Four Points Venice Mestre: Relaxing open-air spaces and contemporary design in Venice

Text: Kiki Deere | Photos © Four Points Venice Mestre

With its overpriced accommodation and pricey dining locales, it’s all too easy to fall into a tourist trap in Venice. Located between the lagoon and the mainland only 20 minutes from the tourist sites, Four Points Venice Mestre is an affordable option, offering modern interiors and contemporary Italian décor.

With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and simple clean design, Four Points Venice Mestre was entirely renovated in 2017, using natural materials including glass and wood. Its leafy garden provides a welcome respite from the hubbub of nearby Venice. Buzzing at all times of day, the garden-patio truly comes to life at aperitivo time, when an extensive cocktail list and food menu attracts both hotel and non-hotel clients alike.

“We have a very well thought-out selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,” explains general manager Alberto Pasinato, “including a superb choice of local craft beers” Throughout the summer months on Wednesday evenings, the bar also hosts lively beer and food pairings. “It’s a very popular event,” Pasinato continues. “The taste of the dishes beautifully complements the flavour profile of the beers.”

Al fresco lunches and dinners are served here too. Overseeing the menus is young chef Luca Spedicato, who builds dishes upon basic yet flavoursome ingredients, mainly sourced from the area. Artichokes are from Sant’Erasmo, an island in the lagoon lying northeast of Venice proper, while buffalo mozzarella is mostly sourced from top-quality producers in the region. “We do our best to source ingredients from the Veneto, using simple cooking techniques to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient used,” Alberto explains.

The menu is largely designed for an international clientele, with sourdough pizzas, entrecôte and Caesar salad. “There’s also an ample selection of Venetian dishes of the day, prepared with local seasonal ingredients. Our spaghetti allevongole is a must. Delicate and balanced, the dish is a Venetian speciality, with clams sourced directly from the Venetian lagoon,” continues Alberto.

Restaurant aside, the hotel offers all the comforts guests would expect from a four-star hotel, with a 24-hour gym and a top-floor wellness area with sauna and steam room currently under construction. Spread out over eight floors, the contemporary rooms are flooded with natural light. “We like to call our décor ‘uncomplicated’”, explains Alberto, “that is, simple and uncluttered, yet welcoming and stylish.”

The modern interiors attract an urban clientele looking for a comfortable base whilst also taking care of their bank balance. “We are able to offer competitive rates,” says Alberton, “only a 20 minute bus or train ride away from the centre of Venice.”