Car in Venice
May 29th, 2008, 09:16 AM
#41
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You can spend the whole evening in Venice-and stay in Padova, if you like-Padova is only 30 minutes away by train, and they have trains leaving from Venice to Padova after midnight, going through Mestre. Just because you stay outside the city of Venice, doesn't mean you can't experience a full evening in Venice-unless you are looking for a jazz bar or late-night club, which Venice has, but generally speaking, Venice rolls up the sidewalks after 11pm. (Again, I'm not saying Venice has no after-hours nightlife, I know that it does-and I go to late places when I am in Venice-but that is the exception, not the norm).
May 29th, 2008, 12:44 PM
#42
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It's all "to each his own, and personal preference. Venice is not one of our favorite places, though it IS gorgeous, interesting,unique and lots of other discriptive words!
Seems a little like an amusement park. I must confess we spent a day there getting an overview, and would like to return in the wintertime....(went in April).
Having a car we did stay at a beautiful, very modern , sleekly designed rooms,(Best Western) in Mestre directly across the street from the train station....with it's OWN private, and very secure PARKING enclosed in the back. Worked fine for us. AT the time there was a bad knee involved so not a lot of heavy walking was done.
We took the train for l0 min. and then the #1 (I think) Vaperetto..on a beautiful ride to St.Marks square.,,,then walked back later to Rialto etc.
Yes, it IS fun to be in a city in the evenings after the bulk of day trippers have departed,,,but it does require some wagging around of luggage and more walking, and making sure the car is secure.
Just wanted to put in my two cents worth...and to suggest that there is the alternative , without the "snob" of staying in Venice as the ONLY way to do it.
Seems a little like an amusement park. I must confess we spent a day there getting an overview, and would like to return in the wintertime....(went in April).
Having a car we did stay at a beautiful, very modern , sleekly designed rooms,(Best Western) in Mestre directly across the street from the train station....with it's OWN private, and very secure PARKING enclosed in the back. Worked fine for us. AT the time there was a bad knee involved so not a lot of heavy walking was done.
We took the train for l0 min. and then the #1 (I think) Vaperetto..on a beautiful ride to St.Marks square.,,,then walked back later to Rialto etc.
Yes, it IS fun to be in a city in the evenings after the bulk of day trippers have departed,,,but it does require some wagging around of luggage and more walking, and making sure the car is secure.
Just wanted to put in my two cents worth...and to suggest that there is the alternative , without the "snob" of staying in Venice as the ONLY way to do it.
May 29th, 2008, 01:11 PM
#43
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<i>...would like to return in the wintertime</i>
We were there in late January last year. It snowed one day and night. The flakes reflected all the colors in the lights from the little shop windows. It was more like sparkly confetti than snow.
That evening our hotel hosted a "soiree" with complimentary champagne, canapes and chamber music. I had to pinch myself---as we sat near the huge plate windows with snow drifting down on the Grande Canal.
I hope you go in winter and have as memorable a return!
We were there in late January last year. It snowed one day and night. The flakes reflected all the colors in the lights from the little shop windows. It was more like sparkly confetti than snow.
That evening our hotel hosted a "soiree" with complimentary champagne, canapes and chamber music. I had to pinch myself---as we sat near the huge plate windows with snow drifting down on the Grande Canal.
I hope you go in winter and have as memorable a return!
May 31st, 2008, 05:30 AM
#44
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One day in Venice? Not nearly enough. I was there in October a few years ago
and it was an absolutely glorious experience. We returned last July. I agree with the pro-Venice postings. Bite the bullet and stay in Venice itself. There are many small, 3-star hotels on side canals that are wonderful, clean, charming and include breakfast. There is nothing like opening your windows at night and falling asleep to the sound of the water lapping against the sides of the canal. Or, for that matter, wandering along the side streets licking a cone of gelato. Do not miss this experience. If you have time, take a day trip to Verona or Padua but STAY IN VENICE!
and it was an absolutely glorious experience. We returned last July. I agree with the pro-Venice postings. Bite the bullet and stay in Venice itself. There are many small, 3-star hotels on side canals that are wonderful, clean, charming and include breakfast. There is nothing like opening your windows at night and falling asleep to the sound of the water lapping against the sides of the canal. Or, for that matter, wandering along the side streets licking a cone of gelato. Do not miss this experience. If you have time, take a day trip to Verona or Padua but STAY IN VENICE!
May 31st, 2008, 09:57 AM
#45
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Girlspytravel - I'm glad to see you love Padua so much. I am going to be spending 6 nights there in July, using it as a base to visit Verona, Vicenza, Bologna and possibly somewhere else. I've been to Venice twice in recent years so don't plan on going there. Since you have obviously spent time in Padua I was wondering if you had any tips or "hidden gems" you'd like to share. I've read all the guidebooks and plan on seeing the major sites but I love to just walk and explore (and take photos)and wondered if you had any places that you particularly liked.
twoflower - I like your compromise idea of two nights in Padua and one in Venice if you don't mind switching hotels. But it seems with that short amount of time you wouldn't want to add more destinations (like driving up to those other towns). And I still say leaving the car in Mestre is a good idea, we were very happy we did that because it really did save both time and money over parking at piazzale Roma.
twoflower - I like your compromise idea of two nights in Padua and one in Venice if you don't mind switching hotels. But it seems with that short amount of time you wouldn't want to add more destinations (like driving up to those other towns). And I still say leaving the car in Mestre is a good idea, we were very happy we did that because it really did save both time and money over parking at piazzale Roma.
May 31st, 2008, 11:00 AM
#46
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> That evening our hotel hosted a "soiree" with complimentary champagne, canapes and chamber music.
JeanneB, was it Foscari Palace? I stayed there in 2005 (they year it opened) & 2006. It is a great place!
JeanneB, was it Foscari Palace? I stayed there in 2005 (they year it opened) & 2006. It is a great place!
May 31st, 2008, 12:28 PM
#47
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Yes, the Foscari. We didn't want to leave!
It was by far the best European hotel we've ever stayed at. Our room was wonderful. And I hope you loved your bath as much as we did ours...absolute luxury!
It was by far the best European hotel we've ever stayed at. Our room was wonderful. And I hope you loved your bath as much as we did ours...absolute luxury!
Jun 7th, 2008, 03:33 AM
#48
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I would park at a train station on the mainland and take the train into Venice.
The train lets you off where you can catch the Vaporetto with no backed up traffic and much cheaper overall.
We drove in late October. We wasted at least an hour and a half trying to get into really expensive parking.
I wouldn't choose a hotel based on where I could park. By train or car, you can only go to one spot (not where you want to stay). Catch the Vaporetto or water taxi (much more expensive) to get to your hotel.
I pack light and choose budget accomodations. It means I have to walk a couple of blocks from the Vaporetto stop. If you don't pack light, you will want to choose a hotel that is right on the water and take a water taxi rather than a Vaporetto (this will more than double your cost of lodging and transportation).
If you park in Venice, don't leave anything in your car. The car park isn't secure.
The train lets you off where you can catch the Vaporetto with no backed up traffic and much cheaper overall.
We drove in late October. We wasted at least an hour and a half trying to get into really expensive parking.
I wouldn't choose a hotel based on where I could park. By train or car, you can only go to one spot (not where you want to stay). Catch the Vaporetto or water taxi (much more expensive) to get to your hotel.
I pack light and choose budget accomodations. It means I have to walk a couple of blocks from the Vaporetto stop. If you don't pack light, you will want to choose a hotel that is right on the water and take a water taxi rather than a Vaporetto (this will more than double your cost of lodging and transportation).
If you park in Venice, don't leave anything in your car. The car park isn't secure.
Jun 7th, 2008, 03:39 AM
#49
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I also have to jump in on the side of staying in Venice rather than a daytrip.
Venice is one of the most beautiful places anywhere. It's charm really shows when the streets and canals are quiet in the mornings and evenings before the daily throngs of visitors arrive or afer they have gone.
Plan at least one or two nights so you can see the city at its best.
Venice is one of the most beautiful places anywhere. It's charm really shows when the streets and canals are quiet in the mornings and evenings before the daily throngs of visitors arrive or afer they have gone.
Plan at least one or two nights so you can see the city at its best.
Jun 7th, 2008, 03:48 AM
#50
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Jun 7th, 2008, 03:55 AM
#51
"Correction: over 21 MILLION TOURISTS FOR THE YEAR, making it almost two million tourists a month in Venice."
The Tourism Board is expecting less tourists this year due to the dollar. "Only" 18 million.
The Tourism Board is expecting less tourists this year due to the dollar. "Only" 18 million.
Jun 7th, 2008, 07:27 AM
#52
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Mari, you say you've only been to Venice on one daytrip, and you formed a definitive opinion and are giving advice?
As for Venice as an amusement park, it wasn't built for entertainment; it's real, rich with history. And it's very beautiful.
Yes, it's possible to daytrip into Venice, but if one can possibly afford it, stay in Venice proper, not Mestre, not the Lido.
As for Venice as an amusement park, it wasn't built for entertainment; it's real, rich with history. And it's very beautiful.
Yes, it's possible to daytrip into Venice, but if one can possibly afford it, stay in Venice proper, not Mestre, not the Lido.
Jun 8th, 2008, 08:16 PM
#53
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Mimar....I got a giggle out of your post...as you might be a little short on reading thoroughness.
I gave NO definite opinion or advice, as you falsly stated. Just an alternative for the Venice trip.
I made it clear that the city would be very interesting at night,and that when we went we could not walk long distances due to knee problems, and that we would like to return for a thorough visit to that beautiful ,interesting city of Venice. I still think there is an alternative to staying at a hotel IN Venice, though perhaps not as good a choice for most people.
Mainly, and to repeat,,,,traveling is a personal preference thing ...usually different for each person. No right or wrong.
Happy Travels
I gave NO definite opinion or advice, as you falsly stated. Just an alternative for the Venice trip.
I made it clear that the city would be very interesting at night,and that when we went we could not walk long distances due to knee problems, and that we would like to return for a thorough visit to that beautiful ,interesting city of Venice. I still think there is an alternative to staying at a hotel IN Venice, though perhaps not as good a choice for most people.
Mainly, and to repeat,,,,traveling is a personal preference thing ...usually different for each person. No right or wrong.
Happy Travels
Jun 11th, 2008, 09:32 AM
#54
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It really is a matter of personal preference. Some people like to go to other cultures and stay in modern, sleek hotels. We like to stay in buildings that reflect, at least to some degree, the local architectural and living experience.
I've never understood the view that Venice is like an amusement park. It is so unlike an amusement park to me that I can't even begin to grasp the concept. But we all bring differing life experiences to our travel experiences.
I've never understood the view that Venice is like an amusement park. It is so unlike an amusement park to me that I can't even begin to grasp the concept. But we all bring differing life experiences to our travel experiences.
Jun 11th, 2008, 07:48 PM
#55
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Well, I guess I sometimes like to cause a "stir" and am "ornery" to some degree. Sorry.
Of COURSE it wasn't to be taken literal about the "amusement park" comparison thing.'
We lived overseas for 5 years, Senegal WestAfrica, and Lisbon Portugal...and have seen and stayed in our share of great places throughout Europe and Africa,,,enjoyed historical hotels, small and large .
Venice IS unique and as I said "fascinating" and historical...
I've read several negative things on this forum over the years about Venice...and as you said ,"goes to show that not all people travel alike".
My husband and I like ALL places, we really do....but do feel more comfortable in some than others.I guess that is true with everyone!
We never tire of travel, and try not to be Negative...and I never tire of PLANNING trips.
Sorry if what I said was misconstrued (sp?)
Venice is VERY lovely,,, what more needs to be said!
Of COURSE it wasn't to be taken literal about the "amusement park" comparison thing.'
We lived overseas for 5 years, Senegal WestAfrica, and Lisbon Portugal...and have seen and stayed in our share of great places throughout Europe and Africa,,,enjoyed historical hotels, small and large .
Venice IS unique and as I said "fascinating" and historical...
I've read several negative things on this forum over the years about Venice...and as you said ,"goes to show that not all people travel alike".
My husband and I like ALL places, we really do....but do feel more comfortable in some than others.I guess that is true with everyone!
We never tire of travel, and try not to be Negative...and I never tire of PLANNING trips.
Sorry if what I said was misconstrued (sp?)
Venice is VERY lovely,,, what more needs to be said!
