Please sign in to post.

Venice Accommodation Help

Posted by on

I need some help. I've narrowed down where we would like to stay to three places, two Airbnb's and one hotel, all of which are for 5 nights, all of which have air conditioning (we're going in early-mid June). The hotel is the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo (800EUR), which is sort of in the center of it all. The first Airbnb's ($600ish) is across the canal from the train station near the Church (Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo), and the second Airbnb is between the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square ($1000ish).

We have pretty much stayed in hotels when we travel, the one I found is a nice one from what I have read online and is pretty central to most things to see in Venice.

We have only stayed in one Airbnb here in the States, so I am not sure how they are in Venice. We had a good experience the time we stayed in one.

The first Airbnb is near the train station which would make getting the train easier when we leave, since we are leaving for Ravenna when we depart. However if we wanted to catch the Vaparetto down the river it would take about 35-55ish minutes to do so, and the same on the return. I've never done laundry - and I am sure its probably the last thing one would think of on vacation, but we're going to be in Europe for about a month and I am trying to pack light and this Airbnb has a washer and dryer. This spot is also on the ground floor, with no stairs to climb and has a garden area to relax in after walking around all day. The owner lives on another continent, but has a local agent to assist with issues.

The Second Airbnb is about half way between the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square, making it more central to seeing the sights. This is a three story walk up with no elevator. This spot has a patio on the rooftop to relax after walking all day - or just climbing the three stories up. This Airbnb has a washer in the unit, but no dryer. The owner of the unit is local and willing to help with any concerns.

One of the concerns I have is with the hotel and the second Airbnb, is when we leave, and take the Vaparetto back to the train station, how easy is it to get two checked size suit cases from the dock and then on/off the Vaparetto. I am almost certain I will be handling both of them.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I appreciate all the help and insights from people that have been there.

Posted by
28318 posts

I don't even know which of those locations would be best for me, much less for you, so these are just a few random thoughts:

Based on many comments here, I have the impression European clothes dryers do not work very well at all--clothes don't come out completely dry, so you'll probably need to hang things up anyway. I wouldn't put much value at all on having a dryer. I can see the advantage of the washer, though.

The area between Rialto and San Marco would probably feel a lot more touristy than your other two options.

Most people want to take at least one ride along the full length of the Grand Canal, and making a second trip after dark is often recommended. Therefore, I'm not sure the length of the trip from the train station to San Marco is that serious an impediment to staying at the first Airbnb unless you anticipate going all the way over to the San Marco area more than once. So much depends on your particular sightseeing targets and how you plan to combine them during your five-day stay.

I had a ground-floor apartment on my recent trip to Venice, and I confess it was very nice not to have to climb stairs all the time. However, I wouldn't have paid much extra for that feature, since I don't mind stairs when not burdened with luggage and can manage them with luggage if I have to.

My apartment was in the part of Cannaregio across the Grand Canal from the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo (but closer to the northern edge). It's somewhat of a disadvantage not to have a bridge near your lodgings. It may mean more dependence on vaporetti--again, depending on your sightseeing targets.

Posted by
1068 posts

Can I suggest you look at Hotel Ala? It's right at the Giglio vaporetto stop which makes it easier with luggage. They have a wonderful breakfast buffet. They are also right in between the Accademia Bridge and San Marco so getting around is very easy by foot or vaporetto. Before heading out for dinner, try the rooftop deck. Beautiful views and maybe some cooling breeze. I've stayed here many times and have never thought about returning the other hotels I tried before.
The other respondent is correct: don't count on a dryer for your laundry. If you hang it out in the apartment it might dry in a day.

Posted by
732 posts

Our recent experience in Venice-end of August into September-
Our airbnb was walking distance from the train station, about 6 minutes. The most difficult part was Ponte degli Scalzi and it was most problematic because of the tourists although the 39 steps are a bit much at first!
It had a washer/dryer combination which once the owner showed us how it worked, we did use the dryer too. It was too hot! Dried our clothes, but a couple of items did shrink a titch. Because of the humidity, no drying rack was provided. Seemed odd, but that is what we were told, so we created humidity by leaving our washed clothes hanging in the bathroom!! Now, if the washing machine has a centrifuga setting, the clothes will come out nearly dry and don’t take long to fully dry. We love that setting and have used it on every washing machine we’ve had and really haven’t needed a dryer.
If you choose to stay be San Simione Piccolo, no need for a vaporetto to get there from the station, but you will be close to the vaporetto stops if you need/want them for further travel.
We were in Venice for 8 full days-it wasn’t enough. Enjoy!

Posted by
47 posts

The hotel is wonderful, we're going to stay there a second time in early november. It's on a vaporetto stop too, so easy to get to- it's right next to the stop. Re: laundry, a month is a long time so good on you and yes you'll need clean clothes after a while. The hotel can wash some for a modest fee. I typically do socks and underwear in hotel sinks, wring them out well and hope for the best. If you have several nights in one locale, wash them when you arrive and they'll likely dry by departure. Of course we also tend to wear garments multiple times when travelling, changing outfits less than we do at home. Wool undershirts, socks and tees stand up to this better than cotton counterparts. Polyester will smell more than wool after one or two wearings, but it also dries more quickly if you hand wash it, which can be handy. Good luck.

Seriously, the hotel is wonderful, great breakfasts too. We'll be there 11/4 - 11/8.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.