One night in Venice - Grand Lido?
 

I will be in Venice for one night only, en route from Paris to Rome. We fly into Venice in the late afternoon, and depart the following evening. I have a few questions for the experts: <BR> <BR>1. Should we stay on Lido? We are considering the Westin Excelsior. We are travelling in November, so the beach does not make a difference. However, we would like to stay someplace relatively luxurious, and appreciate the atmosphere. This is not my first trip to Venice, but it has been very many years. I have seen many recent recommendations that people should stay close to St. Mark's Square. However, the complementary shuttle boat from the hotel does not bother me (at least in concept). Any thoughts on the issue? <BR> <BR>2. Any comparisons/comments re Westin Excelsior, Westin Europa & Regina, and the Danielli? <BR> <BR>3. Any suggested ideas for a quick tour of Venice? This is my companion's first trip to Venice, and we really do not have time for anything extensive, just the obvious locations so that he can get an introductory feel to the city. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Chels <BR>with one day in Venice, I would not stay on the Lido, I'd be spending too much precious time in "commuting" back and forth. I have not stayed at the hotels you mentioned, but I know the Europa Regina to be outstanding in every way. <BR>Excellent location minutes from San Marco. <BR> <BR>Not too long ago Venice expert Paulo <BR>posted here a suggested one-day tour of Venice. If he doesn't chime in here soon, email me and I'll be happy to send it to you as I have incorporated it <BR>(with all due credit) into my other Venice travel notes. (If you'd like to see my file either way, feel free to email.)

Agree, too much time commuting to and from Lido. My favorite intro to Venice (and consider I was blessed with Glorious Weather) was the Water Bus Ride through the entire area. The Industrial as well as the beautiful. Gives you a real feel for how they manage it. We departed Water Bus at Lido, walked the area, hopped back on. Nice place to live, certainly, but not really the feel of "Venice". I loved staying near St. Marks Sq. (at Albergo St. Marco? It was a Best Western.. More a 3 star, I'm sure) feeling the vibes of architecture,history, and people. Give your companion a real feel for it.

I see your points re communting. However, how much commuting will I really be doing? That is, I arrive the first afternoon from the airport, and take the airport bus to Lido. That evening, I am sure we will venture into Venice, of course. I had planned on checking out of the hotel the next morning, and leaving our luggage in the luggage lock at the train station to accommodate our evening train. So, we would be making the commute twice from Lido. Is the Excelsior worth the extra commute? Any thoughts? <BR> <BR>Thank you - every idea is a big help!

As much as I loved staying on Lido last New Year's, I have to agree that, with only one day in Venice, I wouldn't stay there. Even if it's only a short commute away, Lido won't give you the opportunity to walk to the Piazza San Marco at midnight if you have insomnia, or the chance to wander late in the evening/early in the morning without planning to be out for an hour or more. But it's really not the commuting time as much as it is, as a previous poster said, that it's just not as "Venicey" as the main part of Venice. In the wintertime, Lido is very quiet, and sort of...not seedy, exactly, but sad; not as thrilling as the main part of Venice. It's very quiet, lots of businesses are closed for the season. And I don't recall seeing any hotel that was sufficiently amazing to be worth the extra distance. Have a wonderful trip - I hope all of our input has helped! <BR>

Thank you. I'd pretty much decided against Lido, but the "sad" feeling did it for me! Now, which hotel? I'm considering the Danielli and the Europa. I'd like luxury for our first night in Europe, but I don't need the ridiculous... Any suggestions are appreciated!

Chels, <BR> <BR>I vote for the Europe and Regina. I love the elegance and the location - it's in the midst of everything but off the main drag - so it's quiet. <BR> <BR>I've stayed at the Excelsior and, yes, it is beautiful, but I think the Europe & Regina is better for one night... <BR> <BR>Have a great time... <BR> <BR>Dona

Glad to hear you've given up on the Lido. With just one night, you need to be IN Venice. We stayed at the Londra Palace, in a Jr. Suite with a balcony. It was heavenly. The view form there across the lagoon to San Giorgio is breathtaking. The restaurant is good, too. But I have to tell you, we stopped in the Danieli for a drink. Do it. The lobby will knock your socks off.

I would not stay on the Lido. It is very nice, but more remote, and only worth it to me if it is summer and you want to make use of the facilities. The Excelsior, by the way, is beautiful. We stayed, though, at the Europa & Regina, which is lovely, and has the added benefit of being on the Grand Canal, and being within walking distance of many sights, especially St. Mark's Square. You won't go wrong with that choice.

My two choices are the Danielli (reserve a room in the old (original) section), overlooking the Canal- or Gritti Palace. For one night I need a canal view. Have fun!

Thank you for the suggestion. I'll let you know where I end up! <BR> <BR>-C