Zuiderdam/Venice questions

[Heron Bay]

Hello, we are booking a repositioning cruise on Zuiderdam that originates in Venice. Could anyone help us with these questions?

What is the best (that is, reasonably-priced but also most practical) method of transport from Marco Polo airport to the city?

What hotels in Venice would people recommend? We are looking for a hotel that is convenient to most-favored city sites, but is also reasonably-priced?

Where is the cruise ship terminal, and what is the best method of getting there from recommended hotels?

Are there other things we should know re getting about in Venice?

This info would be most helpful. Thank you in advance.

[LisaP]

Hi Heron Bay. This thread may help with your questions regarding hotels.

I haven't been there myself... yet.

[drlivingston]

My hands down favorite place to stay in Venice is the Casa alla Fenice... It's located in San Marco just a few steps away from everything. The owners are fluent in english and they love to help people enjoy their city. Considering their prime location, their rates are more than reasonable. You can check out their website here: Casa alla Fenice

[Hank]

Its not easy explaining Venice, but I will give it a shot. Where you stay depends on your budget, and how you want to deal with the expensive and/or difficult transportation issues. If you want to stay in Venice (as opposed to outside in Mestre near the airport) than you have two basic choices. You can stay near the Piazale Roma, which is the most convenient area if you want to use cheap transportation. This area can be reached by inexpensive land buses from the airport. One reasonable hotel within walking distance to the bus is Ca Doge. From the Piazale Roma you can also get to the port by a free shuttle bus that runs from that square, or its even possible to walk. If you want to stay anywhere else in Venice (such as near St Marks Square or the Rialto Bridge area, you would need to use water transportation such as the very expensive water taxis (easily over $150) of the cheaper water buses (vaporettos) which cost 6.5 Euros for a ticket or you can buy 24, 48, or 72 hour tickets.

If you have the money, than staying near St Marks Square is the best for touring. If you do stay out at the Piazale Roma (this is where we will be staying in October) you will probably want a vaporetto pass..since this area is a bit far from the major tourist centers.

Hank

[Poochmamma]

We took a bus into Venice from Marco Polo. There are plenty of representatives inside of Marco Polo that can help you choose the right bus.
The first time we went to Venice we traveled outside of a cruise. There is a website for hotels www.venere.com that allows you to pick out the cities you wish to visit within the countries. It also shows you maps of the city to include major information such as where train stations are and ports as well as how close the hotels are to points of interest. We stayed at the Principe and took a water taxi for $50 American Dollars last year directly to the port. It was the more expensive way to get to the boat but was well worth the money. The port is really central to everything and by water is only about 20 to 30 minutes from any direction.
Also, fyi..the Principe is within walking distance of the train station. Enjoy your trip. Venice is amazing!