Wonderful Pension in Venice
I stayed at Pensione La Calcina for 5 nights (May 20th - 25th) and will state right away I will definitely return again! After being in Venice 4 times, this is the best place for me.
I got a quote of 106 Euros per night for a double room with private bathroom, a view of the Guidecca Canal, and buffet breakfast (with cash payment).
I stayed in room 31, which faces the side canal; however, I could also see the Guidecca canal. My room was small with a single bed, closet, desk with lamp, chair, tv; mini bar; A/C; decent sized bathroom with shower and window in the shower; and a horrible vacuum type hair dryer. There's also a safe in the closet. This room is located on the third floor. No elevator but there is always someone around to lug the luggage up those flights of stairs. On the main level next to the reception desk is a telephone booth to make calls, as well as a computer for free Internet access. There is also a nice sitting area and a breakfast room.
Breakfast, which was terrific, is served either inside, outside on the terrace, or on the roof terrace (for additional 4.50 euros). I enjoyed the terrace outside, as it hung over the water. Cruise ships passed by on a daily basis. Breakfast was always filling with choices of breads, cereals, pastries, eggs, ham, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. Service from all waiters was fabulous. They were busy all the time but always with a smile. They were very professional in their uniform. It made me feel like I was at a 5-star hotel.
I had dinner one night at the hotel, choosing their 32 Euro (rather than 22 Euro) menu for hotel guests. It was probably one of my best meals in Italy! Service was impeccable. If you are not staying at this hotel, I still recommend dining here.
Unique Quality: Venice is my favorite city in Italy and after staying in the typical crowded touristy areas, I selected La Calcina for my recent stay (May 2006). It's only a 15-20 minute walk to Piazza San Marco, 3 minutes to the Zattare Vaporetto Stop and 10 minutes from the Accademia bridge. Just down the street is a restaurant, La Zattare: great pizza and fabulous views. A little further down is Nico's with wonderful gelato and still further down (this is heading west) is a grocery store with inexpensive boxed wine (or bottled) and lots of great foods for a picnic.