It's expensive to stay in Venice. Mestre is the affordable alternative, just a few minutes by train or bus from Venice. The stop for the express bus to Venice is about a minute from the apartment and takes you directly to Venice. Get a multiple-day pass that's good for the bus and for the Venice vaporetti (boats).

This apartment (Barbato Rooms) is a four-bedroom apartment with beds for seven people. There are six air conditioners (important in August). There's a kitchen (cook breakfast and dinner for yourselves to save money) and an ample grocery store just around the corner. There's an ATM on the corner and two parking spaces in case you're driving.

The photographs of the apartment are accurate and the apartment is lovely.

One drawback: if you're tall like me, your feet may hang over the edge of the bed. Welcome to Italy.

This is a great apartment and you'll love staying here. And the welcome bottle of wine was a nice touch, thanks.