wayne, IL United States 07/24/2007

Best: Hotel Domus Cavanis
Why: Basic hotel, clean, a/c and a t.v.. Use of the Belle Arti Hotel breakfast good. Fine location in Dorsoduro

Craig in Salt Lake City, UT USA 07/11/2007

Best: Albergo Guerrato
Why: I can't say enough wonderful things about Roberto and the rest of his staff. They were friendly, helpful and gave great restaurant recommendations. The hotel was clean and very centrally located. It was a bit noisy with the market setup in the morning but still worth it.

Mendy Droke in Bainbridge Island , WA USA 07/05/2007

Worst: Hotel La Residenza
Why: The Asian owners and staff were very unfriendly. They turned off the air-conditioning when THEY thought it was cool enough in your room. We had to complain on a daily basis about it being hot and then they would turn it off in the middle of the night, we would wake up sweating. Breakfasts were served by the same surly older man who ran the front desk, at his pace, and only one helping of whatever he brought you. When we paid in cash, as they requested, the old man counted each bill THREE TIMES and then held EACH one up to the light to examine it, also THREE TIMES! When he gave me my change, I examined IT! FOUR TIMES! They also tried to push the Murano glass tour on us. Very unsatisfactory, please do your readers a favor and get rid of this unpleasant hotel from your book!

Tony Beccaccio in Fairfax, Ca USA 07/02/2007

Best: Locanda Al Leon
Why: The owners are on premise, and so helpful in every way. It is perfectly situated. Though the lobby seems a bit unseemly, the rooms upstairs are roomy, gorgeous, immaculate and air conditioned. The hotel is in a 600 year old house that has been restored.

stephanie c in towson, Md USA 06/29/2007

Best: Alloggi Barberia
Why: Have to agree with everything Megan Murphy, who along with her family, was at the Allogi Barberia at the same time we were last week. It is easy to get to via the vaporetto. The rooms are amazingly large and Spotless and the ac was a bonus in the city heat. Giorgio and Ivana were great. We would definitely stay here again.

Marilyn Nixon in Pittsburgh, PA USA 06/22/2007

Best: Alloggi Barbaria Hotel
Why: This was the absolute best Inn we stayed in during 10 days in Italy. Fausto was as friedly as family, but not intrusive. The rooms are spotless with LARGE showers. excellent AC, low priced well stocked mini bar and comfortable beds. The price was the best of the trip and it is conviently located to the Vaporetto stop. I would not consider staying anywhere else in Venice.

Megan Murphy in Austin, Tx USA 06/20/2007

Worst: Hotel Campiello
Why: Our room was small and dark and the hotel staff was generally unfriendly. Although they did recommend one good restaurant, they also encouraged us to join a "tour" to a Murano glass factory that clearly gave them a kick back - high pressure sales with prices five times that of other stores. All of this left us with a generally bad feeling for Venice. Please advise your readers to be careful of scams in Venice.

Rose Ann Woolpert in Cupertino, CA USA 06/18/2007

Best: the Campiello in Venice
Why: This hotel, although not inexpensive, has everything one could want.It is located right off the SanZacarria boat dock down a small lane or Calle.Very quiet, air-conditioned, a lovely bathroom,a great buffet breakfast, and a computer to check or send emails. People at the desk are helpful,and thereis an elevator. Perfect.

Jane Davis in Lebanon, Oh USA 06/12/2007

Best: Alloggi Barbaria Hotel
Why: This place was one of the hightlights of our Italy trip. After spending time in Rome, Florence and Pisa, we enjoyed our stay at the Alloggi Barbaria. It was easy to get to from the train station and immediately was greeted by Giorgio. Had communicated our stay via the website via Fausto and the e-mails could not have been easier to set up our time in Venice. The hotel was spotless, the rooms had more amenities than the more expensive high-end chains we stayed at in Rome. The mini-bar was such a bargain. After just a couple of night stay at this hotel, I consider these guys friends and wouldn't consider another spot when returning to Venice

Tom Harwell in Orlando, FL USA 05/20/2007

Best: Casa Cosmo in Venice
Why: I booked Casa Cosmo based on the recommentation from your book and would like to thank you. Davide and his father were VERY accomodating and the simple yet confortable room was a nice deal for the GREAT location. Davide also took the time to answer our questions about Venice and also took us outside to point out some interesting things about architecture in Venice. I would definitely stay there again, thanks for the tip!!

Sloane Gibb in Philadelphia, PA USA 05/17/2007

Worst: Locanda la Corte, Venice Italy
Why: The literature from the hotel and "Italy 2007" guidebook states the hotel is air conditioned. The literature also states that all rooms have "air-conditioning (included in the price)." The staff informed us that the air conditioning will not be turned on until June 1st. We stayed in early May without air conditioning in our rooms.

J P in Tampa, FL USA 05/11/2007

Best: Corte Campana B&B in Venice
Why: Riccardo made our stay in Venice especially memorable. His enthusiasm is infectious and he works overtime on being helpful. His restaurant suggestions were great. Add that to a very convenient, quiet location and you have a wonderful place to stay in Venice.

Kitty Kramer in Centennial, CO USA 05/10/2007

Best: Corte Campana - Venice
Why: The B&B rooms were booked, so we took the 1st floor apartment around the block (b-fast not included for apartment, but grocery store near by - easy & interesting to shop/try). Spacious, comfortable for 4 & very quiet, yet only 3 minute walk from San Marco square. Riccardo was fantastic! We had plane, transportation delays - were about 1 hr late, he was waiting in the street/alley for us (& still smiling). He's funny, pleasant, had great sites & dinner recommendations and made reservations for us. Highly recommended!

Ron & Ann Korzun in Clifton Park, NY USA 04/29/2007

Best: Hotel Casa Verardo
Why: Ideal location, very quiet but welcoming to kids. A little canal outside our window, complete with hanging laundry and pigeon eggs on the ledge. Staff was helpful and breakfast good. Rick calls it a bit of a splash out, but it was ideal for a family who needed connected rooms.

Angela in Sammamish, WA USA 04/15/2007

Best: Albergo Guerrato
Why: Roberto and Piero were wonderful hosts to my husband, me and our two boys. We loved Venice, and the hotel was great. The location was terrific and the rooms were clean, comfortable and easily accessible to everything we wanted to do. As a cook, I loved the Rialto market right outside our window.

Maggie Kilpatrick in Saint Paul, MN USA 04/10/2007

Best: Hotel Guerrato
Why: Roberto and Piero couldn't have been nicer to us. Roberto carried our luggage up six flights of stairs and once when we needed directions to a vaporetto stop, he walked us there! The hotel was unique in that it stemmed back to the year 1200 but was very convenient and accomodating.

Nancy Otto in Austin, TX USA 01/24/2007

Worst: Ca' San Trovaso
Why: Communicated by email to inquire and make reservations. They stopped communicating with me as soon as they received my credit card number and expiration date. Repeated emails and faxes went unanswered. Had to call the credit card company to put an alert on the account. Never got an explanation. BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBERS!

Irene Towers in Cardiff by the Sea, CA USA 01/23/2007

Best: Corte Compana B & B
Why: The location was excellent and accomodations very comfortable. Everything I'd read about Riccardo on this site and Tripadvisor was absolutely true. He was a truely kind, wonderful person who was willing to help with anything. He made our dinner reservations and his recommended restaurants were very good. We paid 140 EUR for a quad room with a bath, which seemed like a good value in Venice.

Terry in Bend, OR USA 01/08/2007