Venice advice

Thiking of visiting Venice for the first time in October.

Can anyone provide advice on how to narrow down hotels - family friendly, mid/high range quality, but most importantly, that will put me in easy distance of the main things to see/do.

Also, any thoughts on places to visit, good restarautns etc would be much appreciated.

Very many thanks,

Went there last month , we stayed at the hotel Carlton on the grand canal super location opposite the main train station.

A good tip is to get the local water taxi pass we had one for 3 days and that got us around the city and surrounding areas really fast.

We also spent a day on the lido for a sunbathe and again you can use the pass to get you there. Depending on finances we got a private water taxi to our hotel from the airport cost was around 100 euros.

Plenty of restaurants around the back streets

Jurgen

I would too suggest walking 'off the beaten track' - as the prices normally go down and the atmosphere and quality rise. I am sure it should be the other way around - but alas.

On a side note, expect to be fleeced if you spend a lot of time in the very touristy areas. Example - the Gondola rides should cost about 60Euros - but they will talk you into 100Euros before you know it..!

However, I constantly get annoyed with London prices so perhaps its just me..! You will have a great time in a beautiful city!

Hotels wise - try to get one on a gondola route overlooking the canal...