The Locanda San Barnaba is a charming small hotel housed in a beautifully restored  palazzo. The rooms are lovely (some rooms have frescos on the ceiling) and the price - quite reasonable. I found the staff friendly. My room on the second floor (one of the ones with a frescoed ceiling) was clean and nicely furnished. Breakfast is included in the cost of the room and served in the rustic breakfast room that looks out onto the garden which backs onto a small canal. If you decide to take a water taxi when you leave for the airport they can pull up to the hotel via the back garden, so there is no need to lug your luggage about. The hotel is located off of  the Campo San Barnaba in the Dorsoduro on a quiet street. The Ca’ Rezzonico vaporetto stop is close by allowing for easy access to public transportation. You are a hop, skip and a jump from the Accademia. One reason I like this area is it has a real neighborhood feel to it and not overly touristy like the area around St. Marks Square and the Rialto yet both are within easy walking distance from the hotel. For more information check out their website (in English).

Novecento is another small charming hotel and is located off the Campo San Maurizio, near the Campo Santo Stefano and a short walk from the Piazza San Marco. Slightly more expensive than the Locanda San Barnaba and does have a different ambience. The Novecento pays homage to Mariano Fortuny and the decor is an eclectic mix of styles reminiscent of India and Morocco. The rooms are fun and interesting and the bathrooms up-to-date. A breakfast buffet is included in the cost of the room. The central location is convenient to most of the major sights.  For more information check out their website (in English).

On my last trip to Venice I rented an apartment on the Grand Canal. The company I went through is Venice Rental and was extremely happy with the service and I loved the apartment. The view was incredible. The greeter was professional and helpful. She even recommended a few restaurants. Below is a photo I took standing on the balcony looking up the Grand Canal towards the Rialto Bridge which is not visible from this angle because the canal snacks to the left. The apartment was located on the piano noble so the ceilings were high and there was a balcony with a great view of the Grand Canal. I loved just sitting in the living room with the windows open and listen to the water lapping against the palazzo and the gondolas moored outside. Such a Venetian experience. One of my best holidays.   

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