Venice: Hotel suggestion & getting to Marco Polo airport

If you have an early flight you can take a taxi.Actually the bus will get you there in plenty of time. We took A taxi at 4:30 for a 6:30 am flight and had to wait an hour for anything there to open.The busses and taxia ane sort of near the train station, You can spot the anea on a map of Venice.Dont take a water taxi unless you want to pay over $100.

For just one night near the cruise docks, I would suggest looking at the Palazzo Odoni (http://www.palazzoodoni.com/). It's a 15-minute walk from the cruise dock. It's a 4-minute walk to the Piazzale Roma where you can catch the early morning bus to the airport. The buses run frequently during the morning hours. No vaporettos involved unless you want to jump on one at the Piazzale Roma to tour around during your very short stay.

Note that the water taxi will cost you 100Euro ($150) for both of you if you choose that route.

Kathleen... I would recommend the Hotel Campiello. It is right off the San Zacheria vaporetto Stop. When you get off the boat it is just a few steps down the little calle. This boat stop is also right beside SanMarco Square.Also if your mother is elderly it has an elevator-- not many hotels have one.This hotel has a wonderful quiet ambience and a great buffet breakfast.It is in Rick's books. At the San Zacheria vaporetto stop you can get a water taxi for the flight.This is not close to the cruise ship docks, but it would be a very nice end to your cruise and you would be able to get there on the vaporetto or water taxi.

Thank you everyone for your insightful suggestions. I really appreciate your input.

Kathleen