What is a great hotel in Venice for me, my husband and our 15 year old son to stay in for a weekend?

I have searched the net for a hotel and there are so many good ones to choose from that I can't decide! We need a triple room or suite enough for 3 people to sleep. None of us have ever been to Venice are excited about seeing the canals and riding on water buses, etc. Are the hotels right on the water good ones? I have heard the Concordia that overlooks St Marks square is a great place, but it doesn't appear to be on the water. I guess that's not a big deal, but would be nice to have a canal view. Does anyone know a bit about this? How much walking does the average traveler have to do in Venice? What would the weather be like there the middle of January?

A hotel right on the water is always a good idea to really live the atmosphere in Venice. January can be cold and misty but I like Venice in January. It seems so mysterious and evocative - just the way Venice should be. It is also far less crowded. To really get the most out of Venice you need to walk a fair bit exploring all the little streets and squares.

All in all well done on choosing January - a good time to go but wrap up warmly. Regarding the right hotel it depends a lot on your budget. I have put together a list of my favorites which you can see here - http://www.my-italy-piedmont-marche-and-more.com/luxury-hotels-venice.html

Hi,

In my opinion, Saturnia is the best ...

http://www.hotelsaturnia.it/hotels_in_venice/hotel_services.html

Have Fun

tres combi centrally located and logically priced bona for tuna !!

The Saturnia that someone else recommended is an excellent hotel although it's on a shopping street.

A choice with canal views close to Piazza San Marco is: http://en.venere.com/hotels_venice/san_marco/hotel_san_moise.html?sd=14&sm=11&sy=2007&ed=15&em=11&ey=2007&pval=3&rval=1&geoid=350&ref=38005&ref=38005

Or you can stay at the Wildner overlooking the bacino for somewhat less - ask for a front room to get the view. http://en.venere.com/hotels_venice/castello_ovest/hotel_wildner.html?sd=14&sm=11&sy=2007&ed=15&em=11&ey=2007&pval=3&rval=1&geoid=350&ref=38005&ref=38005

Another choice with canal views is: http://en.venere.com/hotels_venice/san_marco/hotel_san_moise.html?sd=14&sm=11&sy=2007&ed=15&em=11&ey=2007&pval=3&rval=1&geoid=350&ref=38005&ref=38005

I've stayed at both an would gladly return, although I usually just go home after a day in Venice since Iive about two hours away.