Hotel Indigo Venice Sant Elena

I was amazed to find a hotel in Venice in a leafy residential area. It was near the Biennale Gardens and just behind a lovely park. It was such a peaceful place to return to after busy days out sightseeing. Check in was swift and efficient. Our room was clean, spacious and modern with ample storage. We had a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast was good with plenty of choice in a lovely room overlooking the courtyard and gardens. I just wish there had been time to relax on the lovely, luxury sun loungers in the gardens but we never had the opportunity. There was an excellent fruit and veg shop/mini mart round the corner from the hotel (tucked away in one of the back streets) which was used by all the locals. We were able to buy wine and beers there to take back to our fridge in the hotel. Prices were very reasonable. There was also a small kiosk near the water bus stop which was very useful and cheap. Don't forget all hotels have to charge you a tourist tax when you leave. We paid 4.50 Euros per person per night. Don't worry that the hotel is too far out. It is a lovely 30 minute stroll to St Mark's Square along a wide and pretty promenade. If you are pushed for time and you are trying to pack a lot into a few days you can use the water bus instead. We bought a 7 day pass and used the water buses four or five times a day. The hotel location was perfect for this as water buses came every few minutes to the stop just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Even better, we could use the No 1 line which is the best route to see the Grand Canal. We used it every day to return to our hotel after a day sightseeing starting near the bus station in Piazzale Roma which gave the added bonus of a full journey through the canal. It was our first trip to Venice so we planned what we wanted to see and the best ways to beat the queues and this worked out great for us. Some of the

Quiet clean good food superb value. Away from hustle and bustle of Venice's main tourist spots but only a very slow 45min stroll to St Marks Sq.Explore the back streets and experience the local hospitality.If you are polite and courteous the same will be back to you. Definately go back