Just got back from Venice. Stayed at the Fontana Hotel. I loved the location because I did not have to try to negotiate all the small calles that are very easy to get lost in, especially when jet-lagged. None of the maps I had seen were accurate enough until I was in Venice. The baths were small but adequate. Very clean. Very helpful staff.
For a higher end restaurant, RS recommendation of the Ristorante Antica Sacrestia was a good one. Beautiful setting, excellent host and great wine. I also second Rick's recommendation to avoid the tourist traps near Rialto. I actually had a bad pizza in one of them-not bad in terms of getting sick but tough crust and not very tasty. My fault to stop there but the people watching was great.