I have googled and come up with conflicting advice and maps that differ.
We are staying in Mestre in the summer and will be driving. We plan to park at our accommodation and train into Venice. One of the reviews for the accommodation says be careful as although the hotel in mestre I sn't in the ZTL, you need to enter it to access it. Cue frantic Google search and confusion!
thanks for any help.

Out of curiosity are folks staying in hotels inside the ZTL zones get some exemption - I'd ask the hotel about that. Good question and waiting for the answer - never thought of Mestre as that congested.

I thought that this was one of your trick questions, Pal!

I think the general rule is that if the hotel is in the ZTL then they can inform the police of your number plate and you are exempt fro, being fined for use of the nearest ZTL entry point. When I booked mestre I assumed it would be ZTL free! Maybe it's best if I just contact the accommodation and ask them to be sure.

Very amusing posting.

The OP asks the question and the OP gives the answer!

Give your license plate info to front desk at checkin. Take a photo of it with your phone to show them.

Maybe it's best if I just contact the accommodation and ask them to be sure.

I agree. And no I do NOT think you need to take a photo of your license plate or anything else UNLESS the hotel suggests doing so.

Yes, there is ZTL in Mestre. Ditch that hotel and car. Stay in Venice.

kyb--good advice! When in Venice, stay in Venice. Park your car at the Piazzale Roma right at the end of the causeway.

Here's a map of the zone in Mestre.

http://www.accessibilitacentristoric...ia-mestre.html

>>>Out of curiosity are folks staying in hotels inside the ZTL zones get some exemption<<<

Some cities/hotels have arrangements to notify the police, but it's for arrival/departure days (to drop off luggage), not in and out for sightseeing.

The car parks near the Mestre train station are cheaper than the Piazzale Roma parking and the train is practically a shuttle.

Ditto to stay in Venice itself - I've stayed in Mestre and if you're the type that likes to go back to your hotel during the day or for a spell in early evening you will not go back to Venice at night and Venice, especially St Mark's Square with the Vivaldi orchestras all over playing away is a real charm - better even than in the daytime - at night the day tripping hoardes are largely gone.

Park in Mestre as Michael says but stay in Venice even if it costs a lot more - well worth it - be sure to take a boat ride down the Grand' Canal at night - to me the most sublime thing one can do in all of Europe - as the softly illuminated stately facades of the old crumbing palazzo silently slip by...

The old part of Mestre (which is to the North of the Zone) is fun but nothing compared to Venice itself. I've journeyed around the area by bicycle and Venice is unique and the evenings and the early mornings are the special time to see the city.

You can find information in English about Orvieto's ZTL here: http://urbanaccessregulations.eu/cou...ria/orvieto-ar
The same site also provides information in English for all the over 200 camera enforced ZTLs in Italy!

Sorry, the link for Florence is http://urbanaccessregulations.eu/cou...ze-florence-ar