Venice, Italy - Thoughts
Jun 14, 2022, 10:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
Venice, Italy - Thoughts
I was just in Venice for 3 nights with two full days. My parents gave my nephew a two week trip to Europe for his high school graduation and I was the designated tour guide. Venice was on his list of places he wanted to see.
Normally, I am a mixed frugal/convenience traveler. But for this trip, I didn't want to spend a lot of time with transportation so that he could maximize the sightseeing.
Venice is a new city for me (my one day there, probably 10 years ago now, doesn't really count). As a result of this trip, if I were to return, I'd consider the following:
Hopefully this information is helpful to someone!
Steve
Normally, I am a mixed frugal/convenience traveler. But for this trip, I didn't want to spend a lot of time with transportation so that he could maximize the sightseeing.
Venice is a new city for me (my one day there, probably 10 years ago now, doesn't really count). As a result of this trip, if I were to return, I'd consider the following:
- Stay on Lido di Venezia or in the Sant'Elena area. The cost savings for lodging (and likely meals) are tremendous (for decent properties including airbnb/vrbo). The public Venice vaporetto (water taxi) system is fantastic. A water taxi ride from Lido to Piazza San Marco is 15 minutes. And buy a multiday pass - I got my money's worth. I got to know Lido a bit by taking the water taxi to Lido and then taking a bus (fare included in the multiday pass) around a large part of Lido. And I understand Lido's beaches are fairly nice. With regards to Sant'Elena, Piazza San Marco is a 20 minute walk and I did notice a fair number of restaurants in the Sant'Elena area.
- After seeing the beauty of the area, in the future I think the only way that I'd stay in the main area of Venice, would be if I had a room facing one of the major waterways, with the ability to sit in a chair with a glass of wine, and enjoy the sights. Otherwise, just having a room in the main area of Venice is pointless, IMHO.
- If you intend to purchase groceries, bring a decent shopping bag with you. The bags at the groceries are very thin and have a per bag cost.
- Research restaurants prior to arriving. There is a lot to chose from and when one is hungry, one tends not to be to particular about the restaurant choice!
Hopefully this information is helpful to someone!
Steve
Aug 29, 2023, 10:53 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,620
I am surprised that you haven't had any feedback about this thread. I'm a bit stuck with hotels in Venice because they are mostly, including normally cheaper 1* properties, showing stupid prices for the month of October 2023. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Sep 3, 2023, 4:19 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CDG
Programs: SK Gold, AF Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,721
Stay at Mestre (there are several decent hotels there, including a Four Points) and take the commuter train into Venice proper - it's cheap, runs frequently and takes 20 minutes.
Sep 3, 2023, 12:08 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,907
Hi,
I have stayed at Guidecca island ( Hilton Molino Stucky) when I have been to venice ( I take the 12min public vaporetto to San Marco) but in october prices are high so agree with gojko88 and stay in Mestre and use the train. Whilst it removes some of the magic of staying in venice if you can save EUR200pn, that will go a long way.
There is also the AC hotel by marriott close to the piazzle roma car park which may be cheaper than other hotels in venice
Regards
TBS
I have stayed at Guidecca island ( Hilton Molino Stucky) when I have been to venice ( I take the 12min public vaporetto to San Marco) but in october prices are high so agree with gojko88 and stay in Mestre and use the train. Whilst it removes some of the magic of staying in venice if you can save EUR200pn, that will go a long way.
There is also the AC hotel by marriott close to the piazzle roma car park which may be cheaper than other hotels in venice
Regards
TBS
Sep 5, 2023, 5:48 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, QRPC, Amex MR, World of Hyatt, IHG one rewards, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, etc…
Posts: 687
Hi,
I have stayed at Guidecca island ( Hilton Molino Stucky) when I have been to venice ( I take the 12min public vaporetto to San Marco) but in october prices are high so agree with gojko88 and stay in Mestre and use the train. Whilst it removes some of the magic of staying in venice if you can save EUR200pn, that will go a long way.
There is also the AC hotel by marriott close to the piazzle roma car park which may be cheaper than other hotels in venice
Regards
TBS
I have stayed at Guidecca island ( Hilton Molino Stucky) when I have been to venice ( I take the 12min public vaporetto to San Marco) but in october prices are high so agree with gojko88 and stay in Mestre and use the train. Whilst it removes some of the magic of staying in venice if you can save EUR200pn, that will go a long way.
There is also the AC hotel by marriott close to the piazzle roma car park which may be cheaper than other hotels in venice
Regards
TBS