has anyone stayed in the Sant'Elena area of Venice?

Almost! The apartment we stayed in last year was just across the canal from the San Pietro church. We ate in a couple of restaurants in that area. We didn't find a great deal of commercial activity in the Sant'Elena quarter itself, but enjoyed drinks at the Vincent Bar on the Viale quattro Novembre (they also have gelato). The biggest pro is that you will most likely not see another tourist in that area. Via Garibaldi, north of the public gardens, has markets and shops - also Bar El Refolo, one of the favorite spots we found. We were there five days and really enjoyed being off the beaten path on our second trip to Venice.

thanks Janet! being off the beaten path after a day of pushing thru crowds is exactly what we'd like. i can envision having a nice glass (or two) of Veneto wine on a bench along the Sant'Elena waterfront while we watch the sun turn golden and drop behind the Venice "skyline" across the lagoon. Sounds like a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. And from what you say, there are restaurants and bars within walking distance. i just found a listing on Chowhound.com for a place called osteria dal campo that is in Sant'Elena and looks quite good. so i'm stoked...thanks again!

I stayed at Al Ponte Mocinego hotel last year near the San Stae vaparetto stop and it was extremely nice. It was really great to not be near the chaos of Rialto or San Marco.

Laurie,
Thanks! You must have been reading my mind, because the Al Ponte Mocenigo is the hotel we're considering in the San Stae area! The online reviews make it sound really nice. I'm glad to know you liked it. Thanks for responding.

Tim

We stayed at Al Ponte Mocenigo a year ago. It was great! This was our 3rd trip to Venice and first one to this hotel. It's in a convenient area that is more quiet and hotel staff were very friendly and helpful without being intrusive. We had wine with other travelers on the small courtyard and met some very nice people. The room was large by Italian standards and spotless. We also like the Dorsoduro area, it's more of a neighborhood than a tourist path, but it's convenient to the vaporetto and easy to get to the train station. Ca Dogaressa has a couple of Jr. Suite rooms that are very large & look out over the canal. recommend them highly, also. Have a great trip!

The best pizza and pitcher of wine we had was sitting outside in one of the little cafes in St. Elena near the B&B Venezia. I don't think I'll ever stay anywhere else in Venice than St Elena. I've visited 5, 6, 7 (?) times and St Elena is now our favorite.