What is bettter; a Hotel Mestre or Lido? 
I will tell you the Differences for Each Location.
Make a Choice with Better Options.

A cheap Hotel Mestre or Lido? Staying in a hotel nearby Venice, Italy, is ideal, but there are also some disadvances. I will tell you more about these locations outside the historic center of Venice. 

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LIDO OR MESTREYour Hotel in Mestre or on the island Lido?

First, it is good to know that Mestre is the city where you can quickly catch the train or bus to Venice, just 15 minutes. And Lido is the island where you can reach the heart of Venice by a vaporetto boat within minutes.

I prefer a hotel on the island of Lido because you can already breathe the atmosphere of Venice when you wake up each morning. You are already in the lagoon and can go smoothly with the vaporetto boat to st. Marc Square. Hotels in Lido are relatively cheaper and more romantic...

Hotel Villa Stella LidoCharming Hotel Villa Stella on Lido

The hotel that I recommend regarding price/quality is Hotel Villa Stella on Lido. But you can feel free to take another available hotel on the island. From Hotel Villa Stella you walk in 10 minutes to the vaporetto stop to go to Venice (15 minutes with the vaporetto boat).

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It is good to buy a tourist travel card for a few days while staying on the island of Lido. The card is valid unlimitedly between Venice and Lido by vaporetto boat, but also in the rest of the lagoon.

One major drawback with a hotel on Lido is that the transport from the airport to Lido is complicated and lengthy in duration... But as you read on my article there are plenty of alternatives. And transportation from and to Marco Polo Airport is comfortable with the Alilaguna boat. You have to take the red or the blue line.

Okay, thanks for this advice. But, my biggest desire is...

...Which Location is Cheaper; a Hotel Mestre or Lido?

Hotel in Mestre near Venice Italy CheapHotel Bologna in Mestre near Venice

A hotel in the town of Mestre is convenient if you have booked a hotel near the railway station of Mestre. The fastest and most accessible way to Venice is by train or bus. The train is cheap and good.

But the hotels at the station in Mestre are pretty expensive. If your hotel is not within walking distance of the train station, you need a local bus or a private hotel shuttle bus to Venice, which often costs money.

Your hotel in Mestre doesn’t have the peaceful setting as it is on the island of Lido. Mestre has a city environment, and hotels are sometimes nearby industrial places.

Lido has cheaper hotels, but traveling from Airport to Lido can be uncomfortable. Mestre is convenient when your hotel is near the train station, but the hotel rates are higher.

Mestre also has cheaper hotels on the outskirts of Mestre or Marghera. But, you have to transport by bus or a shuttle bus. 

I prefer and recommend a hotel on the island of Lido. Tips for sightseeing in Venice you can read it on my site ;-)...

My most extensive advice is to wander around in Venice, stop at a pretty square, drink your favorite drink, and search in advance for a good restaurant for the evening...

Take pictures in deserted alleys, posing on bridges, and maybe on a gondola ride. Visit on a non-busy time the Basilica San Marco and the Doge's Palace. If you have time, visit the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
I wish you lots of fun and let me know how it was...

Making a choice Hotel Mestre or Lido

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Both places offer different experiences and have unique advantages and disadvantages compared to staying directly in Venice's historic center. Let's delve into both options to help you make an informed decision.

Mestre Advantages:

  • Cost: Generally, accommodation in Mestre is more affordable than staying on the main island of Venice or Lido. It's an excellent option for budget travelers.
  • Accessibility: Mestre is well connected to Venice by public transport, including buses and trains, which run frequently and late into the night. The travel time to Venice is usually around 10-20 minutes.
  • Convenience: Being on the mainland, Mestre offers more accessible access to the airport and other regional destinations by car or train. It also has a variety of services that might not be as easily accessible in Venice, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and traditional shopping centers.

Mestre Disadvantages:

  • Atmosphere: Mestre doesn't offer Venice's historic charm and unique atmosphere. It's a modern urban area, so it might not provide the "Venice experience" you want.
  • Commuting: Although getting to Venice is easy, you'll need to factor in the commute time and cost when planning your daily activities.

Lido Advantages:

  • Scenic and Relaxing: Lido offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beaches and a picturesque environment. It's an excellent choice for those wanting to combine a city trip with some beach time.
  • Venetian Atmosphere: While Lido is more laid-back than the historic center, it still offers Venetian charm and is visually appealing with its beautiful villas and hotels.
  • Accessibility to Venice: Lido is well connected to Venice and other islands in the lagoon by vaporetto (water bus) services. The journey offers beautiful views and is an experience in itself.

Lido Disadvantages:

  • Cost: While generally cheaper than staying in Venice's historic center, Lido can be more expensive than Mestre, especially if looking at beachfront properties.
  • Seasonal: Lido's appeal can be somewhat seasonal, with some services and activities being reduced or closed outside the summer months.
  • Travel Time: Depending on your location in Lido, the travel time to Venice can be longer compared to Mestre, and the cost of water bus tickets can add up.
Beach-LidoBeach side in Lido. This was in October when I was cloudy, but the sun almost won from the clouds.

Your choice between Mestre and Lido should be based on what you value more for your trip:

  • If you prioritize budget and accessibility to other regional destinations, Mestre might be the better option.
  • If you're looking for a mix of beach relaxation and access to Venice with a bit of Venetian atmosphere, Lido could be more appealing.

Consider the type of experience you want, your budget, and how much the commuting time and costs will affect your stay. Each location offers a different perspective of Venice, and both can be great bases for exploring the city and its surroundings.

By Rudmer Hoekstra (author):


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