Our last two nights in Italy were spent in Venice at the Locanda Al Gambero, and it was a lovely way to end a memorable trip. It was easy to find from the directions provided, and our rooms were comfortable, and very clean. My room had a view over one of the smaller canals, and while yes, you had to lean out of the window to see it, the view of the quaint bridge and passing gondolas was a special treat. We had booked single rooms, but must have been upgraded to doubles, as the bed was large and the room very comfortable.

The staff is professional, if not always warm, though at least two of the gentlemen were very kind and helpful with inquiries, one making arrangements for our taxi to the airport, and another volunteering to make restaurant reservations. Omar provided kind email reassurance prior to arrival answering questions I had about the rooms.

Some comments here mentioned the lack of baggage help, but a gentleman was available when we arrived, and offered to take the bags to our rooms, even though we did not need it. Breakfast included fresh fruit, bread, yogurt, meat and cheese along with good strong cappuccino -- more than enough to start the day, and more varied than we experienced in other hotels. A room with complimentary computers was also appreciated.

It is hard to imagine a better location, so close to the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco and many restaurants in the area. And the rate was incredibly reasonable for us, especially considering the expense of Venice overall.

Spent 4 nights here. Chosen after reading a gzillion Venice hotel reviews over a period of several days until my eyes crossed! Al Gambero ticked all the boxes. Very central. Economical (in the Venetian sense perhaps!) when compared to other hotels in the immediate area. 3 minute walk from Rialto Bridge and 3 min walk from Piazza San Marco (on the same calle! didn't even need the map!)
Very pleasant and knowledgable owners and staff. Only thing not ideal - the hotel has 4 floors and no elevator . . . . we were on the fourth floor, and as
we are not the fittest of travellers we were glad we only travelled with cabin baggage! After four days of up and down four flights we discovered calf muscles . . . . but still would not fault the hotel - there is no space to install an elevator. Perhaps worth enquiring about possibility of a room on 1st or 2nd floor. Had a nice meal in the hotel's own restaurant - however even with 10% residents discount, meal for two with wine was €135 which is rather exensive, but found all 'good' restaurants between 80 - 100 for two people. (Yes, there are cheaper places to eat - there is also a lot of pizza and hot dogs . . . . ) Lovely city, would go again - three days would be enough unless you need to see every church and every museum . . .

Small and cosy hotel, very good service, small rooms, but great beds and silentc rooms.
If you like to sleep late in the morning, then of course the city center is not the place for you, otherwise you will spend a great night.
The best thing is the shower: a lot of water, perfect temperature, bathtube in good conditions... wonderful pleasure.
The location is also perfect: near both to Rialto and to San Marco, you can go anywhere in a few minutes.
Definitely to choose.

There are unquestionably worse hotels. I've stayed in some of them, but you want to know:
There is no lift.
"Canal View" means that if you open the window, stick your head out and look down you will see a canal. You have to decide if that is worth the extra money to you. Had we known, we would not have paid the difference.
The staff is indifferent.
Rooms are dark.

That being said, it was clean and close to tourist attractions St. Marks and the Rialto Bridge/Market. I know it was Venice, but for me it is not sufficient for upwards of $300/night.