RZR

This property does "not" have a predominantly North American clientele.

pkerr

Suggestions / directions on getting from the train station to the Gritti?
Thanks

SanDiego1K

From a post of mine in the locked prerenovation thread. Prices have likely increased but I expect that the route information is still accurate.

I entered Venice by train. You have two choices to get to the hotel: water taxi or vaporetto. I believe that a water taxi would be close to 100 euros, whereas the vaporetto is 6.5 euros. While I could get to the hotel much faster by taxi, I was in no hurry thus chose the vaporetto. When you leave the station, go down the stairs and straight ahead. There are several booths where you can buy vaporetto tickets. I decided to buy a 3 day pass for 33 euros. That way, I wouldn't have to buy any more tickets for the duration of my stay. You need to check carefully for the proper pier. You want vaporetto 1 toward St Marks and the Lido. It is the pier to the extreme right.

The vaporetto makes a number of stops along the Grand Canal. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the Giglio stop - but then again, you're on the Grand Canal, and the ride is part of your sightseeing. It's exceptionally easy to get to the Gritti with luggage from the Giglio stop. There are no stairs nor bridges. You walk straight ahead down a tiny alley til you get to a small square. Turn right, then turn right again and walk back to the canal. The Gritti is on the canal to the left of you.

capitalflow

A seasoned traveler here but reading the posts on the hotel, even I am excited!

RZR

The water taxi was 50 or 60 euro's in nov 2013. takes 12 minutes. Drop you right off exactly in front of the hotel. No need to lug luggage around. For me it was perfect.

pkerr

Can you be more specific on which water taxi to take? I assume that this is not the only option is it? One last question... Cash or credit card?
Thanks

TRAVELSIG

You can find all the information about water taxis in Venezia here:
http://motoscafivenezia.it/eng/?gcli...FYxQ3godMG4AWA

If you wish you can also pay on the site through paypal with a credit card.

RZR

YOu have 2 options as mentioned earlier. "Water taxi" or "water Shuttle". Shuttle makes stops at predetermined stops. You can;t have them stop just anywhere.

I paid cash for the Water Taxi. Credit was not accepted i don't think.

It's very easy , the taxi's are in the water as soon as you exit the train station. it's easy

pkerr

So for instance, if I'm going to the Gritti Palace I have the option of the water taxi that will drop me off right at their dock for 60 euros or the water shuttle that drops me off ?? and is significantly less?
Thanks

SanDiego1K

It's the alternative of taxi for just you versus a bus with many people. See my post above.

RZR

Yes, water shuttle cost less , takes longer , makes many stops , is full of passengers.

For me after travelling for many hours, the last thing I want to do is extend my trip on a shuttle.
+ if you are 3 of 4 people , the taxi is not bad at all price wise.

WanderlustFoodie

I will be in Venice for 2 nights in late December 2014 or early January 2015. Have not been in over a decade and am excited to return as it is one of my favorite Italian cities.

I am SPG Gold and plan to use all points or points and cash for Gritti or Danieli, both of which are showing availability right now.

As I'm likely not going to get upgraded, since I'm only Gold, do you think the Gritti post-renovation is worth the slightly more out of the way location?

We plan to stay at St. Regis Florence and Rome unless you suggest elsewhere.

Thanks!

TRAVELSIG

I don't think the location of the Gritti is out of the way at all- I would stay there if you can get a good room.

SanDiego1K

I agree. It's away from the tourist insanity of St Marks, and is in a much better location for exploring Venice. I found it an excellent location both for walking to restaurants and for getting to the places I wanted to visit.

TRAVELSIG

And if you want to dress up and go to the Fenice the location cannot get any better.