* Big hotel chains are not really present (the only exception could be Best Western) so do not plan to stay at normal 6C, Hilton, Marriott and so on properties ... you could be very near to an airport and very far from everything else in the very best case.
Luggage... as less as possible is good but avoid purchasing something you forgot home ( X 4 ) is better and save your money

In Venice Starwood had at least four properties. We stayed at the Westin Europa and Eegina using Starwood points (12000 per night I think). There is also the Westin Excelsior and a couple Luxury collection hotels in historic palaces.

I totally agree with "Luggage... [I]as less as possible" in Venice since you have to walk to your hotel from the waterfront, trainstation or outside the city parking lot and go up and down the stairs for the canal bridges