We will be first time Italy travelers. Anyone taking the same RS trip and extending to Venice? Any hotels you can recommend? We checked many of Rick's recommendations from his book but found prices to be almost double in many cases. Looking for something around 150 euros, relaxed/quiet, near some good eateries and quick access to a water taxi (6:40 AM departure flight).
Suggestions?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
It is very difficult to book by trying individual hotels and B&Bs. Many never seem to respond, and you are left hanging. More and more I use Booking.com. As a test, I input May 24-27, selected a review score of 8 or higher and a price of no more than E 150 per night. There were lots of choices. Venice is really very small and most of the sestiere are convenient. Just don't stay in Mestre or Giudecca.
I also like VRBO.com but most apartments require at least 3 nights. If you are staying 3 nights, it's worth a try.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
I have been booking my upcoming trip to Italy directly with the hotels/B&Bs and have had no problems. I would rather all my money go to the hotel/B&B instead of part of it being the booking fee the hotel has to pay Booking.com. Now, if I find a place the rate is lower through Booking.com, you can be sure I will use it. The other problem I have run into is that I have found places Booking.com says there are no rooms available, but the hotel itself says it has rooms. Some hotels do not release all of their rooms to booking agents and prefer to rent them directly thereby saving the booking fee.
If you are using Rick's 2014 book contact the hotel directly, mention that you are using his book and I am sure they will honor Rick's price. That is their agreement to get listed in his book.
In doing my research I came up with about a dozen hotels in Venice with rates 150 euro or less. If you would like to see this list please send me a private message.
Posted by
OP
Belmont, NY, USA
19 posts
Thanks, all. We've booked at the Aitagliapietra B & B. It had great reviews and the owner has been described as "very helpful" to guests who have stayed there. If fact, he'll meet us at the vaporetto stop and take us to the B & B.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
Dominic,
Small world, that is the B&B we just made reservations for in May.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Dominic, you are so lucky! We stayed with Lorenzo several years ago and he is an amazing host! I hesitated to mention Ai Tagliapietra because it's usually so difficult to get into. Enjoy!
As to Booking.com, I agree that it does not always have access to all the rooms a hotel might have. It is however a timesaver if you've already spent sveral hours (or days) searching and are frustrated. It's an option and one that has worked well for me.