Hotel Ambasciatori

The cream-and-red brick facade of this 1964 building reveals contemporary interiors that are a bit bland, but perfectly pleasant. Cream hues adorn the lobby, where sagging ivory couches and armchairs sit on gleaming tile floors. A small wood-paneled lobby bar makes for a nice place to gather, either with a morning newspaper or pre-dinner drink. Overall, it's an average property with not much that sets it apart from others, but it's a good base for both business travelers and tourists -- granted that they don't mind the Mestre location.

The hotel is situated on a main street in Mestre, the urban center of Venice's mainland. There are several dining options and some shops in the area, including a supermarket across the street. The Mestre train station is a 10-minute walk away, and there's a bus that stops by the hotel (tickets can be purchased at reception) that gives access to Venice's center and tourist attractions in about 15 minutes (or it's a 10-minute drive). Top sites, like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, Gothic architecture of Doge's Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, are about a 10- to 15-minute drive or 45 to 50 minutes via public transit. Marco Polo International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away or 45 minutes via public transportation.

Rooms are fairly bland in terms of decor, but clean and pleasant overall. Some rooms have been more recently renovated and are fresher and more modern with a contemporary style that pairs wooden floors and white walls with sleek pieces like white desks and matching nightstands, as well as massive cream-colored headboards that frame beds topped with brown and beige bedspreads. Rooms that have not been renovated feel a bit dated with patterned bedspreads that match the curtains, headboards, and armchairs. These rooms are carpeted and feature cream-colored striped wallpaper adorned with small framed prints for interest. Junior Suites add living areas.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi (guests complain of a poor connection and a Facebook account is needed to log onto the internet.) There are no tea/coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are a bit dated (even in renovated rooms), covered in tile and equipped with small showers or shower/tub combos. They're small and can feel a bit cramped. Bidets, heated towel racks, and wall-mounted hairdryers come standard, and small sets of toiletries are provided. Note that some guests complain of noise issues due to thin walls.

The hotel has a couple of nice features that add value to a stay here. Corso 211 restaurant serves Italian and international fare, and there's a lobby bar as well that's open in the morning and into the evening. Room service is available and buffet breakfasts are included in rates, but the food is fairly average and get mixed reviews. There's a decent fitness room equipped with a good variety of TechnoGym machines and weights. The hotel offers meeting and event space for up to 120 people, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout. Limited on-site parking is available for a fee.