When I went Venice we stayed at Hotel Giovannina...found it on hostelworld.com No complaints and it was near the train station. Venice is an awesome city to get lost in. Find the small restaurants and cafes off the beaten path. We found a gondola ride for a euro or so that acted as a taxi. Mos def cheaper than getting a private gondola if you just want to do it for fucks sake. Dont get a bike. Get lost on foot and take a camera.