Hotel Centrale

Not actually in Venice but in the totally nondescript town of Mestre just across the lagoon, this property may be only a 10-min bus ride from Venice but is in another world in terms of character.

Its external blandness is totally in keeping with its surroundings, but inside is comfortable, with a well-presented mix of traditional and modern, even if a little short on space and facilities.

With very frequent buses to Venice departing from practically outside, it offers a reasonable lower-priced alternative to similar properties within the city, and a pleasant square close by offers a variety of options for evening dining.

Complimentary car parking makes it a feasible choice to those with a car.

Exterior

A plain and modern curved-fronted light grey 6-storey concrete block with balconies to top-floor rooms. Large smoked-glass windows flank the fairly stylish entrance, and a bar of the same name is next door.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: Some rooms

Storeys: 6

Interior

An adequately-sized reception is quite smartly furnished, with wood-panelled walls, floor rugs and a few fairly plush sofas by the windows, overlooked by a TV screen. Beyond this is a plain but pleasant breakfast room divided into two parts.

A vending machine provides the only bar service, but there's a separately-owned establishment next door that also serves snacks.

Rooms: 100

Grounds

There are no grounds.

Location

Area Type: Overlooking a small square in the centre of the very ordinary town of Mestre, 5 mls NW of Venice itself. A wide selection of shops as well as many bars and restaurants are all around; the town market is 200 yds away as is an attractive pedestrianised square with more bars and restaurants. Bus stop for Venice 100 yds, Mestre railway station ¾ ml.