starfish1

Thanks P_M, just a question about the ATVO bus, how long did it take to get to the airport from P.Roma? We have a 7am flight - need to make sure we leave enough time. Thanks for the help.

P_M

I took the non-express bus and I think it was somewhere around 30 minutes. The express bus is surely faster and only 50 cents more, costing 3 euros. I didn't know about the express until afterward, otherwise I would have used that.

P_M

Another thing starfish--you might want to get your bus tickets the night before you leave. That will save you a bit of time and frustration on your travel day. Also check the schedules to make sure they run at that hour.

P_M

Here are a few other tips for using the bus or the waterbus in Venice, in case it's of interest. You can buy a ticket at any of a zillion kiosks around the city, including one at the airport. There is an automated kiosk by the baggage claim and another just outside of baggage claim. If you prefer a kiosk manned by live people then look for the tourist info desk.

Your ticket will be a little plastic card with a micro-chip. When you board the bus you will see an electronic gizmo by the driver. Wave your card in front of the gizmo and make sure the micro-chip is facing the gizmo. If the mirco-chip is facing you then it won't work. The gizmo will upload info into your card. When you see a green light you will know the system has worked and your card is good. So when/if the conductor comes around, he will scan your card to make sure it's good. A conductor will not be on every bus, waterbus or train, but if he does appear and you have not uploaded your card then you will get an expensive citation. I learned this the hard way on a bus in Athens years ago. I wasn't trying to cheat, I just didn't understand the system so I got a citation.

As some of you may recall, back in the old days you got a paper ticket that you stamped in a machine. As you can see above, that has been replaced by modern technology.

starfish1

Thanks so much for all the great info and the ticket tutorial. Very helpful and yes, I also thought getting the ticket for the bus to the airport the day before would be a good idea. (I don't function well that early in the morning.)I understand the buses start their runs around 5am so that should give us lots of time. Really appreciate your advice.

Dayenu

Bookmarking. Going in May, trying to decide between Arlecchino and Olimpia.

Leely2

Tedgale, off-topic but I just saw your comment about Ca' della Corte. I stayed there with two girlfriends in 2001. We had a nice triple room but what I remember most about the place was the family atmosphere. Although we were nearly 30 at the time, the woman owner treated us like daughters, including telling us we wouldn't need jackets when going out for the day, chastising us (gently) for not calling when we ended up missing our train from Florence, and giving us tips on where her daughters liked to hang out at night.

I hope the management/ownership is the same. If so, I would certainly consider staying there again. Nice to have an Italian mamma on your side.

anneeby

Just returned from Venice where we stayed at Casanova ai Tolentini. We loved the location and the facilities were fine for us but I wouldn't consider it "charming". It is actually just rooms in separate buildings kind of like an independent apartment, no lobby or someone on "the desk". We stayed the first night at Hotel Al Sole just down the street, which is an actually hotel and charming. www.alsolehotels.com

starfish1

Meant to report back after our visit - found the hotel very easy to get to/from Piazalle Roma. Although we didn't get to use it due to a very early departure, they have a lovely breakfast room and a beautiful courtyard that is a nice respite from the crowds in Venice. We were given a very large room/suite that was in a separate building via the courtyard. Very spacious bathroom. The room was comfortable and clean if not a bit tired - worn carpet. We made a huge mistake by opening up the shutters/windows while we went out for the evening. When we got back, we had mosquitoes like crazy. Made for an entertaining sleep - but other than that, it was quiet. I would recommend for one or two nights if you need to be near the train or bus terminal. Otherwise, I'd locate elsewhere. It suited our purposes perfectly this trip. A little updating would improve things.