Overwhelmed by choices of Hotels in Venice

My standard search method entails using RS as a guide to what neighborhood or section of the City are most desireable. I then use a combination of RS recommendations and tripadvisor reviews...when you click on the hotels for a city, you will get them ranked (first-through nth, some cities have different neighborhoods as a selection option). You can scan through the ratings, read reviews and make a selection based on the best combination for you, price, location, quality, etc. If you read enough reviews, you get pretty good at separating the wheat from the chaff and you can spot a pumper by doing a quick review of their other reviews...(I'm always suspicious of someone who has only reviewed one hotel). With respect to Venice, you need to decide where you want to stay. We always stay near San Marcos square...the trade off is that we end up with a more modest mid to low cost hotel such as the Doni, than we would have say in Santa Croce or San Polo. Still, it's more art than science.

Check out Ca' Angeli. It looks like a gem, and Tripadvisor reviews support that impression. We'll be able to form our own opinion after our 3-night visit there in July.

Nothing is very inexpensive in Venice, but we really liked the Campiello. It is at the main boatdock, but just down a small calle off San Zaccheria- it is very quiet, but easy to get to the action, boats to the islands, vaporettos down the canal etc. Secondly they have very nice updated bathrooms, a wonderful, huge buffet breakfast, and a computer for your use. It is airconditioned which you probably will not need and an elevator. It is so easy to get to you will not believe, and it is very safe.Close to San Marco, yet quiet and away from the throngs of tourists.

Thanks for your prompt and helpful replies! Lyn

We just returned... Pension Guerrato, Rialto Market bridge area was perfect... the staff was so helpful, breakfast good... price reasonable. George, Pittsburgh

Lyn,
We stayed at the Mariott Courtyard in Venice. It is not in the City, but they do provide a shuttle to the dock to take the water taxi. I thought it was nice, plus it is easy to get a City bus to go to other places nearby.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions! It makes it so much easier. We have made a reservation for Hotel al Piave at RS's rate of Euro 160 (150 with cash)-hotel highly recommended on tripadvisor. Some of the other hotels recommended had no vacancy. Thanks again! Lyn