We stayed here for a week and really enjoyed the accommodation except for the very rude woman who was boarding there who continuously critised us for sitting in the wrong area, for opening a window and the for eating food at the wrong table. I previously stayed here on two other occassions but after the harrassment I will not be staying here again.

I stayed at the Foresteria Valdese in late July 2009 and found it to be a great price performer for a family of three. I simply don’t know how else we could have afforded to stay in Venice otherwise. We had a family-size room on the second floor that held a bunk bed and a single. Plenty of space to hang clothes and store bags, plus a desk to use for writing. The dining room was on the same floor. Breakfast was modest by American standards, but filling, and the coffee was top-notch. All we were asked to do was to bus our own table. Before our meal we put down a paper placemat. Afterwards, we whisked it away along with our dishes. How simple can that be?

Our space was clean and free of any bugs, mold or other unwelcome guests. It may be that we stayed in a newer part of the hostel, given we were a family. I saw other parts of the building that appeared older. However, the entire hostel is undergoing a major renovation, so it could be that it will be dramatically updated top to bottom. (About that mildew in the shower that another tourist commented on: The city is surrounded by water, for crying out loud. Try keeping a boat dry.)

The location was fantastic, steps from San Marco. Also, it was near another church (Okay, there are many in Venice) and plaza where we found a great patio restaurant for an afternoon refreshment.

It’s important to follow the directions provided by the hostel. I overlooked them when we arrived, and the route we took was more difficult. We could have saved a lot of time by using theirs.

The staff seemed a bit remote, but there are only two friendly Venetians in all the city. One is the charming owner of the nearby mask gallery. He runs the front end of the retail store while his wife meticulously hand-paints masks. He was friendly and gracious and welcomed our questions.

The other only friendly Venetian in all the city is the native woman in her 30s who leads the Secret Itinerary Tours. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the name of either individual. This striking brunette with large black eyeglasses gave the most enthusiastic account of the history of Casanova. She told his story with such vigor and humor that it made the tour unforgettable.

I appreciate the fact that the Methodist Church and the Valdesians maintain the hostel as a way to allow tourists to affordably enjoy the beauty of Venice. Many others are simply out to get as many tourist dollars as possible. That’s the way Venice is.

Hotter than Hades itself. Mold, mold, MOLD. Showers were shocking. I really expected more from a church run establishment.

Venice is a notoriously expensive city. So, if you are looking for affordable accommodations, check this place out. We got a triple room with private bath, and a canal view for 100 Euros. It was a lovely room, with 2 levels, but there is no air con and it was STIFLING -- esp. on the upper level. Also, the people at reception are not very friendly - when they were there. But we loved the neighborhood -- be sure to drop in at the wine bar (enoteca) up the street, across the bridge, across from the book store. It was the highlight of our stay in Venice. I don't know if I'd stay here again -- though I'd consider it.