Early flight from Venice, do we need a hotel near the airport to get there by 4:30?
May 2nd, 2005, 06:40 AM
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Early flight from Venice, do we need a hotel near the airport to get there by 4:30?
We have a 6:15 Sunday morning flight out of Venice. This will be the end of our 2 week vacation (first time in Italy) and we are planinng on spending the last two night in Venice. Can we book a spot in town and get to the airport on time? Also, any reccomendations on hotels in the lower price range?
May 2nd, 2005, 09:07 AM
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There are no hotels near the airport. But every American leaving Venice has a flight around 6am (presumably because of connections), so the hotels on the island are used to it.
You can arrange a water taxi to pick you up in plenty of time (ask your hotel to help). This is a reliable and extremely cool way to travel in the pre-dawn hours, but expensive.
You can check if the nearest Vaporetto or land-bus service starts that early. Probably not, but some people get lucky.
You can book a hotel closer to the airport in Mestre, and take a hotel shuttle (of course ask about this before booking). But if you have only 2 nights, I'd vote for staying in Venice.
May 2nd, 2005, 09:22 AM
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There's at least one hotel near the airport. I noticed this one when on the bus, and I know there were a few others.
http://www.titianinn.com/
http://www.titianinn.com/
May 2nd, 2005, 11:42 AM
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Venice isn't actually that big...all you need is a hotel which isn't too far from a canal so that you can have a water taxi take you to the airport. It's not that far on a water taxi...I think it was about a 30-minute water taxi ride. some hotels have docks so that the water taxi can drive right up to your hotel, either on a smaller canal or on the grand canal, doesn't matter which.
I have heard some people have gotten to the Venice airport at 4:30 for their 6:30 flight and the airport wasn't even open yet, they had to wait outside for it to open! If you have a good hotel the employees will be very helpful in advising you on this, I think.
DON'T book a hotel closer to the airport in Mestre...it's ugly there, and more isolated from the "real" Venice. You want to stay in the "real" Venice, that's part of the charm of Venice.
We loved the Pensione Accademia, which is on a smaller canal just off the Grand Canal, and it was easy to get a water taxi from there to the airport. The hotel called the water taxi for us.
the dorsoduro section of Venice is a nice location, convenient for water taxis and vaphorettos but not as crowded as the San Marco section. Pensione Accademia is in the dorsoduro section of Venice.
I have heard some people have gotten to the Venice airport at 4:30 for their 6:30 flight and the airport wasn't even open yet, they had to wait outside for it to open! If you have a good hotel the employees will be very helpful in advising you on this, I think.
DON'T book a hotel closer to the airport in Mestre...it's ugly there, and more isolated from the "real" Venice. You want to stay in the "real" Venice, that's part of the charm of Venice.
We loved the Pensione Accademia, which is on a smaller canal just off the Grand Canal, and it was easy to get a water taxi from there to the airport. The hotel called the water taxi for us.
the dorsoduro section of Venice is a nice location, convenient for water taxis and vaphorettos but not as crowded as the San Marco section. Pensione Accademia is in the dorsoduro section of Venice.
May 2nd, 2005, 11:44 AM
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I should add that the water taxi isn't cheap, it is about 70 euros to the airport, but it is very worth it for the convenience of getting to the airport on-time, and also it's fun! Be sure and have your hotel call the water taxi for you, ask them to call the day before you have to leave.
Venice is expensive in general, so just expect to pay more for everything in Venice, it's worth it if you want to enjoy a most unique city!
Venice is expensive in general, so just expect to pay more for everything in Venice, it's worth it if you want to enjoy a most unique city!
May 2nd, 2005, 03:20 PM
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I think there arenow two or even three hotels in/at Tessera - - i.e., "airport hotels". But search "Tessera" here and you will read no shortage of advice as to why you should not ruin your last two nights in Venice by bothering with stying "thrre", devoid of the inspiration of la Serenissima.
There are also threads on strategies for having your hotel "watch your back" in case the lagoon is "fogged in".
Best wishes,
Rex
There are also threads on strategies for having your hotel "watch your back" in case the lagoon is "fogged in".
Best wishes,
Rex
May 2nd, 2005, 03:27 PM
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My feeling is different. I really don't like early morning flights, but if I have to get one, I'll have a much greater sense of peace if I'm as near to the airport as possible the night before. So for me getting an airport hotel for the last night wouldn't ruin Venice for me, but give me much-needed reassurance.
I would also consider the option of staying near enough to Piazzale Roma to walk over and catch the ACTV bus to Venice (presuming it leaves early enough) or to catch a land taxi (pre-ordered the night before).
I would also consider the option of staying near enough to Piazzale Roma to walk over and catch the ACTV bus to Venice (presuming it leaves early enough) or to catch a land taxi (pre-ordered the night before).
May 2nd, 2005, 03:44 PM
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If you put venice AND airport hotel in the text search you'll find tons of similar questions. Here's one
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34567303
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34567303
May 2nd, 2005, 06:36 PM
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The Hotel Riva fits the "lower" price range (at least as far as most of Venice is concerned) and it is also located at the corner of two canals, making a water taxi getaway to the airport very easy (although no less expensive, unfortunately).
We stayed at the Riva for four nights about three weeks ago and were very happy with the room and the service. The location is perfect (aside from the canals) because it's close to San Marco and the Rialto.
Search for older threads, however, because it apparently went through some recent maintenance -- before that, some visitors were less than happy.
Ask for a corner room -- they have the best views of the canals.
This one-star hotel was better than the two-stars we stayed at in Rome and Siena, in our opinion, and the location on the canals was a highlight of the trip.
www.hotelriva.it.
Happy travels!
We stayed at the Riva for four nights about three weeks ago and were very happy with the room and the service. The location is perfect (aside from the canals) because it's close to San Marco and the Rialto.
Search for older threads, however, because it apparently went through some recent maintenance -- before that, some visitors were less than happy.
Ask for a corner room -- they have the best views of the canals.
This one-star hotel was better than the two-stars we stayed at in Rome and Siena, in our opinion, and the location on the canals was a highlight of the trip.
www.hotelriva.it.
Happy travels!
May 2nd, 2005, 08:22 PM
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I had the same question and for me, Willtravel is telling it like it is. Peace of mind is a high priority for me. I love Venice and I'll be back but close to the airport for the dawn flight is a necessity for me. Even Mestre is too far for IMHO if you have a lot of luggage.
So thanks Willtravel for the Titian Inn recommendation. It looks better than one hotel I've stayed before --- the very overpriced Hotel Fly.
So thanks Willtravel for the Titian Inn recommendation. It looks better than one hotel I've stayed before --- the very overpriced Hotel Fly.
May 2nd, 2005, 09:02 PM
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Davinc-first of all, have you checked the Venice airport site? www.veniceairport.it. If you go to the "new terminal" link, it will show a diagram of the check-in area, with a window showing the various opening hours for the carriers. For example, it shows Alitalia opens for business at 5:00am, but Delta, Lufthansa and Air France open at 6:00am., 8:00am on the weekends.
As far as getting to the airport on time from Venice, you couldn't really do it by the Alilaguna boats, only by expensive private water taxi. I have the current Alilaguna schedule from San Marco to the Airport, and the earliest boat leaves San Marco at 4:35am and gets you to the airport landing dock at 5:45. If you want to stay in Venice, you would have to arrange a private water taxi with the hotel, preferably emailing them ahead of time. Otherwise, I would try and find a close-in airport hotel.
As far as getting to the airport on time from Venice, you couldn't really do it by the Alilaguna boats, only by expensive private water taxi. I have the current Alilaguna schedule from San Marco to the Airport, and the earliest boat leaves San Marco at 4:35am and gets you to the airport landing dock at 5:45. If you want to stay in Venice, you would have to arrange a private water taxi with the hotel, preferably emailing them ahead of time. Otherwise, I would try and find a close-in airport hotel.
May 3rd, 2005, 04:53 AM
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<<only by expensive private water taxi... If you want to stay in Venice, you would have to arrange a private water taxi with the hotel...>>
I'll respectfully disagree. From anywhere in Venice, you CAN walk to where conventional ("four-wheel") taxis queue up, at Piazzale Roma, if you wish.
I'll respectfully disagree. From anywhere in Venice, you CAN walk to where conventional ("four-wheel") taxis queue up, at Piazzale Roma, if you wish.
May 5th, 2005, 04:09 AM
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I've a 6:45 am flight our of Venice, there will be 4 of us with luggage that must be checked in. I've decided that a Water Taxi is the best alternative for us, and will arrange for it accordingly. We will be staying in an apartment and secure this via the management company.
I have also scoured the venice airport website for the carrier that we will be departing on (American Airlines via SN Brussels Airlines), and cannot seem to find specific counter info on them.
My question is this: If we arrive at the landing at 5:45 am and walk to the airport (arrive about 6 am)with elderly mom in tow, will we have sufficient time to check our luggage???
This kind of short timing makes me a bit anxious and I am trying to plan this prior to our departure next week. Thanks for your help.
I have also scoured the venice airport website for the carrier that we will be departing on (American Airlines via SN Brussels Airlines), and cannot seem to find specific counter info on them.
My question is this: If we arrive at the landing at 5:45 am and walk to the airport (arrive about 6 am)with elderly mom in tow, will we have sufficient time to check our luggage???
This kind of short timing makes me a bit anxious and I am trying to plan this prior to our departure next week. Thanks for your help.
May 5th, 2005, 04:54 AM
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Delvino-that should be no problem at all. Once you get to the airport landing dock at 5:45, you can wait there for the shuttle bus to take you to the front of the terminal OR, (preferably) walk- say, 6-8 min. (with a group). That would get you to the terminal a little after 6am, which is when most of the counters are just opening.
And Rex-I'm sure you didn't mean to suggest that people with luggage should walk from San Marco or Castello or even the Rialto area to Piazzale Roma in order to get a taxi. I can't imagine ANYONE wanting to do that. The only way I would even think of walking to Pze. Roma with luggage is if I was staying quite nearby in Santa Croce-and I probably still wouldn't even then.
There is only ONE place in Venice to, as you put it, "queue up for conventional taxis" and that is Pze. Roma-your post makes it sound as if one can walk up anyplace in the city and find a taxi-obviously you can't.
And Rex-I'm sure you didn't mean to suggest that people with luggage should walk from San Marco or Castello or even the Rialto area to Piazzale Roma in order to get a taxi. I can't imagine ANYONE wanting to do that. The only way I would even think of walking to Pze. Roma with luggage is if I was staying quite nearby in Santa Croce-and I probably still wouldn't even then.
There is only ONE place in Venice to, as you put it, "queue up for conventional taxis" and that is Pze. Roma-your post makes it sound as if one can walk up anyplace in the city and find a taxi-obviously you can't.
May 5th, 2005, 05:08 AM
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Thanks Spygirl;
I just shiver at playing it so close; 45 minutes prior to departure and I'm standing at a baggage check point waiting for the counter to open so we can haul up our luggage prior to checking into our flight. EEEEK
Thanks.
I just shiver at playing it so close; 45 minutes prior to departure and I'm standing at a baggage check point waiting for the counter to open so we can haul up our luggage prior to checking into our flight. EEEEK
Thanks.
May 5th, 2005, 05:18 AM
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There there.
It is a small airport and there are just a handful of flights at that time, full of Americans making connections (i.e. `domestic' flights). Everybody gets on their way. We've done it three times with no problems.
Visit the aiport in advance to get your bearings, if it would make you feel better.
May 5th, 2005, 05:31 AM
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<<Rex-I'm sure you didn't mean to suggest that people with luggage should walk from San Marco or Castello or even the Rialto area to Piazzale Roma in order to get a taxi.>>
Well yes, that was my suggestion, no joke. But I think this is mostly "urban(lagoon?) legend"... there are reportedly times when the fog is so thick that the water taxis don't go anywhere, and one is well-advised to have the front desk of the hotel give you a heads up... say at 3 in the morning when such conditions exist. And yes, from ANYwhere in/on the city (six sestrieres) of Venice you CAN walk to Pzzle Roma - - pulling (or carrying) your (wheeled, hopefully) luggage. It should be borne in mind that 90% of travelers to Venice will have to walk 10 to 100 yards pulling or carrying luggage. If you can do that - - and if you can psych yourself up to do it for 500 to 2000 yards, well then, yes, you CAN get from anywhere to a four-wheeled taxi in Venice.
Well yes, that was my suggestion, no joke. But I think this is mostly "urban(lagoon?) legend"... there are reportedly times when the fog is so thick that the water taxis don't go anywhere, and one is well-advised to have the front desk of the hotel give you a heads up... say at 3 in the morning when such conditions exist. And yes, from ANYwhere in/on the city (six sestrieres) of Venice you CAN walk to Pzzle Roma - - pulling (or carrying) your (wheeled, hopefully) luggage. It should be borne in mind that 90% of travelers to Venice will have to walk 10 to 100 yards pulling or carrying luggage. If you can do that - - and if you can psych yourself up to do it for 500 to 2000 yards, well then, yes, you CAN get from anywhere to a four-wheeled taxi in Venice.
