Where to Stay in Venice: Best Areas & Hotels 2022
Venice is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Italy and the rest of Europe! It is a charming and highly romantic city (perhaps the most romantic in the world!) on a lagoon, surrounded by water. It is the perfect destination for all types of tourists, regardless of whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends looking to have fun.
Now that you have decided to visit this unique place, you may be wondering where to stay in Venice during your trip there, right? Let me be honest: choosing your accommodation in Venice is an important aspect that can make or break your vacation and a tough challenge, especially if you are visiting it for the first time.
Venice is not a big city, but it is a labyrinth of streets, stairs, canals, and vaporetti (canal boats). It is divided into different neighborhoods and areas, each with charm and advantages.
But how can you choose? Don’t worry. This ultimate guide on where to stay in Venice is to help you solve precisely this problem. Since Venice is such a popular holiday destination, visited by as many as 20 million people each year, hotels will sell out very QUICKLY. If you are going to visit during Carnival (which takes place 40 days before Easter), finding a good hotel with free rooms will be even more difficult.
Also, hotel prices here are usually a bit more “spicy” than in other Europe destinations. What can only give advice: do your best to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible (at least 3-4 months in advance), so as not to risk losing the perfect hotel you just found or paying twice as much—price for the same.
Where to stay in Venice
The best area to stay in Venice for first-timers is San Marco. It’s the main tourist area of the city and the place where St. Mark’s Square is located, so it doesn’t get any more central than this.
As we have already said, this city is divided into different neighborhoods, also known as “sestieri” in Italian. Each of them is different and has unique advantages and disadvantages. Also, the whole city comprises more than 120 small islands connected by bridges, so I wasn’t kidding when I said that Venice is a complex city.
Venice has six main sestieri (neighborhoods on the “mainland” of Venice).
- San Marco
- cannaregio
- back hard
- Saint Polo
- Santa Croce
- Castle
In this text, we will talk about each one of them and other surrounding areas that are just as good for tourists visiting the city.
Check out my list of personalized recommendations for all types of travelers. Now you just have to choose the most crucial aspect for you (and your budget, of course):
- Where to stay in Venice for luxury: San Marco
- The best area to stay for budget travelers: Cannaregio or Santa Croce
- Where to stay in Venice for a traditional atmosphere: Cannaregio
- The best site for nightlife in Venice: Dorsoduro
- The best place for families: San Polo
Now that you understand more about this beautiful city and how it is organized, let’s learn more about the 7 best areas to stay in Venice:
San Marco | Neighborhood to wait for the first time
If you want to stay in the heart of Venice, on the Grand Canal, where all the main tourist attractions are located, then San Marco is your answer.
This is the place to stay during your first visit to the city or if you only have one or two nights in the city. San Marco is the most visited part of Venice and the place where San Marco Square is located – yes, it is the iconic postcard-worthy square of Venice that everyone knows.
One of the main benefits of staying here is that you’ll be close to all the must-see landmarks, so you won’t have to walk far or rely on boats to get to the sites. Other landmarks in this area include the Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace, so be sure to add those to your itinerary as well. If you are visiting during the end of winter, you may be lucky enough to attend the Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia), which takes place 40 days before Easter.
Sounds perfect, right? If you agree, here are the best hotels in Venice near St. Mark’s Square that I can recommend for your trip:
Deluxe (starting at $200)
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
If you dream of staying on the Grand Canal, this hotel is for you right next to St. Mark’s Square! It is one of the best hotels in the city. When it comes to Venice, St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge are two must-see attractions, and this luxury spot is close to both.
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Hotel A La Commedia
If you want a 4-star property to stay in Venice, look no further than this accommodation! It is only 500m from the Doge’s Palace, and I recommend you visit its terrace, which offers excellent views of the city!
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Average prices ($110 – $200)
Hotel Mercury Venice
If you are a traveler looking for a great mid-range hotel in Venice San Marco, 400m from Rialto Bridge, this is for you! This is a charming family-run accommodation, beautifully decorated with classic Venetian furnishings.
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Lantern Di Marco Polo
Still haven’t found the perfect accommodation for you on the Grand Canal? Don’t worry; I have another option for you! Although located in the busy neighborhood of San Marco, this bed and breakfast offers all the warmth and comfort you need.
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Economy (up to $120)
When I was researching this post, I read a lot of articles on the internet that recommended “cheap” hotels for around $200-300 a night. Venice may not be the cheapest place globally, but it’s still expensive and not for people on a tight budget. Let me tell you that staying in the heart of Venice for less than 100 dollars is possible. Below I have found two great options for you:
Youth Venice San Marco
If you want to stay in the center of it all on a tight budget, it doesn’t get much better than the Youth Venice San Marco. Just two minutes from St. Mark’s Square, the rooms have a private or shared bathroom. It even allows pets.
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Hotel San Salvador
This is another fantastic option for those traveling on a tight budget. This accommodation is right next to the Rialto Bridge (2 minutes away!) and will offer you an incredible experience for great prices.
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Cannaregio | Economic Neighborhood in Venice
Don’t want to stay in the most touristic area of Venice? Do you want to live like the locals and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere while saving some money on accommodation? Then I only have one answer: Cannaregio! Cannaregio is along the banks of the Grand Canal and is a charming and traditional part of the city, also home to 1/3 of all residents. So I wasn’t kidding when I said that you could enjoy Venice like a local here.
Cannaregio is also home to Venice’s Jewish ghetto and is worth a visit, whether you also decide to book your hotel here or not. This “sestiere” comes to life during the night, and you can enjoy the night in one of the many bars, pubs, or restaurants scattered around the Neighborhood. It may interest you: Where to stay in Florence
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Some of the most important sights here are the Jewish Museum, Ca d’Oro (a beautiful and authentic Venetian palace), and a couple of fabulous churches: Santa Maria del Miracoli and Madonna dell Orto, where it is buried, Tintoretto. Oh, and by the way, if you decide to stay here, you’ll be only a 15-minute walk from all of San Marco’s attractions!
If you think that Cannaregio is the right place for you, take a look at the hotels I have selected below:
Deluxe (starting at $160)
Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience
If you dream of a pampered vacation in Venice Cannaregio, this hotel will offer you the best experience you can imagine! Aside from the luxurious facilities, one of the best things about this 5-star establishment is close to all the major tourist attractions.
NH Venezia Santa Lucia
If you are interested in exploring the Jewish ghetto during your stay and receiving royal treatment at your hotel, then this hotel is the right choice for you! You will love the 19th-century building, the buffet breakfast, and the Murano glass chandelier.
Mid Price ($110 – $160)
CàPatron
One of the best things about this impressive mid-range hotel in Cannaregio is that it’s a stone’s throw from the city center and offers incredible views of the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge is only 500m from this place, isn’t that amazing?
Doge’s Step
If you want to save some money on accommodation which you can later spend on taking the water taxi to all the places of interest in the city, you should know that this hotel will offer you a super pleasant stay and I am sure you will enjoy your time. Here.
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Economy (up to $110)
Waltz in Venice
This guest house is the correct answer if you’re on a tight budget but want to stay in Cannaregio, close to the Grand Canal and a stone’s throw from Venice’s main sights! By the way, it is pet friendly and has free Wi-Fi.
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Venice Combo
This is another excellent hostel located not far from all the tourist attractions in the city. This property has a bar, a restaurant, and a 24-hour reception, among other things.
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Hard Back | Neighborhood to enjoy the nightlife
If you want to be close to the center of Venice but not right in the heart of San Marco, or if you’re a party animal who wants to experience the real nightlife of this city, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Dorsoduro!
While you are there, you can visit the famous art gallery called Galleria dell’Accademia di Venezia, the contemporary Peggy Guggenheim Foundation, and Zattere. On this long street, you can walk along. Oh, and don’t forget to go up to the Accademia Bridge and admire Venice from there, as it offers an enchanting view.
Dorsoduro is a bohemian place that offers beautiful art galleries for everyone, regardless of your favorite style or era!
If you feel at home in Dorsoduro, I invite you to see my selection of hotels below:
Deluxe (starting at $180)
Venetian Palace
Are you looking for the most luxurious place in all of Dorsoduro? Well, make sure you look at this 4-star hotel; you will surely fall in love! The rooms are simply fantastic, everything is beautifully decorated, and the staff is super helpful – what more could you ask for!
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Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
This is another 4-star place in Venice! Staying here means you’ll receive only the best treatments and benefits from free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, complimentary toiletries, etc.
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Average prices ($110-180)
Hotel Ca’ Nobile Corner
If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Dorsoduro, I have an excellent option! By the way, this property is a beautiful 14th-century palace converted into a hotel. You can take the Vaporetto or water taxi and visit all of Venice from here.
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B&B Venetian Experience
Still haven’t found the perfect place for your stay in Venice? Here’s another option! This bed & breakfast has free Wi-Fi, daily maid service, an Italian breakfast at a nearby cafe, and more!
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Budget (up to $110)
Academy House
Are you traveling to Dorsoduro on a budget? Don’t worry; there are many good options for you. For example, this hostel awaits you with a terrace, a cozy lounge where you can relax, and simple but clean rooms, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
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Ca’ Centopietre
Here is another excellent place in Dorsoduro, Venice, that will help you save a lot of money on accommodation. This clean and pretty guest house is only 10 minutes from San Marco, which I find a great advantage. You will surely enjoy your stay there!
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San Polo | Neighborhood to stay with family
San Polo is one of Venice’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods and a perfect option for all types of tourists, but especially for families, thanks to its excellent and central location.
San Polo is right next to San Marco, as an extension of it, connected by the well-known Rialto Bridge.
This means that San Polo has an excellent and central location, perfect for those who want to avoid living in chaotic San Marco but want to be within walking distance of all the city’s main attractions. It’s also an excellent option for people with families and children, as it’s a bit more laid back but still conveniently located.
While you’re here, visit Campo San Polo, the heart of this Neighborhood, and the Rialto Market, where you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish in a friendly, authentic atmosphere. Santa Maria del Frari is another landmark here, a Gothic cathedral dating back to the 13th century. You can also choose from countless great restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can help yourself to some Italian food and sip your espresso while admiring the Grand Canal.
If you think there is no better place for you than San Polo, take a look at my hotel recommendations below:
Deluxe (starting at $180)
Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri
Do you want to be one step away from the Rialto Bridge? Then this place is for you. It is a magnificent and luxurious apartment located in the city’s heart. You just have to look at the photos on their page, and you will surely fall in love.
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H10 Palazzo Canova
If you want to feel like royalty during your stay in Venice, San Polo is the place to be! This accommodation awaits you with modern and luxurious rooms, a hotel bar, a terrace, and a seating area in each room.
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Medium price ($110 to $180)
Hotel Moresco
This is another excellent option if you plan to be close to the Rialto Bridge and Piazzale Roma. This 4-star establishment awaits you with a continental breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and classic decoration.
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Ca Francesca
Just a six-minute walk from the Basilica di Frari, Ca Francesca is an excellent option if you’re looking for a very comfortable and well-located room. Other emblematic places are also very close, such as the Basilica of San Marco, which is only a fifteen-minute walk away. This apartment has two bedrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
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Economy (up to $110)
B&B Exclusive
If you have a minimal amount of money for your trip but still want to stay in this beautiful Neighborhood, this place is for you! Loads of restaurants and bars surround it, so you sure won’t get bored here!
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San Polo Star
This is another perfect cheap hotel, less than 1 km from the Rialto Bridge. The rooms are pretty simple but clean, and the property has excellent reviews.
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Santa Croce | Well connected Neighborhood
If you are looking for a non-touristy place or want to stay in the best-connected Neighborhood with the most means of transport in Venice, Santa Croce is your answer!
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Santa Croce is a large transport hub where the bus station (Piazzale Roma) is located, and many terminals for water taxis, ferries, and vaporettos.
Pro tip: If you decide to rent a car during your stay in Venice or trip to Italy, Santa Croce has ample parking spaces where you can leave your car, so this is the place to go. It may interest you: 13 places to see in Bologna.
One minor drawback is that in Santa Croce, you won’t find many sights or things to visit, except for the National History Museum and a couple of lovely churches. Still, the Neighborhood is highly charming and has a very authentic feel.
But the good thing about the lack of sights is that it will surely be cheaper to stay in Santa Croce than in San Marco. To get to St. Mark’s Square, you’ll have to walk 20 minutes (which doesn’t seem that long to me, especially considering the magnificent buildings and streets you’ll see) or you can take a Vaporetto or one of the water taxis.
If you want to make Santa Croce your base during your stay in Venice, here are the best hotels to choose from:
Deluxe (starting at $180)
AC Hotel Venezia by Marriott Hotel Venice
This is probably the most modern and elegant hotel in Venice in this area! I recommend it to anyone who wants to avoid the crowds and enjoy some luxury. By the way, at the reception, they speak German, English, Spanish, and French.
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Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal Venice
This magnificent 4-star hotel in Santa Croce is perfect for enjoying a traditional atmosphere and luxurious facilities and services. If you want to go downtown, you can walk, take the water bus or the Vaporetto.
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Mid-range ($110 to $180)
Hotel Olympia Venice
Do you want to be just 100 meters from Piazzale Roma? Then you can’t make a better choice than this property! They have nice rooms, luggage storage, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and more. Also, it’s not far from the water bus stops!
Hotel Al Duca di Venezia
This is another excellent option for exceptional value accommodation in Venice. The rooms are simply unique, with luxurious decorations that make you feel like a queen/king!
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Economy (up to $110)
Hotel data Mora
If you still haven’t found the best cheap hotel in Venice for your stay, I also have other proposals! For example, this cozy spot offers canal views, a delicious breakfast served every morning and a terrace!
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Venice B&B
Here is another excellent cheap bed and breakfast in the city of Venice. The best things about this place are the building (a 19th-century Venetian house), the self-service breakfast, the quiet location, and much more!
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Castle | Neighborhood to live with locals
As well as being the largest Neighborhood in Venice, Castello is another beautiful place if you want to be surrounded by locals and not tourists.
Castello is next to the San Marco neighborhood and St. Mark’s Square, but it is less touristy than the latter. I recommend that you take at least a little walk here, especially if you are one of those who want to go off the beaten track.
Although you won’t have many notable things to visit here, the entire neighborhood is dotted with small local churches and tiny squares, all of which have a friendly and authentic atmosphere. But you can be sure that you will not get bored here, as you will be surrounded by many great restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bars.
Note: By the way, Castello is also the area where the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is held, so you might want to book your hotel here if you’re going to be within walking distance of all the art exhibitions that take place during the event. But, as expected, I recommend that you book your accommodation as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to go to the opening or the beginning of the exhibitions.
Castello is also a great starting point if you want to visit the surrounding islands to the north of the city, such as Burano or Murano.
With that said, here are the best Castello hotels I could find for you:
Deluxe (starting at $180)
Hotel Danieli Venice, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Do you want a luxury hotel in Venice within walking distance of the main attractions you want to visit? Look no further; you just found it! This establishment is one of the most well-known accommodations in the city and offers impeccable service.
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Hotel ai Cavalieri di Venezia
This incredible four-star hotel is located in the heart of the district. It offers easy access to all of Venice and is close to great bars, restaurants, galleries, and museums. It has air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities. All this makes it our choice of where to stay in Castello.
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Medium price ($110 – $180)
Hotel Rio
If you want the best service for a reasonable price in Castello, this place is for you! They have a mini market, shops, a shared lounge, luggage storage, and much more; you’ll be surrounded by tons of restaurant and bar options.
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Hotel Sant’Antonin
Check out this hotel if you’re looking for the prettiest place for your Venice getaway that won’t break the bank! It is housed in a 16th-century building and also offers a delicious breakfast.
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Budget (up to $110)
San Lio Tourist House
This beautiful and spotless guest house is right on Plaza de San Lio, in this neighborhood’s heart. The location is excellent as you will be surrounded by endless restaurants, bars, and pubs; what more could you want!
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Sweet Venice
If you are looking for a cheap guest house to help you save some money during your trip, check this one out, it may be the one for you! They have all the facilities you need for a pleasant stay and super friendly staff.
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Giudecca
The 6 neighborhoods I’ve talked about before are all connected by bridges to form the “main island,” which is considered the city of Venice, but there are also some friendly islands surrounding it! Some of the best known are Murano, Burano, and Giudecca, and the latter is also a fantastic accommodation option.
I recommend you to stay in Giudecca if you want to experience how the locals live in Venice, or if this is not your first time visiting Venice. Why? Because the Giudecca is not connected to the other parts of Venice by any bridge, you will have to use water taxis, water buses, or ferries to get to the center, for example.
Don’t worry, and if you take the ferry, you’ll reach St. Mark’s Square in no more than 10 minutes.
There are also many advantages to staying here:
- There are few tourists.
- The prices are much lower than in the center of Venice.
- The atmosphere is local and authentic.
You will have a beautiful view of the Venetian lagoon.
If you have decided that the Giudecca is the right place for you, let me show you my fabulous handpicked hotels in this area:
Deluxe (starting at $180)
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Do you want to receive the ultimate luxury treatment during your getaway to Venice? Well, I am sure that this is one of the most famous 5-star hotels in Venice and that it is the right choice for you. They offer an excellent daily breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and wellness facilities.
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Palladio Charm Suite
Here is another great option if you want to be pampered during your stay in Italy, on the beautiful island of Giudecca. This is a super charming apartment located one water bus stop from St. Mark’s Square.
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Average price (130 – 180 US$)
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Ca’ Delle Erbe
If you want friendly, mid-range accommodation close to many restaurants and cafes where you can spend relaxing moments, this is the one for you! This lovely and clean apartment has a balcony and a beautiful view of the city.
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Hotel Giudecca Venezia
If you want to enjoy an authentic Venetian place, look no further than this 3-star hotel! It is only 10 minutes from the city center and awaits you with free Wi-Fi, room service, a delicious breakfast, and much more!
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Economy (up to $130)
Generator Venice
Are you looking for cheap accommodation that does not make you spend a lot of money? Well, I think this one is for you. It is close to many public transport options, such as the Vaporetto and the water taxi, so getting to the city center will be a breeze.
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B&B Giudecca Bella
If you are still looking for the best cheap hotels in Venice, on the Giudecca, south of the city center, make sure you book your room at this bed and breakfast! It offers excellent value for money and has a lovely garden where you can relax.
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Bonus 1: Where to stay near Venice Beach
What is the Venice Lido (or “Lido di Venezia”)? It is a long island to the east of the city, considered the best beach spot in Venice.
The island has a 10-kilometer stretch of beach where you can stay and enjoy the sun on the sun loungers or simply have a coffee by the water’s edge at one of the many cafes in the area.
Another good thing about Lido is that you will find many traditional workshops that you can visit and learn more about glassblowing, one of the local crafts in Venice! Also, the well-known Venice Film Festival is held every year on the Lido, which is another nice bonus.
You’ll find everything your heart desires here, from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget hostels when it comes to accommodation. When you get hungry, you can feast on fantastic seafood dishes at seafood restaurants located in Lido.
Note: Although Venice is a great year-round destination, I wouldn’t say the same for Lido, as the resorts and food places here are seasonal. There will not be many things to do in the surrounding area during the winter.
If you want to relax and pamper yourself on a beach in Venice, here are the best accommodation options in Lido that I could find:
Luxury (starting at $160)
Ausonia Hungaria Wellness & Lifestyle
This is an excellent option if you want to spend your time in Italy just relaxing and lying on the beach! This 5-star hotel has fabulous reviews and awaits you with a wellness center, sauna, Turkish bath, clean rooms, etc.
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Hotel Villa Laguna
This 4-star property is the ideal choice if you want to enjoy authentic Venetian decoration during your stay! Rooms are bright and nicely decorated, and the nearest Vaporetto station is just 50 meters from the hotel.
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Mid-range ($110 to $160)
Pearl B&B
This nice bed and breakfast are very well decorated! The rooms are classic but very comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep after a full day exploring the city and its sights.
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Hotel New Reiter
Book a room here if you want to be a few minutes from the Lido beach (450m, to be exact)! This place also has a bar and even a playground, making it ideal if you are traveling with family and children.
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Economy (up to $110)
Villa Casanova
This lovely and cozy bed and breakfast is the ideal option for those who want to stay in Lido without spending a fortune on accommodation. The cute building is from the 1930s, and some of the best perks of staying here are a delicious breakfast, a lovely garden, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
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Hotel Villa Orio e Beatrice
This 3-star hotel is another excellent option to save a few cents. This place is located in a charming neighborhood, half an hour from the city center by public transport.
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Bonus 2: Mestre – mainland Venice
If you’re traveling on a very tight budget and can’t afford accommodation on the Grand Canal, a good idea would be to stay in Mestre, the part of Venice located on the Italian mainland.
I recommend staying here if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind spending some time on public transport to the center of Venice. If you stay here, you can reach the main attractions of the city center by taking the bus to Piazzale Roma and then walking to St. Mark’s Square. You won’t be far from the airport either, which is another nice plus.
Another reason why you may prefer to spend the night in Mestre is if you have a rented car during your trip to Venice, as there are many parking spaces there, which is rare on the islands.
If you decide to spend the night in Mestre, below you can find my recommendations of selected hotels:
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