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Where should we stay for a week stay with possible options to explore lake Garda and Verona and of course few days in Venice itself?
Stay on the island or in Mestre?
Doable with side trips to lake Garda and veron using public transport or maybe hiring car for few days?Can possibly do two week trip as well during the summer holidays
I’d stay at Mestre for convenience if you want to hop around Italy on the train.
Or there’s a nice AC Hotel just next to the bus station which is very convenient for the train/vaporetto. It’s amazingly quiet considering the location
Or consider staying in Padua or Verona if you only intend to visit Venice for a couple of days but bear in mind you’ll then have to pay the Venice day visitor tax. I believe staying in Mestre exempts you from.that tax but you will still have to pay the Venice tourist tax which is separate. Otherwise in Venice I like staying on the Lido. An atmosphere of its own at night with great vaporetto access to St Marks Square or the rest of Venice.
If stretching to two weeks, Venice Lido is great in summer.
Prices are insane even for next year. Booked flights as partner wanted to go Venice for May, but the hotel prices are eye watering!
definitely stay on Lido, much nicer atmosphere in the evening (you feel like a local) as mentioned above and only a vaporetto ride away from Venice itself
Or consider staying in Padua or Verona if you only intend to visit Venice for a couple of days…
BTW there’s beachy places such as Sottomarina not too far from Padua.
The thing I like about staying in Venice is lazing around the hotel during the day and venturing out in the evening which gives a much nicer experience than battling the crowds. Kempinski is good for this (now MO) or JWM, which are island hotels, Lido would achieve the same.
I usually split the stay with Verona/Garda/Como (pick one or more) rather than day trips. IMO a car isn’t essential as you can use the train and ferry’s but I normally get one and it sits in a car park for the two weeks apart from a couple of non public transport outings.
Prices are insane even for next year. Booked flights as partner wanted to go Venice for May, but the hotel prices are eye watering!
I stayed in Mestre for that reason – was less than half the price for the hotel and only a ten minute bus ride to the bus station in Venice.
I think Mestre it is and will take side trips to other locations
About 4 years ago went with the family and did Venice 3 nights, took the train to Lake Garda for 4 nights, and daytripped Verona from Lake Garda. This was all pretty easy without the hassle of a car.
Agree with the above about it being very pleasant and seeing a different side of Venice if you stay in the city.
Not sure how big the family is, but some hotel ideas here: https://bigrooms.travel/2025/02/8-best-hotels-in-venice-for-families-and-groups-of-5-or-more/
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