Hi do you recommend to stay at the hotels/B&Bs in the Mestre area during the visit to Venice. I know it is about 15 min away from the Venice city center, less expensive, and less touristy. or should i book the hotels/B&Bs in the Venice city area? Thanks!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Jenny - How much of a budget issue is this for you? When do you plan to be in Venice?
Staying in Venice itself is half the reason to visit. The canals and streets at night are magical.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Sentiment on this board seems to run 90% for staying in Venice and 10% for staying on the mainland to save some money. I'm in the 90%. You don't save all that much money (if any) staying in Mestre and you have to pay for the train into and out of Venice each day, plus you don't have the ability to go back to your room in the middle of the day for a little nap. And, yes, a big part of the charm of Venice is wandering around in the evening after the hordes of tourists have gone back to their cruise ships (or back to Mestre.) :-)
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
88 posts
Yes, you must stay in Venice proper. You want to enjoy waking up and walking around late while many tourists disappear for the night. Enjoy!!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Linda and Ken are exactly right. Unless saving money is a huge issue, sleeping in Mestre is a poor substitute for Venice.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Definitely stay on Venice Island if you can. Try this little B&B for a very affordable and highly recommended place to stay.
Posted by
Venezia
27 posts
I agree with everyone else - staying in Venice proper is not to be missed. There are lots of places you can find to stay that suit a range of budgets - a lot of other posts have recommended places (unfortunately I cannot as I have never been in a hotel here). But have a look around the site and you will find something to suit you, I am sure!
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
172 posts
The cost of hotel in Mestre is about 80 Eur per night whereas 119 Eur in Venice. I'm just wondering if it is actually worth it to save the money and stay off the main city and use the money on dining or shopping......
Posted by
Orange County, USA
155 posts
You stay in Venice because of the magic of the city, especially after the tourists have gone. You can eat pizza and pannini and still have a glorious time.
Personally, I don't spend too much time shopping. I would rather sit in a cafe, sipping wine and talking with a local. In the shops you don't "see" Venice" only other tourists.
Just my opinion. Enjoy!
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1825 posts
When comparing prices consider the cost of the train ticket (and hassle) to get back and forth. Also, as others have said, the magic of Venice is after the cruise ships and day trippers have left you can wander around this magical city, stopping here and there for a glass of wine or a coffee.
Posted by
boulder, co
30 posts
We always stay in an apartment in Venice. They are cheaper than a hotel and you have the option to have some of your meals in the apartment. Search the web for apartment rentals. I have stayed in some really nice apartments for 600 euros per week. Try www.veniceapartments.org.