Hotels in Venice

Dru, Since you didn't mention when you're going, I don't know if these hotels will have vacancy but they are worth checking.
A 2star would be Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo.
We stayed there and found it very comfortable, friendly people and easy to find from the vaporetto.
Nice quiet courtyard where we sat in the evening with wine & chatted with other travelers. Ask for the RS discount if you have the book, mention that you read about the hotel on the helpline when you email for a reservation.

As far as being close to the main attractions, nothing is very far in Venice and a lot of the fun and charm is wandering the back streets and finding
a place to eat or drink away from the main attractions. We prefer to stay in more of a neighborhood area, and you might be able to find vacancy and price that you like if you're not quite as close to St. Mark's and such.

Another place to try in a different area is
Ca Dogaressa. Easy walk from the train station or easy vaporetto ride. Close to a market & wine shop, very nice owner & front desk staff. We liked it a lot, and have stayed there twice.

Have a great trip,

hotel alla salute near the academia and the salute...

Everything in Venice is more expensive and you did not mention the time of year you will be there. You could try using venere.com or tripadvisor.com to help you. Both sights offer site maps and client treviews from people how actually stayed at the properties.

Two years ago we stayed at Hotel Abbazzia a few blocks from the Santa Lucia train station on a very quiet calle. It was a former Carmelite monastery and we were very pleased with the accommodations. It was a 2 minute walk to the vaparetto stop and a 30 minute walk to Piazza San Marco. The cost was around $180 for 2.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Here's another vote for Pensione Guerrato. They rock!

I am pretty sure Best Western Hotel Ala was under $200 US for us but can't remember exactly- if it was over it wasn't by much and was in a nice location.