Venice Accomodation Advice.

I would much rather enjoy the charm and magic of staying in Venice. Our family of 4 stayed at Corte Compana for 140EUR per night for a quad with bath and breakfast. Rick also lists the Foresteria Valdese (http://www.foresteriavenezia.it/foresteria/index_e.htm)
which has a quad with private bath and breakfast for only 114 EUR. That seems like an exceptional bargain for Venice.

Venice is unique as well as magical; it is well worth the extra is costs to stay right in Venice rather than nearby. The city is at her best in the morning and evening, before and after the day tourists arrive. And the only way to really experience that is to spend the nights there.

Terry (above) suggested some very well-priced options. If those don't work you could look for others on this website: http://www.veniceby.com/ Try the 2-star places like Hotel Messner first. And don't worry too much about location, as long as you are actually in Venice proper. The places around San Marco are more expensive and we find some of the neighborhood areas, like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio, much more appealing. As long as you don't expect a canal view, you should be able to find something.

Also, with 3 nights, you may be able to find an apartment, which is generally much less than a hotel.

One place to look for apartments is Venere.com. There are quite a few well-priced ones:

http://en.venere.com/hotels_venice/dorsoduro_est/#o=default&r=0&m=0&f=A000106000000000&sb=1

Unfortunately the website doesn't allow you to select for those that allow a 3-night stay, so you'll have to sort through them. And pay attention to th ratings and reviews.

Regarding the Hotel Messner mentioned above by Lola, we stayed in their 1-star annex which is about 200 feet down their back canal. Very nice and very basic. We were looking for one night while awaiting to jump over to the Hilton which was just opening (new) and everybody wanted 3 night minimums. The price was 110Euro for two of us. We were able to enjoy the same free breakfast which was very nice.

Also, I did some lookups on Treviso a short time back and you can find rooms for under $100 for 2 people. The #1-rated hotel out of 40 hotels in Treviso by www.tripadvisor.com is the Hotel Relais Villa Selvatico is one such hotel.

We stayed in Mestre one year to save a few dollars. It definitely NOT worth it for us! Spend the money and stay on the island.

I would say not worth, this is where we have bit the bullet the last 3 times we have been to Venice.
You don't have enough time with all there is to see and do, doing the commute thing!

If you are traveling during summer realize that most 2 star or lower do not come with air cond. Which may be a decision factor for you. No question Venice is very beautiful and magical to visit and stay. If I go in Aug (very hot)I stay in Mestre at Hotel Novotel perfect for families(pool, incl.lg buffet brfast) and those with cars(secured and unsecured).they have a free shuttle to Venice train station also.ck it out rates are excellent. The rooms are new very air cond and american style.

2 years ago we stayed at Albergo Marin in Venice. Nothing fancy but clean and friendly. The hotel sent us to a great local restaurant one night that was an experience we will never forget.
It is in RS book.

We liked the Albergo Marin as well and have stayed there 2 times. It's a little less expensive because it's not in the heart of the Venice but it's in a quiet neighborhood near the train station and vapretto stop which is a plus.

I also stayed at the Albergo Marin. Very convenient location near the train station as well. Clean, large room (I had a single ensuite), but the staff wasn't particularly friendly to me. Altogether, sufficient for my stay.

I ended up staying at a far more charming hotel the next night with my friends (total of 4 of us), The Hotel Bernardi. (http://www.hotelbernardi.com/). I can't remember if this was in the RS book or not. The room was enormous, had four beds and was in a separate building where we had access to our own key so it was like staying in your own little apartment. Room had a old world charm to it, with a very clean, modern bathroom. Definitely would stay here again.

Many thanks everyone. That was all the confirmation I needed. We booked a great apartment rental through vrbo.com for 140euros p. night. Located by the Rialto bridge & market, remodelled in 2007, and has air conditioning. Looking forward to our visit. Thanks again for all the feedback. This site is so great.

Margaret, excellent choice! I have used VRBO.com countless times for stays in Washington and Oregon and have loved them. I have found them to be a great value for the price.

Air conditioning was a huge factor in our decision making. The apt we rented has been soundproofed and has air conditioning. Yay!