If you want to see the 'real' Venice then head away from San Marco....try walking around Cannaregio, Castello or San Polo. Take a guide book by all means but it's fun sometimes to leave it in the hotel and just go wandering.
For an entertaining book, written by someone who loved Venice, try Venice for Pleasure by J.G. Links. It's not your normal guide book but will give you more of a feel for the real Venice rather than the tourist Venice.
For hotels you could try www.veniceby.com/accommod/choose.htm
If you're interested in print you might be interested in seeing the Venice map printed in 1500 made from a wood cutting. I think it' s in the Correr Museum.