Lido is a Green Getaway From Venice

Reachable in a few minutes by public sea bus from various points in Venice, the island of Lido is a quiet, green getaway from the hubbub of tourism in the city. A strip of beaches facing the Adriatic and tree-shaded parks are popular with daytrippers all summer, and visitors in the know stay in Lido hotels, zipping back and forth on the frequent water taxis, ferries (you can bring a car) and sea buses. Families opt for lodging on Lido, so that kids can run around, swim in the hotel pools and play on the beach--not possible in the city.
    The Westin Excelsior Resort is the top choice, a smashingly flamboyant, century-old resort with private cabanas on the beach, luxe designer boutiques, a sunny, beachside terrace for drinks and meals, and 5-star accommodations and service. The hotel offers complimentary private launch service to and from Venice all day and into the evening, connecting with sister Starwood hotels, the Danielli, the Westin Regina-Europa and the Gritti Palace.
    If you're on a budget, consider the Hotel Panorama, on the waterfront right at the ferry/sea bus stop. Also a hundred years old (completely updated now) the hotel is fresh and clean, and the people very friendly and helpful. We had a king room with 3 big windows overlooking the Venice skyline, with a tiny bathroom and a tiny shower, high ceilings, Murano glass sconces; breakfast on the terrace; bar but no restaurant––about 200 Euro. Restaurants in the village are a few steps away, the hotel has an arrangement for guests to enjoy a nearby beach, and you can take long walks or bike rides. Unlike most Lido hotels, the Panorama is open all year round.

How to get to Lido from the train station? It's either a $100 private water taxi (up to 6 people); or the public sea bus, with taxi to the hotel, about $50 altogether for two people. Because we were jetlagged and exhausted upon our arrival, we took the water taxi to Lido. Days later, we departed on the sea bus to the train station, which was fun, as the bus makes several stops and goes through the port area and along the waterfront; the water taxi jets along so fast that you don't get that nice tour.