thanks again for the feedback, UNCalum. i'm particularly interested because there is a tentative plan by my italian teacher to take her italian classes to Venice next year and due to the UK school hols, the only time that we would be able to go is during Carnival which may make getting reasonably priced accommodation even more difficult than it usually is in Venice. I've stayed in Venice itself several times, but never in Mestre, so it's helpful to know how it worked out for you and your students.

Good luck with your planning. I imagine Venice hotels are quite pricey during that time. Mestre is an acceptable, if not great, fallback position.

My daughter and I plan to visit Venice this spring. Have you a favorite hotel from your previous visits? We will want to be on the island this time.

UNCalium - the last time we went to Venice was about 6 years ago with our kids and we rented an apartment, so I am not up to date with hotels. Prior to that I stayed in a hotel near the station which would be a good choice if you planned on making a number of day trips by train, but otherwise was really nothing special.

THere are a number of threads here discussing Venice hotels, but a lot depends on your budget.

What comes to mind for me is the Hotel Rigel on Lido. It is a short walk from the vaporetto, very comfortable, pretty large, and groups often stay there. The location is vastly more pleasant than Mestre (garden-like, almost small-townish, great strolling, supermarkets, very sheltered and easy - - and you are a beautiful vaporetto ride across the lagoon to San Marco). You might want to contact them directly and see if they can make you a deal: Hotel Rigel - Venice
3 star Hotel VeniceVia E. Dandolo 13 - Venice 0695 170 9937

Thanks, dfourh. The group travel was in May, but your suggestion is much appreciated. I will keep it in mind if I travel to Venice with students again.

thanks, dfourh - I'll pass on the tip to our teacher.