Venice - Staying near Frari church?

I love staying in that area, Joy. I have stayed at the Hotel Tivoli twice and plan to return this spring. There are a few places to eat, various shops, the walking around is interesting, and the vaporetto is just a couple of minutes away. There is a university next to my hotel. It has a garden with grass, trees, etc. Nighttimes, I would say there are things to do but it isn't what I would call "lively." The train station and its bridge are just a few minutes walk away,once you get oriented.

It is hard to describe most areas in Venice as having a lively nightlife. The area near Campo Santa Margherita might be a bit lively because of the students that live around there. The area you are talking about has food, shops, etc. there is a good gelateria near the Frari. There is also a traghetto near the San Toma vaporetto stop that gets you across the canal to San Angelo on the San Marco side.

Thanks for the info. I just wanted to be sure there would be places to eat/drink nearby. We've been to Venice but only for a few days and didn't make it to that area. Our other choice is the San Zach area.

There's a San Toma vaporetto stop only a short walk from the church. That gives you the flexibility to easily go to other parts of Venice. I buy a pass for the period I'm in Venice and use the vaporetti frequently. Although I've not stayed in the San Toma area, I've been there in the evening. I think it has more of a neighborhood feel in the evening, meaning less touristy than the areas around Rialto and San Marco.

I stayed near the San Stae stop at the Al Ponte Mocenigo which I believe was very close to the Frari Chruch. I loved it and the surrounding neighborhoods and would stay there again. Venice is so walkable. The bridges may seem far but when you are there, distances are tolerable. Walking can be even more quick than the waterbus.