Hotels are everywhere in Venice, although many are not clearly marked. Luxury hotels are clustered along the Grand Canal and around Piazza San Marco. Some visitors end up staying on the mainland when the city fills up or simply to save money. Venice is such a popular and expensive place to visit, we recommend booking a hotel as far in advance of your trip as possible. This becomes an absolute necessity during the peak weeks of Carnival (usually around the end of February), the Venice Film Festival (late August-early September), Easter and Christmas. Keep in mind that prices vary markedly from high season to low. A host of bed-and-breakfasts have opened up, and these provide good alternatives to hotels. The city's Hoteliers' Association has an excellent booking service, even for last-minute instances. Phone 199-173-309. http://www.veneziasi.it.
