Anbody know much about the industrial area of Venice called The Mestre?

[joeybee12]

Hotels are much cheaper there, and if I can save $80 a night, I'll do it! I just wonder if it's too gruesome for words--it's only a 10-minute train ride to the lagoon, so it's convenient. Thanks.!

[bif]

1. I think we was it from the train and it looked pretty nasty

When we went we heard Venice was totally booked. So we stayed in Padua, which ws about an hours train ride away. It's a nice town and was undoubtably cheaper than Venice. But, there's nothing like staying in Venice. I stayed there on an earlier trip and it's definitely worth it. Especialy to be out walking around at all hours. Spend the dough, you won't regret it.

[meegbear]

2. Have you tried the internet?

I went to www.google.com and did a search on venice +Mestre -hotel +guide and came up with some info.

[GumboYaYa]

3. I don't know much about Vestre, but

when I stayed in Venice I camped at a campground that was a few minutes on a bus into the city proper. The cost was minimal and the facilities were very nice. I also got to meet some really nice people in the process. I strongly recommend taking a tent and camping whenever the option is available.

[whirlygigspin]

5. there are many cheap places to stay in Venice

what's your bugdet?

[joeybee12]

7. My Budget is......

Well, I found a place for 130/night (in Euros, so with the lousy exchange rate, that sucks). Found the mestre at about 70-80 per night, which I'd more than gladly pay for a place right in Venice. Stayed on the Lido two Januarys ago for $50 per night at the Best Western--can't get that price this time of year!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. http://www.eurotrip.com/index.html

Eurotrip is a site that specializes in budget travel and hosteling. There is usually good infor on the Discussion Boards and if you pose a question, people usually answer with good, budget recommendations.

I would also check out Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Rick Steves, and Let's Go. They all have webpages. I susally find the best info on the discussion boards.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com
http://www.ricksteves.com
http://www.fodors.com
http://www.letsgo.com

[joeybee12]

6. Thanks--I tried Rick Steves already...

...the links he provided were all full.

Lonely Planet is a good idea. Thanks.

[Bossy Monkey]

8. The youth hostel in Venice was brilliant

If you're over 26 the surcharge isn't too bad. Check it in Lonely Planet or Let's Go of course; it's been about 15 years since I went. I remember drinking red wine with an Australian and a New Zealander watching the sunset on the Grand Canal.

[creativelcro]

9. Mestre

Mestre itself is an unremarkable town. Haven't cheked hotels recently, but it is likely that they are much cheaper in Mestre. It takes just a few minutes by train to get to Venice, and there are many trains. The main thing is that it is convenient to spend the day out, go change, and be ready for evening walks etc (so, having to get the train and go back to Mestre is a little annoying). -CV

[Scaramouche]

10. Forget Mestre...Stay on the Lido...

Hotel are much cheaper there. It's only a 20 minute ride on the Vaporetto to St. Marks square. Plus you have the beach...

Don't stay a at hotel near the train station unless you want to see how Italian prostitutes ply their trade...

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. Mestre is full of heavy industry.

Ugly town and bad air pollution problems. Coughing at the memory of riding through it on a train.

On edit: It also is on the mainland and across the lagoon from Venice.