Venice Dream

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Venice Dream on Via Giosuè Carducci in Mestre – yeah, that’s the mainland side, not the canal-filled island everyone pictures when they think Venice. Honestly, it’s a smart spot if you’re looking to dodge the insane crowds and sky-high prices over on the lagoon. I took the train from Marco Polo Airport, hopped off at Mestre station (it’s like a 15-minute walk or a quick bus ride away), and there I was, right in this quiet residential stretch. The building’s got that unassuming Italian apartment vibe – you buzz in and head up to the third floor (piano 3, as they say here), and boom, you’re greeted by this warm, family-run setup. No massive lobby or anything flashy, just a friendly host who sorted check-in in minutes, even late at night when I rolled in jet-lagged. Oh, and parking? They have a few spots out back, which is a godsend in a place where streets can get jammed with locals commuting to the city.

What really won me over was how it feels like a hidden gem – sort of like staying at a stylish aunt’s place who knows her way around Venetian living. The rooms are spotless, with these big windows letting in that soft northern Italian light, and beds that are plush enough to sink into after a day of wandering. I mean, mine had a little balcony overlooking the street, where I’d sip espresso in the morning and catch whiffs of fresh bread from the bakery down the block – Via Carducci’s got a few of those tucked-away spots that tourists miss. It’s not perfect, you know; being on a main-ish road means some traffic hum during rush hour, especially in summer when everyone’s flocking to the beaches or hopping the bridge to San Marco. But evenings? Super peaceful, and the air conditioning works like a charm to block it out. They throw in thoughtful touches too – free Wi-Fi that’s actually fast (crucial for mapping out your next vaporetto ride), a minibar stocked with local prosecco, and breakfast that’s simple but spot-on: croissants, yogurt, and that strong coffee Italians do best. I even chatted with the owner about catching the early train to Venice proper – it’s just 10 minutes to Santa Lucia station, and from there, you’re in the heart of it all without the hassle of lugging bags over bridges.

Look, if you’re the type who wants authentic Venice without the tourist trap burnout, this place is gold. It’s got that 4-star polish with a 9.9 rating for a reason – people rave about the personal service, and I get it; they went out of their way to recommend a quiet trattoria nearby in Mestre for cicchetti that rivals anything on the islands. Sure, it’s not smack in the middle of the Grand Canal (and thank goodness, honestly, with those prices), but for affordability and ease – especially off-season when Venice quiets down – you’d be hard-pressed to find better. I left feeling like I’d discovered a little secret, and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat for my next trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $120. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Emilia from Italy – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Struttura nuova e ben organizzata. Spazi molto ampi e ambiente pulito. Ci hanno accolto con estremo garbo e gentilezza, persone davvero fantastiche. Situato in zona ben servita da mezzi per raggiungere il centro di Venezia.
  
  What could be improved: Nulla.

• Val from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities