Hello. I need some suggestions on where to stay in Venice for 3 days in September 2024. We are 3 adults wanting to do some sight seeing after our 14 days cruise. We are trying not to spend too much. Any suggestions are welcome. I saw an airnb in Santa Croce, is this a good area?

I don't think most anyone wants to spend too much. How much do you actually want to spend - what is your budget per night?

Thanks for the question. I am looking to spend under 200 per night.

Lots of luggage? Stay closer to the station. Also can be cheaper.

Traveling light? You can stay almost anywhere. Venice is small enough you can get from the station to St. Marks in about 45 minutes on foot.

In general to save money you want to avoid being too close to the more famous sites. This also means avoiding the worst of the crowds.

Don't underestimate the hassle of hauling luggage around Venice. There are ways to mitigate this. Water taxi for example but if possible try not to bring the full steamer trunk.

If you really want to drop the price then stay in Mestre and commute in by train. I've stayed there and stayed in Venice proper, Venice is better. The other idea might be to stay on the LIdo (the coastal zone outside the lagoon and commute by water bus). Not done it.

Travel light is the way to go in Europe, still until you have heard the drum/thrumb of pulled luggage in Venice you have not had the full experience.

Take water taxi down to Accademia stop, and walk along broad and flat walkway to the Hotel Alboretti, lovely quiet location where you can also stroll along the Zattere. Further away from the rail station the better, IMHO.

I would recommend staying in Venice proper. Once the day trippers leave there is a magical atmosphere that you don't experience if staying outside of Venice. A few years ago we stayed at Locanda Antica Montin during a short stay in Venice before a last minute cruise. The rooms were lovely and there is also an onsite restaurant with a beautiful garden which is rare in Venice. We have previously stayed at Hotel Accademia but while I haven't checked their prices recently I believe it would be over the budget you mentioned.

Sta Croce isn't far away from the Sta Lucia railway station. The closest hotels ae along Calle Priuli, just beside the railway station.
A nice place in Terra Ferma is th B&B Relais Toti at Mogliano (a old villa with furniture from the 19th century, but all comforts, 3 min from the railway station (just at the end of the hotel garden), but very quiet nevertheless. Good restaurant (ownded by the hotel keeper) some 3 min away..
Mogliano is linked to Venezia Sta Lucia station by frequent trains (about every 15 min from 5am until midnight; 25 min journey).

make sure you search on Mogliano Veneto. Mogliano (senza Veneto) is south of San Marino

Before covid, and even longer ago, we stayed near the Campo Santa Margherita and loved that area.Googling, I've found it, along with a name change. It was affordable in the way back when:

https://www.alsolehotels.com/en/home

Please let everyone know about your trip!

-->Water transport in Venice.

1. Gondolas. Only for pleasure, not for transport. 80 euro for half an hour for the boat, more for evenings.

2. Traghetto – big gondolas, two oarsmen, about ten passengers, for crossing the Grand Canal. Found at Rialto, San Toma and a couple of other places. Cost 2 euro per trip, can save a heap of walking.

3. Water taxis, which are like a floating limo, costs to match.

4. Vaporettos - ACTV. Are like a floating bus, operate on a bunch of routes. Get the app Chebateo for routes and schedules. Vaps do not service the airport. Vaps are not water taxis.
Alilaguna ferries, service the airport, run from Marco Polo via a bunch of stops to the main part of Venice, Murano and Lido. They stop at some, but by no means all, vaporetto stop.

I loved my 5 day stay in Venice last year. One of my lasting memories, though, is the sound of rolling suitcases on pavement. Everyone seems to be lugging their luggage looking for their hotels. We stayed at the Saturnia Int'l Hotel - very near St Marks Square - and only a 4 or 5 minute walk from the Santa Maria Giglio stop. But unfortunately, we were told on the boat to get off at the wrong station and we ended up trekking over 9 small bridges (all with steps) to our hotel. When I couldn't find the hotel, I called the front desk and pleaded with them to come and get us, which they did. It was exhausting. So, my advice is to choose a hotel that is convenient to water transportation. If you look into the Saturnia, request a room in the updated, renovated wing. It is well situated and you will appreciate the convenience of being near a station. They also have a back entrance for private water taxis if you decide to splurge.

there is one cross canal gondola ride, one or two Euros, just for the experience but no singing

I love the Hotel Galleria on the Grand Canal. Steps away from the Accademia bridge which makes it so easy for transportation. A couple of blocks in the other direction = the Alilaguna stop for return to the airport.
Their biggest room is gorgeous and sleeps up to 4 people. It's absolutely amazing, but not inexpensive. Some of their rooms are, but not the big one. Definitely "worth it" though - IMO.
https://www.hotelgalleria.it/
One of my favorite places I've ever stayed and definitely a great option in Venice.