It has been recommended to us that when travelling to Venice ths may (we are 2 families, with 3 kids in total) that we consider staying in a town just outside called Padova (Padua), I guess there is an old monastery or convent, right across from a St Anthony cathederal. Does anyone know a name, contact info? Thanks, George
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Nights in Venice are magic. Even if you spend some time in Padua, don't miss a night staying in Venice.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
While staying in Padova is possible and probably cheaper accomodations than Venice, it isn't "just outside". It is about a 30-45 minute train ride to Venice.
If you want to go to Venice, try to stay in Venice. the experience is very different than doing day trips from elsewhere. The city realy shines early in the moring and in the evening and night whenthe daytrippers and the cruise ship folks are gone.
You might want to take a look at apartment rentals in Venice. There are several agencies that handle them. Prices are generally cheaper than the hotels and give you a place to spread out a little with the kids.
Here are a couple of agencies and also check on www.slowtrav.com for more.
Posted by
Taylor, TX, USA
416 posts
Just got back from Italy and I stayed in Padova because we had a rental car and needed a hotel with a parking lot. Hotel Antenore is very nice, but instead of taking the bus to the train station, you want to spend the 14 or so euros to get a taxi since the train will be a 30 to 40 minute ride. However, the bus stop IS easy walking distance from the hotel. Padova also has it own sights that you might want to visit while there and which I regret missing because my companions only wanted to do Venice. However, if you can find an affordable hotel in Venice and don't have a car you need to park, stay in Venice.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
891 posts
I agree, stay in Venice. You also have to figure out how much you'll spend on the RT train each day.
You can probably find more things there that the kids will enjoy, even if it's just riding the vaporetto and walking around. (We saw a lot of kids in St. Mark's Square chasing pigeons and letting them land on their shoulders) I would check out the apartment rentals that a previous response suggested.