Venice - to have or not to have a view of a canal???

I'd do the room with the canal view. Its like people watching, but on a whole other level. In a sense, you need to SEE how the canal system works to understand Venice. Watch all the vendors deliver stuff. Watch the Ferries and their payload of passengers. See the young men with their fast outboards, the old men with their single cylinder diesels, the morning rowers, and the Gondoliers pushing against the tides. Its like watching a dance.

Perhaps it is like going to the beach: sometimes you want to look at the ocean from the time you wake up till last thing at night.
We had a room for 3 nights at Casa Verardo with a canal view a side canal from which I could watch people crossing a nearby bridge, look at rooftop gardens and satelite dishes, watch the water change from milky green to dark grey. No gondolas came by while I was watching. That hotel is in the RS guidebook. I've read here that rooms on the Grand Canal can be noisy, but for me the view made the visit more enjoyable. If you can, spring for the luxury of your own window on a canal.

I'd say to go for the canal view - assuming it isn't a view of a Vaporetto stop on the Grand canal, which could be noisy. We splurged for a balcony overlooking a smaller canal and spent a ton of time out on it - even though it required bundling up due to cold weather. Loved it!

It is clear from the Wildner website that the view is of the basin rather than the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal has widened out by then. You will see lots of vaporettos and other public transport.

Last time in Venice we stayed at the Locanda Vivaldi which is just along from the Wildner. Fabulous views across the basin to
Santa Maria della Salute, San Giorgio Maggiore and the Punta della Dogana amongst others, especially nice looking in the early morning and early evening when the sun is at an angle. Also the coming and going on the water was interesting.

Thank you for your quick responses. Nigel, does that mean its not worth it (ie being the basin versus the Grand Canal?) I'm really undecided as the Al Ponte Mocenigo has great reviews but no views. Soooo, is the view of the basin not as good as the GC? Thanks again!

Lynda, the basin ( Bacino di San Marco) is one of the most beautiful sights of Venice. You should look at photos of Venice to see where it is and how beautiful. Also compare the photos of the two places that people have posted on Trip advisor to see what appeals to you. As for the reviews, you have to decide if what people criticize is meaningful to you. One person was angry about the Wildner's cancellation policy. He cancelled 24 hours ahead and they charged one night because their cancellation policy is 10 days. He should have read and understood that policy when he booked, and not expected an exception. That is what trip insurance is for. The other complaints, about the small beds and thin mattresses, might be more important, but it is hard to know what standards they are applying.

We stayed on the canal, and loved it! It was amazing seeing regular Venetian life, and we spent a couple of nights with a glass of wine in front of an incredible view :)

a nice view is always good but how much time are you going to be spending in your room? When I'm in Venice I spend as much time as possible outside, I use the room for sleeping, showering and getting dressed.

I was in Venice early December when hotels were cheaper. However, I didn't get a canal view because the money I saved can go into sightseeing and some shopping. I even Christmas shopped in Venice! Sure, I would have loved to have a canal view, but if you are on a budget, then it's best not to have the view. I was in my room just to sleep and shower anyway so it was fine.

I agree in principle with the idea that you are not spending time in your room, so why pay extra for a view. But in Venice, I realy love to wake up and look out to water. I also enjoy coming "home" to a place situated on the water.

Room 5 at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo has a canal view with balcony. It isn't the grand canal, but its a canal. the room is fabulous. Such an awesome hotel. Great breakfast croisant.

I have stayed in both and if it doesn't cost a fortune more to stay on a canal I would choose that. True, you aren't in the room much, but it does make that time special. Just be sure you have a room that is on a higher floor to get the full impact of the view. The hotel I stayed in was on a smaller canal...not the Grand Canal, but I loved it....it seemed very intimate.

Our first 2 trips to Italy we stayed at Ca Dogaressa on the Canarregio Canal. It is a small hotel and only the 2 Jr. Suites overlook the canal. The Jr. Suites are very large with large bathrooms. I loved standing at the window with a glass of wine watching Venetian life go by. I saw garbage boats, school boats, ambulances and a funeral boat along with all of the other daily life boats go by. It was quiet at night with a lot of people strolling and a great neighborhood. On the next trip we stayed at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo because we wanted to stay in a different area. No canal view, but a nice entrance courtyard where we had wine late one night with some other visitors. The owners were very helpful and it was a lovely stay. You're the only one who can decide if the "bit extra" is worth it to you, but either way you'll be in Venice!
Have a Great Trip!