i'll be in venice next month for the first time and wanted to get you guys opinion on which area is it better to stay on san marco or dorsoduro? at first i thought san marco since it's very central but after reading some posts on the board that it's just too crowded, i'm thinking maybe dorsoduro or does anyone have any other suggestions?
i've booked a violina d'oro in san marco for euro162. it has lovely rooms but now i've decided it's still too expensive and want to look for B&B or 1 or 2 star hotel for not more than euro 140. i've tried pensione accademia & hotel galleria but it's all booked. if anyone else has any suggestion, pls. let me know.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Posts: 57 | Location: san juan city, metro manila, philippines | Registered: 09 September 2003
I stayed by San Marco for 119 euro in August at Ambassador Tre Rose. It was fine for us. Very small and no 2 rooms were the same.Loved the location! I'm sure there are better suggestions out there.
Did you see my review of the Locanda Fiorita on the SlowTrav hotel site? I really liked this little hotel, and the location near Campo San Stefano is out of the main tourist crush but central enough to see the sites.
Don't forget to check other travel message boards such as Fodor's for hotel recommendations.
Posts: 14201 | Location: The Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: 06 August 2001
We'll be in Venice the last week of October and are staying at a Dorsoduro home recommended by others on this board....owned by Contessa Anna da Schio. We are looking forward to.
Our first visit to Venice a couple of years ago was concentrated heavily in the St. Marks Rialto axis, but this time we wanted to see another part of the city and use that as a base. We'll be there for a week.
Posts: 29 | Location: Sonoma, CA, USA | Registered: 10 December 2002
I've stayed twice at the Albergo Guerrato near the Rialto bridge. The owners are quite friendly, and we liked our room. I've specified the corner room upstairs both times because it was quite spacious. I believe it is number 11. I know Rick Steeves books his tour groups here, so I'm not sure if there would be availability this last minute, but it's worth a try. I must warn you, though, that there is no air conditioning and it can get rather hot. But for me, the economical price, the quirky antique decor, and the ideal location was worth bearing the heat. The hotel is on a little side street right after you cross the Rialto bridge - we loved it!
Also, check out the review on this hotel on this site - that will give you some more feedback.
I prefer to stay in San Polo. We do not use hotels in Venezia, but stay at a wonderful 4th floor (european) walk up apartment near the fish market. Paola now offers it by the night so you are not bound by a week's stay requirement.
It is right in the center of things but not in a touristy zone. There is a superb wine bar just feet away, Do Mori, small shops where we can buy our necessities and great proximity to the Rilato markets and to several vaporetti and a traghetto stop.
You are surrounded by such sports as Strada Nuova, Ca D'Oro, the Rialto area, the Frari and just a short vaporetto ride or a 15 minute or so walk to the Accademia
You're way ahead of the game by realizing that San Marco isn't the only place to consider staying! Many travelers get no further than to think San Marco is 'it,' just as they think they must stay by the Spanish Steps in Rome.
That said, there are some lovely places whose address is in San Marco (though away from the Grand Canal and the church itself), but it can indeed be less 'busy' over in Dorsoduro or other areas. Nothing in VEnice is very far from anything else. I'd recommend going with whatever lodging best suits your budget and likes.
SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor sally@century-tvl.com www.sallywatkins.com Italy Specialist Certified Swiss Specialist Certified Aussie Specialist My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!
We stayed by San Marco our first trip and Dorsoduro our second. I liked both locations but will probably always stay in Dorsoduro (though we've also talked about near the ghetto too) in the future - it just seemed quieter to us. I never felt inconvenciened by the location either, just a short walk or vaporetto ride to everywhere we wanted to go.
Have stayed at the locanda fiorita and agree with Colleen,near a nice square but close(easy 10 minute walk to piazza San Marco. website http://www.locandafiorita.com
Posts: 6508 | Location: Culver City, CA, USA | Registered: 08 November 2002
I've been to Venezia a couple of times now and, for experienced visitors, somewhere else than San Marco is quieter and a better value. However, I have stayed at Pensione Wildner right on the Grand Canal and, for 1st timers, it can't be beat. It's right at the S. Zaccaria vaporetto stop (leaving you only one set of stairs to go up and down with luggage), and you can take the #1 boat right to it. Breakfast is taken in their restaurant which allows you a view of the bustle along the Riva Schiavona (spelling?). Plus, it's easy to navigate the sites from there. I had a double room which was small, but adequate, and the bathrooms are great. €160 a night, including the breakfast. Good luck!
Posts: 10 | Location: Boston, MA USA | Registered: 26 September 2003
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