Most people who visit Venice are drawn by the astonishing canals, the architecture, mind-boggling history and the romance of one of the world’s great attractions.

The beauty of Venice is simply hard to beat.

However, our latest visit was an overnight stay only, while we picked up a GoOpti Shuttle to Ljubljana, Slovenia.

We had been flown from Australia to Greece to review the Scoot Airlines service between Sydney and Athens.

From there, we toured and researched Age-Friendly reviews of hotels and attractions in the Greek Islands, before heading to Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany and the UK.

However, for a single night in Venice, we were reluctant to pay the cost of accommodation near the canals – and we also wanted to be within local bus range of Marco Polo Airport.

It seemed like an ideal opportunity to review the accessibility of facilities at Mestre, the mainland part of Venice.

And that’s how we found ourselves catching an ATVO bus from the airport to the Hotel Plaza, squarely in the heart of Mestre – a run of no more than 15 minutes.

Here’s our Age-Friendly review of the hotel:

Q: Was the booking process simple and problem free?

A: Yes. We went online to examine accommodation options, prices and location, then we used the hotel Plaza’s own website to book. The process was straight-forward and easy – and the cost was remarkably good for Venice.

Q: Did The Hotel Plaza communicate after the booking?

A: No, but we were  following the hotel on social media.

Q: Does The Hotel Plaza have street appeal?

A: Yes. The hotel is directly across the road from the train station and coach terminal in the centre of Mestre. It is a substantial building, with at least six levels of accommodation and a restaurant on the lower level.

Q: How did check-in go?

A: Without a hitch. Reception staff at the Hotel Plaza were efficient and professional, yet also friendly. They spoke perfect English and were well presented.

Q: How was accessibility?

A: Excellent. We alighted from the local bus and walked about 100 metres to the front of the Hotel Plaza. It was a level entrance – and we easily wheeled our bags inside The foyer was large and modern – and the lifts were only a few feet away.

It would have been equally easy to access the hotel by rail, with a similar short walk from the train station. This station is directly linked to central Venice and serves European regional trains.

The hotel lifts had adequate space and the corridors were wide enough. The layout is simple to negotiate and the key to our room worked perfectly and was simple to operate.

Q: How was the room?

A: Our room was classically furnished in warm colours and was particularly spacious with a queen-sized bed; modern marble and tiled bathroom with a shower and luxury toiletries; plenty of wardrobes; and a desk.

The room was spotlessly clean, air conditioned and sound-proofed.

There was also complimentary high speed wifi that worked well.

Q: Was the bed comfortable?

A: Extremely. The sound-proofing was particularly efficient and we slept soundly.

Q: Were other facilities adequate?

A: Although we didn’t use them, there was a flat-screen TV with satellite cable channels, a safety deposit box, telephone and minibar.

Q: Did the room have adequate charging points?

A: The Hotel Plaza room boasted several charging points and we were able to keep our seven devices operating with the use of our multi-cable charger.

Q: Was the bathroom to the expected standard?

A: There was a large, en-suite bathroom with modern shower, fluffy towels and toiletries.

Q: Did you get breakfast?

A: Breakfast was included in the room rate. The room was easy to find and breakfast at the Plaza was an extensive buffet, including eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and a variety of pastries.

Q: Were there any problems with the hotel?

A: No. the Hotel Plaza provides comfortable accommodation at an attractive price on the fringe of one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities.

Age-Friendliness Rating

8/10. Booking the Hotel Plaza online is easy. Once there, the accessibility features are first class. The hotel is centrally located at Mestre, directly opposite both the coach terminal and the train station.

It’s a simple matter to use use the reception, rooms and facilities. There are few, if any steps; the lifts and hotel corridors are large; the room door locks simple to use; our room was spacious and the bathroom was accessible to all. The breakfast room was clearly marked and the floor was level throughout.

In our experience, the Hotel Plaza is suitable for visitors of any age. Its location at Mestre is convenient for travellers using Marco Polo Airport, trains or coaches. It is also on the direct bus route from the airport.

Granted, Mestre is not the Venice of the canals and the gondoliers, but it is only a 10 minute train ride away from this dreamland.