Hotel in Varenna, Verona and Venice

What is your budget? What type of accommodations are you looking for, hotel, B&B or apartment? Donna

We have stayed two places in Venice and heartily endorse them both. http://www.aitagliapietra.com/homepage.htm is a B&B where you receive personalized help from Lorenzo, the charming owner. This is great for a first time if you feel you need a little guidance. But Lorenzo is not a "hovering presence." He's there in the morning for breakfast and to get you started on your day with advice, should you need it. If you are more independently minded, we stayed in this apartment last month http://www.vrbo.com/155941#. We like the freedom of an apartment, especially for a longer stay. This one has a washing machine, which is helpful when you are packing light! Both are very well located. With Lorenzo you are 5 minutes walk from San Marco, and with the Grand Canal apartment you are 5 minutes from the Rialto Bridge.

We would like to keep our budget under $150/night. I do like the freedom of an apartment which we have done here in the states, but I feel that we will need a little help. A hotel or b & b would be fine!

Terri, The best method for finding Hotels that fit your price range and other criteria (ie: comfort and facilities) would be to have a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook. There are good Hotels listed in all the places you'll be visiting, along with prices and website information. I'd suggest packing the Guidebook along on your trip, as it's a good source of reference for sightseeing (I always do). In Varenna, Albergo Milano is a big favourite with many here, but likely above your budget. You might also have a look at Albergo Olivedo and their other property La Torretta. There's also Villa Cipressi, Royal Hotel Victoria or the Orange House B&B. In Verona, have a look at Hotel Torcolo or Hotel Europa (Europa is only a short distance off Piazza Bra, and there are LOTS of restaurants nearby). In Venice, the big favourite is Pension Guerrato which is also used by the RS tours. Happy travels!

Thank you. Our budget isn't as big of an issue as finding a good place! I do have the 2012 RS Italy book. I also like to get feedback from someone who has visited.

If budget isn't a big issue, and if you want a treat, check out the Hotel du Lac in Varenna. I stayed there once because I had no reservation elsewhere. It was somewhat outside my budget, but I was impressed with the setting, the outdoor deck, and the luxurious breakfast buffet. This was about 10 years ago, so things may have changed.

I was about to recommend La Calcina, which I really loved. I was there just 2 years ago during peak season (Carnivale) and I paid €90/night (single en suite). However, I just checked their website and the current price in peak season is €125-140. I can't imagine what they could have done to justify a 50% price increase in 2 years!! In Verona I stayed at Hotel Italia and thought it was fine. The room was tiny, but just remodeled and very comfortable. The buffet breakfast was excellent and the location terrific. I got a bargain price - off season and they were in the middle of renovations, so I don't know what their prices are like now.