Ok I will join this one. In Venice if you can get one of the balconies then do stay at the Danielli. The Europa and Regina is great, and also the Gritti but it is not what it used to be. If you stay at the Gritti be sure to get a room that faces the Canal. The Grande Bretagne in Athens is right in the heart of things and you can get cabs there. But beware that in Athens cabs are scarce and many times you have to share or the driver will just stop and pick up other people.
Have fun.
