Is it possible? Me and my husband are going in about a week, and we're flying to Venice, and flying back, and in between times touring Slovenia. But we'll need to spend at least the first and last nights in Venice, and we're "on a budget" ie broke. Any ideas?

The main problem is that you have left booking so late, thus the best-value places are likely to be filled. But try here:

http://www.ratestogo.com
http://www.laterooms.com

It all depends what you want for no money.

You could easily stay in a small hotel in Mestre or Treviso for less (or more for your money, for example) than you can stay for in Venice.

What is your budget, specifically?

Why thank you, I will try those. It's not my fault! my stupid husband lost the paper bit to his driving license and had to send off for another one, and we can't book accomodation until we book flights, and can't book flights until we know we have the bit of paper

quote:

Originally posted by venexiananan:
It all depends what you want for no money.

You could easily stay in a small hotel in Mestre or Treviso for less (or more for your money, for example) than you can stay for in Venice.

What is your budget, specifically?

Well, we have money but we know most of our budget is going to be spent on where we stay, so want to keep it as cheap as possible- we only plan to sleep there, and spend all our time out trawling around, so as long as it's not totally obnoxious we don't care what it's like....

I found my cheapie Venice hotel rate via hostelworld.com. My friend, who owns a bed and breakfast in Florence, helped me book it when I stayed with him last Winter. Just ignore that it says "hostel" and check off the kinds of places that you'd be interested in (hotel, guest house, etc.). I got a great hotel near Piazza San Marco and it turned out to be the same one Rick Steeves stays in when in Venice. I didn't really care about that, but I did get one heck of a deal for the two nights I was there. I've had friends use it too and they have gotten the best rates this way as well.

Good luck!

Cool! Thanks teachick! who's Rick Steeves?

We will be staying in Venice at the end of our stay, we have decided- which means we can book 2 weeks ahead, which should be a bonus- we're now planning on the first night in Trieste, prob, as it's on the way to Slovenia......any hot tips?

quote:

Originally posted by tippi:
Cool! Thanks teachick! who's Rick Steeves?

I love it!

Right, I'm Googling his name now. I must know....

Oh, travel writer.....shows how much I know!

quote:

Originally posted by teachick:
I found my cheapie Venice hotel rate via hostelworld.com.

Just used this place to book for our first night in Trieste- good site- thanks!

I'm glad it worked out for you.

Buon viaggio!