VCE hotels
We stayed at the Westin Excelsior on the Lido Oct 1-3, '06.
Using our *pts for miles rather than hotel stays, we were paying cash for our stay. The two Lido properties are about a third the cost of the other *wood properties in VCE.
Having said that, you do get what you pay for! While the beds/linens in the rooms are great, the vaguely Moorish/Venetian decor combination is the strangest I've ever seen. The lobby is an empty, cavernous space that could be anywhere in the world... not much charm. This is defininitely a "downscale" property from others in Italy. This property is also a bit isolated from Lido restuarants; a good mile walk or short taxi ride. This was our second trip to VCE, so being across the lagoon was fine. The shuttle service leaves right from the hotel dock, and the 20-minute right to St. Mark's is quite pleasant. BUT, you have to time your excursions as it only leaves/returns once an hour, with a big gap in service mid-day. If you stay at the other SPG Lido property, you have to take the bus to the Excelsior and then the shuttle boat.
We also stayed at the property in Asolo on this trip-- just lovely, but over an hour drive from VCE.
VCE is not our favorite city in Italy; we enjoy Florence and Rome much more. But, you have to see VCE at least once!