Venice Guidecca Island

We're staying there in June 2009 because we got really great prices for the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel via priceline. The Hilton provides a free water shuttle from Guidecca to the main island. We've also been to Venice several times so we thought it might be nice to explore Guidecca Island for the first time.

However, if you've never been to Venice then it might behoove you to spend your nights on the main island and do less boat riding and more sightseeing.

I agree that Giudecca (note the correct spelling) would be better for your second or third time in Venice. The vaporetto (spelling) is a bit of a hassle to have to be shuttling back and forth. The magic of Venice is to be able to wander around freely, without worrying about shuttles. And it's nice to be able to take a nap mid-day in your hotel room if you're exhausted.

(I mention the corrected spellings in case you want to google for more information. No offense intended.)

The Hilton Molino Stucky is an absolutely wonderful hotel. It's a bit pricey. We were able to stay there on points. Very easy to get to and from the train station using the Palanca vaporetto stop. The Palanca stop is about 800 feet from the hotel. You will have to cross two canal bridges. The hotel actually has two free shuttles. They run from the hotel's private dock and San Zaccaria (St. Marks) stop every 30 minutes during the day and early evening. They also stop at the Zattere stop on the main island.

Roy, you PM'ed me to say that this would not be your first time in Venice. In that case, it might be well worth checking out Giudecca. Get those 48 hour (or longer) vaporetto passes. Also you might consider the Cannaregio neighborhood. I've read that Venetians consider it to be the most beautiful district in Venice.

Thanks I will look at the Cannaregio neighborhood. Any suggestions on where to stay there?
Roy

My husband & I have stayed in the Cannaregio area on 2 different trips. I don't know what your budget is, but check out Ca Dogaressa right on the canal. We have only stayed in the Jr. Suite because it looks out over the canal,which gets quiet at night, but fun to watch. Paolo the owner is always around, & so is Danielle. Both very accommodating. The area is easy to get to from the train station & has many vaparetto stops. It's like staying in a "neighborhood" not a tourist area. Small market & wine shop a few doors down. There are many other small hotels along the Canal & in the neighborhood. Have fun! Let us know what you decide to do.

Part II. You might also check out Hotel Ponte Mocenigo. It was in Rick's book so we tried last April. It is in Dorsoduro area & was very nice, liked it a lot!