Anyone stay at any of the hotels on the Lido? My fiance and I thought it might be a nice way to have a beach experience during our Italian honeymoon. Research states it is only 10 minutes by ferry but would it be inconvenient at night? We don't want to miss out on the night life of Venice but also love the idea of walking along the shore one evening.

We didn't stay at a hotel on Lido Beach, but I will tell you what we did do. Two sunny afternoons, we took the vaporatto from San Marco to Lido, and yes, it took about 10 minutes (we had a three-day water bus pass). When you arrive at the dock on Lido, you must buy a bus ticket to the beach at the bus stop. The bus will take you directly to the beach, and the ride is about 3-4 minutes. We purchased the tickets at a store right at the bus stop. Everything is very close.

The beach was a delight! Clean sand, chaise lounges/umbrellas already set up for use (I think there was a small charge). The water was clean. The refreshment stand was under a large white tent with tables and chairs for sitting down to eat or drink. Also, the toilet facilities were clean (children have their own toilets). Never saw that in the USA.

All in all, it was enjoyable, the weather was great, and a couple from our hotel came with us the second day. They were tired of doing the tourist thing.

It was so relaxing, we would stay there if we were to visit Venice again.

Hi USA

You can find the vaporetto schedules at http://www.actv.it/eng/home.php.

If you do a text search here for venice AND lido you'll find other posters who've also stayed there in summer & really enjoyed it. The only downside I see is if you're sightseeing during the day & want to have a rest after lunch before setting out for more sightseeing, it's less convenient to go back to your hotel than if you're staying IN Venice. Perhaps a small price to pay.

You might enjoy reading the book "A Thousand Days in Venice" by Marlena de Blasi. It's a true story of an American woman who meets & marries a Venetian living on Lido. She describes life on the Lido.

My husband and I stayed on the Lido 2 years ago at the Hotel Mabahpa and would highly recommend it. It is a short walk to the vaporetto. The rooms, breakfast and service was great. We much preferred it than staying in Venice as the Lido is charming and much quieter in the evening. Have a great time.

Venice is pretty quiet in the evening; the Lido must be like a morgue.