Risha

I am planning a two week trip to Venice in October. I'm considering the Ala, the PensioneAccademia and the Locanda Orseolo. I like hotels with some kind of a lobby because I will be traveling alone and like to meet people. Where would you stay? Or should I forget about a lobby and rent an apartment (cheaper?)Email me if you like. [email protected]

Many thanks.

tuscanlifeedit

Risha

We've stayed at the Ala twice. They have a lobby, a sitting room, and a bar. Should serve your purposes.

massagediva

You'd be extremely lucky to find an available room at Pensione Accademia or Locanda Orseolo.I've stayed at both and if they should have an opening ,I'd grab it.They both have nice public areas that encourage conversation and mingling.

Suki

I can't say enough good things about Locanda Orseolo, but they do not have a large lobby. Other than in the morning in the lovely breakfast room, there aren't people hanging about. On the other hand, the owners are so warm and welcoming that they truly make their hotel feel like a home away from home.

Tries2PakLite

We are just back from a stay at the Residence Corte Grimani in Venice. I can't say enough good things about this apartment/hotel. You get the convenience of a hotel, but with the space and amenities of an apartment. And Guido and Donatella are amazing!

www.cortegrimani.com

marthag

Tries2PakLite....thank you so very much for the link to this apartment/hotel. I've been looking to find an apartment in Venice for a week this Spring and these seem to offer far more flexibility and services than anything I've found elsewhere.

I'm contacting them right away......you may have just "made" our trip.

Tries2PakLite

martha -- I hope they have room for you! There were 14 of us at the Corte Grimani and we all loved it. And the location is terrific.

It is a real find, and I can't take the credit, my Mom found it last fall when we were in the middle of planning our trip.

It's only been open for about 14 months, which may explain why it hasn't been mentioned here more often.

Good luck!!

roadlesstraveled

I stayed at the Hotel Ala in April and would stay there again. I loved the location, close to St. Marks square but far enough away to be quiet. I really enjoyed walking around the square before the crowds gathered. It was alos very close (100 yards) from a vaparetto stop. The hotel itself is lovely and the breakfast very good. There also a very inviting bar off the lobby.

suze

Traveling solo I strongly prefer small hotels over staying in an apartment. Apartments are just too lonely for me on a trip. While a hotel feels just right. I often ask advice from the front desk staff, for one thing.