I was searching for a high rated, inexpensive hotel for an overnight stay in Venice or close by. Hotel Guidi (in Mestre) came up as a top choice for 56 euros a night, includes wifi and breakfast and is located on a bus route and walking distance to the tram (Sansovino - which goes to Venice). One of the reviews mentioned how friendly the staff was; I have to say I completely agree. The staff was completely friendly and informative. The room was comfortable (no elevator though) with a private bathroom in each room, TV, and closet space. There is an outdoor patio on the property and parking available for $6 euros per night.
Around 10 pm, you can smell bread being baked for the following day's breakfast !!! Not sure if they bake the bread every day (since I was only there for one night). The breakfast was good!!
The tram is $1.50 euro one way and tickets can be purchased at a local store near the Sansovino stop. Important note : everything is closed on Sundays. The street where the tram runs also has buses running and its $3 euro one way and you can pay by cash aboard the bus.
Very close to Hotel Guidi are 2 restaurants. The hotel has the menus. They also offer a tour of Venice (third party company).
A taxi ride from Piazzale Roma (area where you can get the tram, buses, people-mover to the port, water taxi) to Hotel Guidi is $25 euro (my luggage was too heavy so I decided to take a taxi). The taxi from the hotel to the cruise ship port is $35 euro. I was running incredibly late and would have missed the ship. Important note : reserve a taxi ahead of time. read more