There are actually two options for accommodation in Venice: staying in the city center itself or in the outskirts like Mestre. If you choose Venice, you’ll be fully immersed in its atmosphere. Perhaps you’ll even sleep in a palace. Overnight stays in Venice can be quite expensive.
The other option is to stay in the outskirts like Mestre, where sleeping is more affordable. From there, you can drive to visit Venice as part of your tour. Of course, you’ll still be taking buses and water taxis to reach the city center of Venice.
If you’re traveling with a family like ours for a few days, sleeping in the heart of Venice is more enjoyable. Overnight prices may be a bit higher, but being able to walk to anywhere from the hotel can save a lot on transportation costs and time. Here are some tips!
Venice seems quite distant from our own country, a city built on water where even mail delivery is done by boat. Yet, you can reach Venice in just 2 hours by flying. Easyjet operates direct flights from Amsterdam to Venice. We flew during school holidays and paid around €120 per person for our flight. If you plan strategically and are flexible with dates, you can find flights for about €100 per person. Search and compare prices on Skyscanner, a reliable price comparison website.
Also, consider alternative airports such as Brussels-Zaventem, Brussels-Charleroi, Eindhoven, and Düsseldorf. Brussels-Charleroi is Ryanair’s home airport, where you can often find good deals.
From Venice Airport to the city center
You might arrive at Marco Polo Airport; another option is the slightly farther Treviso Airport. From Marco Polo Airport, you can travel to Venice by land or water. Take the ‘Vaporetto Alilaguna’ (waterbus) for a quick and economical journey to the center. Follow the covered route to the left outside the arrival hall with signs. A ticket for the Alilaguna costs €15 and can be purchased on-site or in advance. There are ticket machines in the arrival hall for this purpose. Alternatively, you can take a regular bus to the city center. The ATVO bus runs frequently between Marco Polo Airport and Piazzale Roma. From there, you’ll need to take the waterbus. A bus ticket costs €10 and can be bought at the machines in the arrival hall or on the bus itself.
From Treviso Airport, you can also take the ATVO bus to Venice. The ATVO bus will take you to Piazzale Roma, where you can then take the waterbus to the center. Tickets start at €12 and can be purchased online in advance.
Hotel Serenissima – A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Venice
I understand the importance of choosing the right accommodation to enhance the overall travel experience. During my recent journey to Venice, I opted to stay at the centrally located Hotel Serenissima, which proved to be an exceptional choice for exploring this enchanting city.
Hotel Name and Location: Hotel Serenissima is nestled in the heart of Venice, just a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square. This prime location not only provides easy access to major attractions but also allows guests to immerse themselves in the authentic Venetian atmosphere.
Services and Facilities: The hotel boasts impeccable service with a warm and friendly staff. They provided comprehensive sightseeing recommendations that helped me plan my itinerary effectively. The rooms are elegantly decorated, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of sightseeing. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and essential toiletries. Additionally, the hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and luggage storage facilities, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Deals and Pricing: Hotel Serenissima often features early bird specials and packages that include breakfast, providing me with a relatively affordable rate during my booking. The pricing is moderate, offering excellent value for budget-conscious travelers seeking quality accommodation in Venice.
Recommendation Score: I wholeheartedly give Hotel Serenissima a top rating. Whether for its service, location, or facilities, this hotel left a lasting impression on me. For anyone looking to have a memorable stay in Venice, Hotel Serenissima is undoubtedly a fantastic choice.
Stay Experience: My stay at Hotel Serenissima was thoroughly enjoyable. From booking to check-out, the process was smooth and efficient. The hotel’s central location allowed me to explore most major attractions on foot, and in the evenings, I savored authentic Italian cuisine at nearby restaurants. Amidst the bustling journey, the hotel served as a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Getting There from Airport and Train Station: To reach Hotel Serenissima from Marco Polo International Airport, I opted for the vaporetto (water bus) service. Taking the Alilaguna line to St. Mark’s Square, followed by a brief 10-minute walk, brought me directly to the hotel. From Santa Lucia train station, guests can either walk or take a public bus to St. Mark’s Square, then proceed on foot to Hotel Serenissima.
Booking Platform: I booked my stay at Hotel Serenissima through Booking.com. This platform offers a wide array of accommodation choices with transparent pricing and genuine guest reviews, enabling me to compare and select the hotel that best suited my needs.
Hotel Serenissima not only provided comfortable lodging but also enriched my Venice experience with its exceptional service and strategic location. Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting with family, choosing Hotel Serenissima ensures a memorable stay amidst the captivating charm of Venice.
Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre – Modern Comfort in Venice’s Outskirts
Hotel Name and Location: Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre offers a convenient stay option in the outskirts of Venice, specifically in Mestre’s main commercial area. It is just one train stop away from Venice’s historic city center.
Services and Facilities: Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre focuses on modernity and comfort. The rooms are designed in a sleek and stylish manner, equipped with amenities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi and spacious workspaces. The hotel also features self-service laundry facilities and a gym, catering well to both long-term residents and business travelers.
Deals and Pricing: Compared to hotels within Venice’s historic city center, Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre offers more affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of stay. This makes it a highly cost-effective choice, especially for budget-conscious tourists or those planning extended stays.
Recommendation Score: I would rate Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre a solid four stars. Despite being slightly farther from Venice’s main attractions, the hotel benefits from excellent transport links and comprehensive facilities, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore the outskirts of Venice.
Stay Experience: My experience at Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre was thoroughly enjoyable. The staff were professional and welcoming, providing detailed advice on transportation and dining options, which greatly aided in planning my itinerary. Each evening, I could unwind in the hotel’s comfortable environment, preparing myself for the next day’s adventures.
Getting There from Airport and Train Station: To reach Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre from Marco Polo International Airport, I opted for the airport shuttle to Venice Mestre train station, followed by a short walk or bus ride to the hotel. From Venice Santa Lucia train station, guests can take a train or public bus to Mestre train station, then transfer to reach the hotel.
Booking Platform: I booked my stay at Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre through Booking.com, a platform that provided comprehensive hotel information and authentic guest reviews. This allowed me to confidently select the hotel as my accommodation during my Venice trip.
Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre offers a blend of affordability and comfort, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience and modern amenities in Venice’s outskirts. Whether you’re exploring Venice for a few days or on an extended stay, this hotel provides a welcoming base from which to discover the charm of this historic city and its surrounding areas.
Choosing between staying in the heart of Venice or in its outskirts like Mestre can significantly shape your experience in this enchanting city. While Venice’s central hotels offer proximity to iconic landmarks and a true immersion into its historic charm, accommodations like Ao Hotel Venezia Mestre provide modern comfort and affordability just a short distance away.
Whether you opt for the bustling energy of Venice’s streets or the tranquil respite of Mestre, each location offers unique advantages tailored to different travel preferences. Ultimately, your choice of accommodation can enhance your exploration of Venice, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling journey in this timeless destination.
