Italy: Voyage Prive packages offer discounts at Bauers hotel in Venice

After a summer of frugal mini-vacations, I’ve been desperately seeking a room with a view -- preferably overlooking a canal in Venice, Italy That’s why this offer from Voyage Prive spoke to me: Packages at the luxury Bauers Hotel start at just $202 a night, views included.

The deal: Voyage Prive is a members-only website that is free but requires an “invitation” to join. If you don’t know a member, look around for links at DailyCandy and other travel sites.

The Bauers hotel sits in the heart of Venice, just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square, a perfect place for canal-gazing. Here’s how the deal works: Voyage Prive offers five packages ranging from two to seven nights. Prices vary depending on the month you want to travel. Each package includes a guaranteed upgrade to a deluxe room and a buffet breakfast. Prices start at $202 plus tax per night.

When: The offer is good until 11:55 p.m. PST Monday for stays from Dec. 19 until April 26. Bear in mind that the lowest prices are for winter dates.

Tested: I selected a seven-night stay starting Feb. 18 that came to $1,415, or about $202 a night (prices don’t include tax). A quick online check at the Bauers hotel website showed the best available rate for a deluxe room on the same dates was 320 euros (about $423) plus tax per night.

Contact: Voyage Prive