Hello all: During 2 weeks in Italy (late April 2026), we are staying in Venice for 3 nights (so 2 full days). Looking for recommendations of hotels vs. short term rentals, best area to be based for sight seeing, and any lesser-known sites that you found especially memorable. We love history, architecture and culture. Thank you for all recommendations. Susan
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8526 posts
Forum search:
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Venice+hotels+
Our go to hotel in Venice is Hotel Ala
https://www.hotelala.it/
Posted by
145 posts
What's your nightly budget for hotels?
Posted by
Portland, OR
58 posts
I would opt for a hotel, easier to find in the maze of streets that is Venice, also hotels will usually have a nice breakfast and coffee available to start your day. I have stayed at the Pensione Accademia, and next month, October, I will be staying at Hotel Principe. The Pensione Accademica is lovely and in a great area for exploring and local food. I chose Hotel Principe for my next trip for its convenience to the train station. Venice is a lovely city, and I would pick a hotel over a short-term rental.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1111 posts
Hotel Ala without any questions! I've stayed there about 10-12 times. Wonderful staff, great location, amazing breakfast buffet.
Posted by
6 posts
If you are a music lover, I thoroughly enjoyed a Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concert in what is known as the Vivaldi Church on the waterfront in the San Zaccharia area.
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
146 posts
Thank you all for recommendations! Very helpful
We are indeed music lovers. Try to attend concerts wherever we travel in Europe. Planning to get up at 4 a.m. on Nov. 27 to try for on-line tickets to La Scala late April while in Milan..
I went to the Vivaldi Church website and could not find a way to get info in English. Can you please tell me, is it easy to buy tickets a day before in Venice. Or do I need to use translation app to figure this out? I appreciate your input. Susan
Posted by
6 posts
Hi Susan,
I just happened upon the Vivaldi Church as I was out walking. They had signs out for that night and the next night’s concerts and were selling tickets for both. I had just arrived in Venice after a transatlantic flight so I bought a ticket on the spot for the next night. It was quite full the next night - so if you can get them the day before, do. Enjoy!
Posted by
6 posts
I should mention - there was another Four Seasons concert advertised online - at another church in a different part of Venice. But it started at 9pm. The one I went to was at 7. (I think it was the same ensemble that played both)
Posted by
San Diego, California
6680 posts
We love the quiet of the Cannaregio area, never any crowds, but still a nice energy and plenty of places to eat and wander. You can take sunset pix without anyone spoiling the frame. Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente is our fav hotel, book directly for the best rate, and it has its own dock directly on a canal. The location is a ten minute walk to a vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal. Enjoy!