Hotel La Calcina, Venice on the Guidecca Canal

Never stayed there but if you get a room, take it. Very popular hotel right on the water.

We stayed there on our honeymoon in 2003, in a room directly facing the Giudecca Canal. We loved the hotel and the location. I don’t know if it is still the case, but then one could reserve the private rooftop terrace for an hour (free). We went at sunset and took a bottle of wine and some antipasti; it was magical.

I am sure the roomies have been redecorated since then, but at that time they had hardwood floors and simple furnishings; none of the heavy ornate brocade that is often labeled “Venetian”. We really liked the simplicity, and I loved looking out the window!

Two caveats: you are likely to see cruise ships going by in the morning from the bed, unless you arise quite early. They are huge and fill the window for the time it takes to pass by. Also, the bathroom is quite small, and the shower then was particularly so. Not a problem for us, as we are both slightly built, but for someone Wee over 200 #, it could have been a tight fit. And no, we did not attempt to shower together, even if it was our honeymoon!!! But maybe the bathrooms have been redone.

I stayed there once, had a room facing a side canal. I loved it and would have gone back in a heartbeat but prices went up (all over Venice) and it's now out of my range. I do stay in the Dorsoduro when I return to Venice. Great location.