Venice

You'll have no trouble finding a hotel in Venice: The city has survived on tourism since the early 18th century. And since most of Venice's lodgings occupy historic buildings that are hundreds of years old, finding "character" isn't much of a problem, either. Getting good value for your money, though, is more challenging.

At the top end of Venice hotels, there's a huge choice: Grand palazzi line the canals around the Piazza San Marco and also the Lido. Lower down the price ladder, the scene has been shaken up in the last few years by the arrival of B&B–style guesthouses (many of which call themselves pensioni or locande). These range from charmingly simple options to luxurious homes that once belonged to the nobility—and in some cases still do. Unfortunately, many of Venice's established two- and three-star hotels tend to rest on their laurels, providing the bare minimum at rates that would be considered exorbitant anywhere else. Our recommendations in this category are among the exceptions.

The ever-growing number of beds available means that Venice hoteliers have a hard time filling their establishments in quieter moments: It pays to check Web sites, where you're likely to find some excellent low-season deals, even hotel rooms for under $200. And a word for first-timers: The Lido—a pleasant, beach-lined dormitory island—is a long boat ride away from the city's major sights, and the only time it comes alive is during the film festival in early September. However, this sleepy burb is about to get a boost: Four Seasons has announced that it will be managing the Lido's two former Starwood luxury properties, the Excelsior and the Des Bains. Both hotels (which have seen better days) will close in fall 2009 for refurbishment; their aim is to reopen at the beginning of the 2011 season, which should also see the unveiling of the new Palazzo del Cinema there.

For a note on Venetian addresses, see our Fact Sheet.