Two nights in Venice?

[NunoBettencourtsPinky]

Have a two night long weekend trip to Venice planned in December with my other half to celebrate my birthday.

We are looking at the Radisson as I have VIP status, but wondering if anyone has any alternative recommendations? Is there a particular area worth staying at, or is it all pretty easy to get around to see the sights?

[davefl]

Venice is very walkable, the Vaporetto routes(water bus) are frequent, crowded and the best way to see things from the water. It’s also pricey per trip

Look at the City Pass deals https://www.veneziaunica.it/

[can2]

I, for one, don’t hate Venice despite the crowds, Americans and the high prices. Vaporetti are great budget options. With little research you can avoid the crowds and have nice meals.
I like the Guggenheim, getting lost in the streets and the islands (for which you may not have time).

This year I’ll try Hilton Stucky and focus more on islands.

[jj]

Venice is my happy place. I will never tire of it. The low-key things are best – absorbing the art in quiet churches, eating perfect pasta in a hidden trattoria, browsing the many shops selling beautiful objects made by local artisans. The Guggenheim is indeed great, but, even better are the boutiques in the surrounding streets and the beauty of the architecture everywhere. If you have the chance to visit the opera, you’ll never forget the experience.

I always stay on the San Clemente Palace, but it will be closed on December. My main advice on hotels would be to stay central. The city is walkable, but, if you’re based in San Marco, no distances will be too far for you. I would also avoid the big chains, as prices will be pushed up by the hoardes of visiting Americans with overvalued dollars.

If you can possibly stay for three nights instead of two, do so; it will double your useful time. And make sure you catch a water taxi at least once; it’s super-expensive, but it’s a great experience. There is no better way of getting home after a good night out than to take a taxi from your restaurant’s private jetty straight to your hotel’s private jetty.

If you stay in San Marco, most of the restaurants are overpriced, overcrowded, and over-hyped. Two notable exceptions are Ai Mercanti and Osteria Enoteca.

[BBbetter]

jj wrote:

I would also avoid the big chains, as prices will be pushed up by the hoardes of visiting Americans with overvalued dollars.

This is exactly what i found – even hampton going for crazy rates.

jj wrote:

The city is walkable, but, if you’re based in San Marco, no distances will be too far for you.

Any suggestions for hotels in San Marco? Are airbnbs worth exploring?

[Candor]

Following this with interest as me and my OH just booked a 2 Day trip in September

So will be open to any suggestions regarding things to do and places to eat

We’re looking to stay in Santa Croce near the port , as we’re on the late BA flight and so likely won’t be getting to Venice until after 11pm after the taking the bus to the train station which seems the fastest way from the airport, so wanted somewhere convenient to get to late in the evening

We’re happy to then walk to the various sites from there, nothing seemed more than 30 mins away

I found a good value 4* hotel which is part of NH Hotels, but from doing a lot of research into the hotels, you’ll defo find a lot of outdated and very expensive hotels, and then chain hotels charging even more

We looked at Air Bnbs for our dates but found they were even more

[davefl]

I’ve mentioed it before, there’s a really nice (inside) AC Hotel right next to the bus station and it’s very quiet. Pricing does very but it’s been in my range twice. If you get desperate late at night there’s a KFC on the other side of the bridge 🙂

[Swiss Jim]

Best way from the airport is by water. Unsurprisingly for Venice. A great way to start and end a trip.

[jj]

@Candor, the quickest way from the airport to Venice is by boat, as the airport has its own water port. If I were you, I’d stay in the right hotel for the whole trip and take a water taxi from the airport on landing. It’s expensive at about EUR140, but you’ll be on the doorstep of your hotel in about 20 mins, with no need to carry your bagss onto trains, etc.