VIDEO: Venice, Italy 2009

Enjoy the cityscapes and vistas of the canal city in north east Italy, staying at the Hotel Delfino, Mestre (on the mainland) and visiting the main island of Venice as well as the beach resort of Lido.

Forget Venice hotels - stay in Mestre!

Having just returned from a two night pre-cruise visit to Venice (Italy) I have discovered that it's best to forget those expensive old hotels on the Venetian islands - stay on the mainland instead and save heaps (as well as enjoying a better quality and modern hotel).

I booked Hotel Delfino at Mestre through my favourite site, hotelclub.com after checking Tripadvisor for recommendations. It came up highly recommended...and I can second that emotion.

Located in the middle of Mestre on Corso del Popolo (close to rail station and even closer to the bus stop), it's a modern hotel with fantastic spacious rooms with all required facilities and, as a bonus, a PAM supermarket right next door.

I have previously stayed at old 'palazzos' on the islands and, although they have been pleasant enough...they simply didn't compare to this hotel on the mainland. We paid approximately (Australian) $150 a night at Delfino, which included a great breakfast buffet (something lacking in most more expensive hotels in the district).

Best of all, the bus stop for the 10 minute regular service to the bus station in Venice is right across the road from the hotel, and, on return, the bus drops you right outrside the front entrance...all for one euro and 20 cents each way! Bargain!

The hotel is an approximately 30 euro taxi ride from Marco Polo airport and about half a kilometre walk from the Mestre train station.

Next time I visit Venice (and I will definitely return), Hotel Delfino will be on the agenda...for sure!

For more details, check out their website www.hoteldelfino-mestre.com

VIDEO; Venice, Italy

I filmed this video on my most recent trip to one of my favourite cities, Venice. It explores the colour and spectacle of this canal-ridden haven which is slowly sinking into the massive lagoon. Most of the scenes are shot whilst wandering around town, on oboard one of the canal ferries but it also includes a demo of the traditional craft of glassblowing on Murano island. There is also a visit to Lido, where all good Venetians (and many visitors) enjoy their beach breaks. Click on the play arrow and 'enjoy your trip'!

Cheap accommodation in Venice

• PICTURE: This accommodation in Venice is available all year round from 60 euro per night for a single room including continental breakfast.
Venice is a unique city. It survives against all the odds, built as it was on series of mud banks - it is still under threat from tidal forces. It's a must see for any visitor to Italy but did you know it can also be affordable?
Have a coffee in St Mark's Square (don't sit down in a cafe especially when live music is playing or the price goes up), stroll along a canal, take a trip on a 'vaporetta' or be rowed in a gondola under the Rialto Bridge.
Well it's become easier to do - thanks to Monastery Stays new web based booking service for accommodation run by religious orders. Providing accommodation for travelers has a long and honourable monastic tradition in Italy but many visitors to Italy don't know about this style of affordable accommodation or how to access it.
The accommodation is safe and secure. Monasteries are normally very centrally located and often in historic buildings. Fancy having breakfast surrounded by centuries old frescos - it is possible. The standard of accommodation is approximately 3 star and all the accommodation on the website have private en-suite bathrooms and are impeccably clean.
There are a couple of other major attractions.
The rooms are remarkably good value for money
In most places you don't pay the dreaded 'single' supplement as most places have single rooms
So there you are, don't put off visiting Venice, as it can be both cheaper then you think, and more rewarding by getting in touch with a truly authentic side of Italian life.
For more details log on to www.monasterystays.com

-Angela Hoban