Venice hotel advice needed ....
 

Plan on traveling to Venice by train next year and during our stay in Venice (maybe 5 days) we'll probably do a couple of day trips to other areas. <BR> <BR>Considering getting a hotel close by to the station for the convenience. Does anyone know of a good hotel in this area of Venice? Budget wise I'm trying to get something $100 or under if possible. Is this possible? <BR> <BR>Also, would like opinion about whether it would be better to stay near the station or get something in another area of Venice -- out of a possible 5 days in Venice, 2 days would be day trips in other areas. <BR> <BR>As you can tell, for convenience purposes I'm debating whether to really stay close to the station. I'm not sure if it's easy getting to the station if I'm staying in another area of Venice. <BR> <BR>I appreciate comments and any hotel recommendations. <BR> <BR>Bob

I stayed at the Hotel Firenze, near St Marks. Good location, breakfast was a little sparse though. I was on the 5th floor (I think) and had a little balcony with table and two chairs (view was ok, a little construction behind the hotel but didn't bother me). <BR> <BR>My advice for a hotel in Venice would be proximity to the water bus stops on the Grand Canal so you can get to the train station easily. There were many people other than myself taking the bus with their luggage -- it wasn't a problem. You just don't want to have to haul your luggage down the tiny streets and over the bridges (they have steps, not ramps). The water bus took about 20 min from St. Marks (by Harry's Bar) to the train station, I think.

Hi Bob <BR>You don't need to stay near the train station in order to have a convenient location. There are some inexpensive and pleasant places to stay near there. <BR>If you do a Search on this forum for Venice hotel, you will find some suggestions, near the train station and elsewhere. I know for example that elvira, a regular on this forum, stayed in one near the train station that she recommended. <BR>Venice isn't very big, and walking to the train station from St Mark's for example, shouldn't take more than 30 minutes or so in a determined walk, but I prefer the areas around St Mark's or in Dorsoduro for a central location. <BR>Taking the vaporetto is fun, but it isn't always faster than walking. You will want to ride when you have luggage, though. <BR>The vaporetto ride from the train station down the Grand Canal to other locations is a glorious introduction to Venice. <BR>I have a file on Venice; if you'd like to see it, email me.

Hotel Locanda Sturion at Rialto bridge is ideal location with easy access to water bus back to train station for those day trips. Great hotel, nice rooms, good breakfast service...they have web page if you search for it...one caution if you can not climb long stairway then do not use as there is no lift...only drawback.

I will echo what the other person said. If you are carrying a lot of luggage, even if it has wheels, try to stay at a place that is easily reachable when you arrive. As far as the daytrips go, I wouldn't stay right at the station for that purpose alone. The boats run pretty early and late, so there will be no concern about making it to the station when you want to get there. I really liked our hotel near Piazza San Marco, but after being there I feel the best positions for convenience to both the major sites and the most interesting neighborhoods of Venice are around the Accademia and Rialto bridges. Both of those would also put you in closer proximity to the station, especially at the latter bridge. You might want to look into the Hotel Galleria that so many on here like. It was booked up when I tried a few months ago, so we stayed elsewhere. It is on the Grand Canal, very central, close to a major boat stop, and not too expensive.

Bob, <BR>Another vote for the easily accessible Locanda Sturion. I found getting in & out of Venice perhaps easier than many other locales in Europe. (There are rarely traffic jams on the Grand Canal!) If you'd like more info, please feel free to e-mail me directly; I'd be happy to return the favor, as I'm referencing your Rome report for a trip I'm planning in January! <BR> <BR>Best Wishes to you & Carol, <BR>BC

Thx to all for the feedback. Appreciate it. <BR> <BR>Will be posting Q's down the road on other areas as well. <BR> <BR>Bookchick, I'll email you separately. <BR> <BR>Thx again. <BR> <BR>Bob (& Carol)

Locanda Leon Biano: this is where we are staying. Tonight is our last night of 5 days in Venice. No time to tell you the address, but look it up here on Fodors! Good location; get a room facing the grande canal! About $120/night,

Hotels are Out, for me anyway, and apartments are In. I'm telling you, I got 10 times the space for half the price. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, but really you do so much better in an apartment. I feel bad for hoteliers but the value just isn't there anymore, especially in Venice. I rented behind S. Marks square from Venicerentals.com <BR>Check them out. Susan