WE are going on a cruise and will be staying two nights in venice before we board. We need advise as to where to stay that is convienent with travelling with all our luggage. I would really appreciate your help with suggestions as this is our first time in europe and have no idea but understand that we would have difficulty to get a room with two double or queen beds. Please help me don't know where to begin... gracie....jc
Hotel Abbazia is on Venice Island (not in Mestre). They have quad (4-bedded) rooms, and they are located right next to the train station and very very close to Piazzale Roma where the buses and taxis drop off and pick up.
We got a two-bedroom apartment from Hotel d'Art. It wasn't fancy but it was perfect for us (spouse, three kids and self). It had a living room, bathroom and kitchen.
We only had one carry-on each and it wasn't that easy in Venice. We parked, took the water bus (Vaporetto) to the nearest stop, crossed the bridge, found the hotel and walked a little further to the apartment.
If you are packing heavy, the easiest choice (and probably most secure) is a water taxi direct to your hotel. It is also the most expensive option. Many hotels have water entrances where the taxi pulls up to the lobby, so you don't have to carry your bags at all.
Jane, when I met up with friends who stopped in Venice on their cruise, they just took the "public" water taxi to their cruise boat from the San Marco square area. Try and find out where you have to be to pick up the boat, and then it will be easier for people to recommend hotels. I'm thinking you'll want to stay on the island itself. you may need 2 rooms, or there may be apartments available.