Hi BJ, thanks for posting this here. I will put some Venice recommendations here and Barcelona on the other thread. Both cities are expensive and your friends should not delay, especially in Venice to book their room.
Even if they are going to be there for three days it would be worth looking into an apartment especially at the end of their trip when they might have to do laundry.
If you know their dates, and they will be there on May 26, they can go to the Sants district to see a exhibition of castellers (human towers.) You can see them in other places but this is a festival. I will be there. Oops should have put that on the Barcelona thread, oh well
OK so here are some reasonable options for Venice.
If they can still get a room, and if they don't mind stairs, this place is fabulous -
https://www.facebook.com/BB-La-Terrazza-Dei-Miracoli-377332575738106/
You have to share a bathroom but the price is right and they have a great terrace. But it gets booked up fast.
Hotel Caprera is close to the train station but on a side calle. The price is right and the family are very kind.
http://www.hotelcaprera.it/
La Palazzina is also fairly close to the train station, I love this place though it can be on the pricier side. They have a little balcony you can go out on to drink wine and look at the gazillions walking by.
http://www.lapalazzinaveneziana.it/
They could also stay very cheaply in a convent. I have stayed in this one -
http://www.casacaburlotto.it/en/index.html
I assume they will come on the ship into the Cruise ship port and all of these are fairly close to that. There are porters in Piazzale Roma that will take their luggage and they can follow behind if they have a lot. You probably have seen those porters. I am sure others will come on with some recommendations in additional neighborhoods...
