Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre San Giuliano

We’d spent our visit on the Venice islands, then moved here for the last night to make getting to the airport easier. Booking the morning shuttle when we checked in was a good call, since we heard others being told it was full for the whole morning. It cost 20 euros. We ate breakfast at 7 and caught the 7:30 shuttle; the airport drop-off was straightforward, and the airport is small. For American direct flights, the reviewer's tip is to go to the second floor for the purchase tax rebate, then head to security on the far left. If you have no bags to check, they suggest checking in online and going straight to security on the far left. The hotel was a great place to spend the afternoon. We checked in early around noon, had lunch at 12:30, then booked a 50-minute couples massage and an hour in the spa for 180 euros. The massage was very relaxing. The spa had a jet tub, sauna, steam room, and ice-water dunk. Afterward we lounged by the big pool, with towels and drinks brought over by a server, and there was a nice grassy lawn too. Dinner at 8 was great: I had grilled lamb chops with fried artichokes, and my wife had ravioli bolognese. The room was nice. You need the key card to switch on the lights. The in-room coffee was instant, and the USB plugs were a little worn but still worked. The rooms, restaurant, pool, spa, and massage service all made this a great Hilton property for our final day in Venice.

The staff were exceptionally helpful and went out of their way for us. Rooms were clean and pleasant, though fairly plain. There’s a good breakfast buffet, but it costs extra, and the airport shuttle van also has a fee. Most services are charged to your room. Public transport nearby makes it easy to get to old Venice. I’d stay here again.

Luca at the front desk got us through a really stressful night. We arrived a little after 11 p.m. after missing our chance to get off the train before Florence. Protests over the Gaza situation were blocking Florence station and people were setting off red smoke bombs. Luca figured out a route via the old train station to avoid the national strike the next day. Around 4 a.m. he called us and arranged a taxi van, which was difficult to find because of the strike. The room was great and had the expected amenities, including a mini fridge. Luca also made sure we had plenty of water and let us get coffee and other drinks. That was very kind, but the water and getting even less than four hours of sleep were what mattered most to us. We got to Florence in time, though our planned 10:30 a.m. flight from Florence to LAX on Friday, October 3 was missed. We left Italy for Paris on Sunday, October 5 instead, on the next available flight. Great job, Luca. Management, you have a great person working there. He took care of us and helped us get back to Florence as soon as possible. Thanks again, Luca! James & Stephanie G.

The bed was among the best we’ve ever slept in, and breakfast was excellent. It’s easy to get to both Venice and the airport by bus. We’d happily stay again, though we’d ask for a room without a connecting door because the sound insulation there was poor.