Mestre In Venice

Since you're stuck with your choice you can get to Venice by train. You can purchase tickets for about 2 Euros. It's about a 10 minute ride to the Venice station. From there you can take a vaporetto to St Mark's and other sights.
Don't let our negative responses about Mestre impact your trip.

The first time I went to Venice we stayed in Mestre. You have to take a bus and then a vaparetto to actually get to the island of Venice. Mestre is the mainland with cars, busses, etc. The second time we went to Venice we stayed on the island of Venice and it was much more enjoyable. It is a little bit of a travel. We stayed in a 2 star hotel in the Canneregio section of Venice and it was great. Speaking personally I think you should rethink Mestre. Hope this helps.

If at all possible I would rebook a hotel in Venice.
Mestre is ok but a rather drab industrial town.
Venice early in the morning and in the evening when the bus tours leave is magical.
It may be a little more expensive but well worth it.

If you're going to the trouble of traveling to Venice then by all means STAY ON VENICE ISLAND! We made the mistake of staying in Mestre on our 1st venetian trip, and I was really disappointed thinking that I "Could" be staying on the island but instead was stuck in Mestre. Yes, things are probably cheaper in Mestre, but you didn't travel all of that way to only get a brief taste of Venice. The city is definitely a sight to see, but it's even nicer after about 5:00pm when all of the hordes of tourists leave the island. It's quiet and peaceful and VERY enjoyable at that time.

Thanks for the reply, but I think I am stuck in this area as when I booked the hotel, there are no refunds. I guess I will know for next time. I actually just found about Rick's book and reading it discovered this site. Thanks again for the responses