Venice Hotel for four

Hi Bob! I agree with the above poster about online hotel reviews -- some people have impossible expectations! I think that sometimes they don't even review the right place -- they get the name mixed up and rake a perfectly lovely place over the coals. This happened to a wonderful B & B with charming little cottages where we stayed in Key West -- went online to post a rave review and the previous poster complained that it was a "low-rent motel in a strip mall" -- whaaat?!

Back to Venice, though - I'd recommend an apartment for 4 people. There are many that will rent for as few as 3 nights and there is a range of prices and amenities. You can save some money by eating in sometimes, too, which I always find relaxing.

We will in Venice next week (!) and have booked a 2-bedroom apartment in the Castello neighborhood for €180 a night for 3 people. We couldn't have found 2 hotel rooms for that in Venice, certainly. It's in the Residence Corte Nova -- Google it and see what you think. They have apartments with space for up to 5 or 6 people, I believe.

Have fun shopping!

Bad reviews may be legitimate, or they may be motivated by bad purposes---like competitors. Even if legitimate, they may represent an unusual situation or an overly picky reviewer. So take them with a grain of salt.

I looked at the first 15 or so reviews of this hotel, and while I didn't see any that appeared phony, I'd say the Finn with the credit card problem represents an unusual situation that you aren't likely to encounter.

The other complaints---no lift, meager breakfast, small bathroom (only one mentioned this and most others liked the bathroom esp. the jacuzzi tub), no A/C, no in-room coffee maker, etc., are complaints common to many Italian hotels.

None of those reviews would put me of staying at that hotel. However, the recommendations above for apartments as the way to go for 4 people are spot on. You might consider that if you still have doubts about Ca' Alvise.

Most hotels in Italy do not have quad rooms. Generally, you must take 2 rooms. Also, it is highly unlikely that every hotel review will be good as it is impossible to please everyone. Try using venere.com or tripadvisor.com to find a hotel and they both include client reviews.

Buon viaggio,

RB

I find that with reviews, some people are just down right picky and NOTHING pleases them. Or they are stuck with the "American" mentality and find it hard to adapt to the European way. Others do have legitimate reasons to complain but I look at the overall reviews and base my decision on that. In the end, your own experience is unique to you and only you can decide if it was good or bad. But to me, that's half the fun of traveling.
BTW, there were 4 of us ladies who went to multiple cities in Italy last year and has absolutely no problems finding quad rooms. We stayed at the Orion Hotel in Venice where we had 1 queen bed and 2 singles. It was VERY nice, and had really good and professional service. The room was a great size and the bathroom had the best shower in the entire county :-) It sits right behind St. Mark's square on this narrow little "street" with tons of unique shops and eateries. Perfect place to stay for a real Venice feel, and great location to wander around after dark. The only issue we had was that there was no elevator, and the steps are quite narrow when trying to maneuver luggage, but if you pack light, it's no problem. Also it can be easy to pass up but the directions they give you on the website are spot on.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I just want to make sure I get a decent room at a good location. We'll be there at the beginning of August so I need to have AC in the room. I too thought I would take the majority on the feedback over the few negative ones. They might have had an attitude and the Italians just figured they would give those few a hard time. I don't know.
I traveled in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and my attitude was I'm in their country not mine. I was polite and didn't demand a thing. I tried to speak their language as well. I feel I was received better that way.
Thanks again!

My husband and I rented an apartment in Venice through cross-pollinate.com We couldn't have been happier with the proprietors of the site. You can ask any questions about the property you are considering before reserving. I highly recommend it.

Pensione Guerrato is always a popular option here. We've stayed there twice and recommend it highly. They have some very large rooms and they can add a bed or two as needed. Are the four people two parents and two kids?

http://www.pensioneguerrato.it/services.asp

Thanks for the follow up. Our daughter and her boyfriend are going with us. They are both in their early twenties so I guess we're four adults.
Booking tomorrow so we'll probably get a hotel. I'll check your suggestion.

Bob,
We stayed at Dimora Marciana which is also near St. Mark Square. It has only been open one year and was very nice. I found it on tripadvisor. I believe it was 150 euros for a king room which is fairly reasonable for Venice.

Bob, I just returned from Italy w/3 other ladies & the 4 of us stayed in one large room at Corte Campana with private bath. It is one of Rick's picks.