What is the main train station that goes from Venice to Florence and is it a good idea to stay in a hotel near there whilst in Venice for a weekend in late August?

Quinny - The station in Venice proper is Santa Lucia. (The other station - Mestre - is on the mainland).

Most Florence trains start from S. Lucia - with one or two exceptions daily.
www.trenitalia.com

'Is it a good idea to stay in a hotel near there?'

Most people prefer to stay somewhere more central. Your choice ...

Steve

There are two train stations in Venice. Santa Lucia is the one right at the water's edge nearest the city "center". Mestre is the larger one a couple of miles out from that. Many trains will depart from Santa Lucia, stop at Mestre, then continue without changing direct to Florence. Otherwise because all trains leaving Santa Lucia stop at Mestre, you could end up on one of those trains and then need to change at Mestre, but there is no reason to take one of those -- just look for one that continues to Florence.

There is no particular reason to stay close to the train station in Venice.

I was trying to type fast, because I knew lots of us would offer the same information. I see Steve typed even faster than I did.

Perhaps someone could recommend a reasonably priced hotel in a good location. Venice hotels seem to be drastically overpriced!!!

What do you consider "reaonsable"? When you see Venice, you'll understand the "reason" for the high prices. It's not like there's any space to create new hotel rooms for people who want to a central location. (Well, I suppose there's room for a Holiday Inn in Piazza San Marco, but still .....)

What's your budget?

I'm never sure what people mean when they say hotels are "overpriced". The basic law of business is supply and demand -- you charge what the customers are willing to pay. Since most hotels in Venice book at nearly 100% capacity, then it would seem they aren't overpriced for the market. If you mean they charge more for hotels in Venice than similar hotels in less exciting cities do, then of course you're right. You try building a hotel on water in an ancient city that is sinking and that must be built and serviced without the aid of roads to it and all the usual transportation issues. Then if you like you can run it like a charity and rent rooms out at below your operating cost. We would all be eternally grateful to you.

If you feel the hotels there are overpriced, why do you still want to go there? Is it because Venice is truly unique and there is nothing else like it? If your answer is yes, then I think you probably need to face facts that you'll pay more for a hotel in Venice than in another city.

If you visit Venice in the off-season, like December or January, you can get fabulous hotel prices, but I don't think that will happen in August.

I haven't done it, and can't recommend it, but if Venice hotel prices are, for you, too expensive relative to the type of comfort you want in a hotel, you could consider staying in Mestre or Padua. There have been many posts about the pros and cons on this forum (I am on the "con" side, but then again, I've never tried it).

Quinny - I understand how you feel about Venice hotel prices. I almost didn't go to Venice on my first trip to Italy because of that. What a mistake that would have been! We stayed in a double with ensuite bath at the Hotel Bernardi for 80 euro. Nice, clean, well located budget hotel.

A couple of years ago we got a very nice motel room near Burwell, Nebraska for $24 a night. I guess someone could say Venice hotels are overpriced in comparison.

Venice remains the most expensive city in Italy because everyone, including you, wants to go there.

SPEND the money...the memories will linger long after that CD, DVD, ticket to the wrestling smackdown, etc., have gone.

There's no problem with the hotels near the train station in Venice proper (Santa Lucia) and hotels and B&Bs in that area (Cannareggio) can be better deals than the ones near San Marco. Venice is so small that it's all pretty central.

I stayed at a very nice, newly renovated B&B call Al Saor in September. Reasonable rates (about 100 euro for a double) for Venice, breakfast included.

As others are kindly suggesting, Venice hotels are not "drastically overpriced" but they are more expensive than some places because Venice is an extremely popular place to visit. Do a search of budget hotels in Venice, there are many to be found but it will take a bit of effort.

I like www.lacalcina.com very much but it is very desirable and often booked solid.

quinny,

Venice is expensive in large part because everything must be brought in by boat. I wouldn't say this means it is "overpriced."

I haven't stayed at this place, but it geets rave reviews on the Rick Steve's board for location, service, and friendly owners:
http://www.albergomarin.it/#
Doubles with bath range 80 to 100 euro; doubles without bath are from 50 to 85 euros. It is very close to the train station.

Where in this wide world has hotel prices increased, one of the first visits to Venice we paid$34. USD for
a night and at the same time was $12.50
at the Schroeder in Milwaukee, pre world two rates must have been about$2.50. That is how the world turns, but go now it will not get cheaper...Richard of LaGrange Park, IL.

Good luck, quinny. Has anyone read about a converted convent near the venice station??? That might have a lower price?
It's very easy to get around and to the station (even early in the a.m.) so don't worry.

Well, I am willing to pay approx. 120 euro a night. Can I get a double with a private bath and a view for this price?

I don't mean to sound negative about Venice. I'm sure, if what all of you are saying is true, I will not mind paying this price. Maybe even a little more!

Perhaps i will fall in love woith this city as much as you. Is 2 full days/nights adequate time to do so?

Are you willing to skip the view? That always hikes the price of a hotel room anywhere in the world (ocean view, lake view, canal view, etc.)

You can certainly find a decent double room with a private bath for that price.

As far as 2 days, it just depends how you choose to spend your trip time. Not knowing the rest of your itinerary it's hard to answer that question.

Many people go to Venice for only a day-trip. For me 5 days was about right. Some people stay for weeks at a time.

Rufus,

As far as whether two days is enough, maybe Rufus will post his usual list of what there is to see in Venice (I saw as many of them as I could in 3 days and didn't come close to seeing them all) and you can decide whether it's enough.

Have a great trip!