Go to the last couple pages of each of these threads to find extensive conversation about the Starwood properties in Venice.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
The Gritti Palace recently reopened after a year's closure for renovation. Make sure you get current reports on it.
Here's my two year old pre Gritti Palace renovation comparison of all three properties:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/14423554-post123.html