Ca' del Moro

This relaxed mid-range hotel is set on park-like grounds with plenty of sports features. The simple white building it occupies has an almost institutional feel to it, as do some of the interiors, such as the waiting room-style lobby where square-shaped pale blue and white chairs sit on green and white tile floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an interior courtyard that's filled with umbrella-shaded tables and chairs. The restaurant is a bit more pleasant, with a cozy wooden ceiling, funky lamps, and large windows overlooking the grounds that let in natural light. The dining room opens onto a lovely outdoor wooden terrace adorned with flower boxes. Overall, it's a good choice for budget travelers who don't mind being away from the main tourist areas -- but the removed location can be a hindrance. This is a popular pick with families who value the extra features like the pool and tennis courts.

The hotel is located on Venice's Lido, a beach island that offers a more quiet and peaceful atmosphere than the famous touristy center. It's inconvenient for travelers seeking to explore Venice proper, however, as the nearest vaporetto stop isn't within walking distance. It necessitates a 15-minute drive or bus ride (the hotel also offers a free morning shuttle). From there, it's about 20 to 30 minutes via vaporetto to most top sites, like St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.There's not much in the immediate area around the hotel, with no dining options or shops nearby. There is a supermarket and a pharmacy that are about a 10-minute walk away. The beach that the island is famed for is a seven-minute drive away, or 12 minutes via bus. The nearest bus stop is a two-minute walk away. The Santa Lucia train station is about an hour away by public transit. Marco Polo Airport is about an hour and 40 minutes away by public transportation.

Rooms feature a spare, contemporary style with white walls, tiled floors, and sleek dark wood furniture that includes desks and headboards with built-in nightstands. Colorful accent walls in subtle shades like beige or pale lime green add a bit of visual interest and are adorned with simple silhouettes of birds, boats, and other seascape scenes. Brown curtains frame large windows, and some of the rooms open onto private terraces. Rooms are spare in terms of amenities as well. They're simply equipped with flat-screen TVs, telephones, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi; and lack mini-fridges or tea/coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are a bit small, though clean and pleasant, covered in beige tiling. They're equipped with shower cabins as well as bidets and toilets. Hairdryers and some individual toiletries are provided. Note that some guests have complained of cleanliness issues.

The hotel offers a variety of features, with a particular emphasis on fitness facilities. Set on large grounds within a sports complex, guests have access to several indoor and outdoor tennis courts (four clay courts and five grass courts). Both group and private lessons are available, as are children's classes and coaching. There are also soccer fields on-site. Guests can also make use of an outdoor pool that's surrounded by loungers (note that it's open seasonally). The on-site restaurant serves a la carte Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. A breakfast buffet is served in the mornings, but some guests complain that it's basic and doesn't offer much choice. Half-board plans are also available. A free morning shuttle service to the nearest vaporetto stop is handy. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the property.