My wife and I are planning to be in Venice for 3-4 nights in early to mid December. For mobility reasons, we're looking at hotels either with ground floor rooms or an elevator. I want to make sure we're not asking for issues with acqua alta (flooded rooms and/or elevator not working). Am I worrying over nothing, or is it wiser to stay near Mestre? Thanks!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6564 posts
I doubt you would find many hotels with ground floor rooms. Look for hotels with an elevator. If you are afraid of an aqua alta (and they arent all that common), then dont book a hotel near P. San Marco or Dorsoduro. Find something near the train station, in Cannaregio, near Santa Croce, or Castello areas which are more likely to stay dry. Typically the water will recede within a few hours. If you are seriously concerned, there are websites that monitor the lagoon water levels and issue advance warnings of incoming aqua alta.
Posted by
Green Bay
22663 posts
The area around the train station is higher than most of the rest of Venice, so look near there. The Mose was put in operation in 2020, and I have not been there since then, but that should have reduced the super high Acqua Alta. San Marco is the lowest area, so avoid that.
Posted by
164 posts
With MOSE flooding is less common. The areas around St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and along the Grand Canal tend to be the lowest-lying areas (and therefore the most susceptible to flooding), so I'd avoid those areas if you're worried about flooding. Keep in mind that the flood only lasts for a couple of hours at most, so even if you do get an acqua alta event it likely won't ruin your day.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1659 posts
You're worrying about it too much. Every place in Venice knows there elevation number and government has an alert system that predicts the height of the water as it ebbs flows. So every place in Venice knows when they may see water and they will let you know.
And just for context the "flood" is essentially the storm drains running backwards so water slowly rises and then recedes with the tides and winds. It doesn't rush in quickly nor is it unexpected. And when it does happen the city just deals with it - putting up walkways in San Marco and along the canals and everyone just adapts. It's just like cities that get unexpected snow dumps and everyone just does their part and life goes on.
We had reserved tickets at San Marco and it coincided with high water. They had us enter from the side and had elevated walkways as we made our way into cathedral over the water. By the time we exited the water had receded and we walked out over the same floors that had been underwater when we came in.
Now I would be careful handling your shoes and washing your hands but I would advise that in all big cities in Italy as a lot of life happens in the streets. And I would never take off my shoes and walk in the high water like we saw people do. But other than that kind of sensible precautions the high water is an experience and/or annoyance depending on your attitude.
Venice is amazing, enjoy,
=Tod
Posted by
Green Bay
22663 posts
And I would never take off my shoes and walk in the high water like we saw people do
That is forbidden, as well as other crazy things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgQCm_rTIGc&t=6s
Posted by
the great P-NW
452 posts
Even if you aren't there during an actual high water event, I'd stay away from the parts of town previously mentioned where it is more likely. We stayed at a rental place near San Marco, and we had to climb over a high water barrier set up in front of the door. That could be a challenge if you have mobility issues.