Generator Venice

Generator Venice is one of the best budget options in the city, a design hostel in a former warehouse on the waterfront of Giudecca, the long island across the Giudecca Canal from the main part of Venice. Its position gives it something few budget places can offer: views across the water towards St Mark's Square and the Dorsoduro waterfront, especially from the canal-view rooms.

The building mixes history with contemporary design, with mosaic floors, a large glass chandelier and a stone fireplace in the communal spaces. Accommodation ranges from large dormitories with shared bathrooms to smaller en-suite dorms, a female-only dorm, private rooms and family rooms for four or five. The Deluxe King rooms have canal views and their own bathrooms. Dorms are for guests over 18, so families should book a private or family room.

The bar, restaurant and café operate around the clock, and there is a daily happy hour in the early evening. From April to September the Giudecca Terrace opens from early morning until late evening, weather permitting. The atmosphere is sociable, which suits solo travellers and groups of friends, but the private rooms make it workable for couples and families on a budget too.

Generator suits backpackers, students, solo travellers and anyone who wants to keep accommodation costs down in an expensive city. Giudecca itself is a residential island with a slower pace than the centre, and staying here means seeing a side of Venice that many visitors miss. Palladio's church of the Redentore and the Zitelle church are nearby, and the island has a few neighbourhood bars and restaurants.

The hostel is about 100 metres from the Zitelle vaporetto stop. From Santa Lucia station or Piazzale Roma, take Line 2 or 4.1 to Zitelle; from there, St Mark's is a few minutes across the water. Remember that you will need the vaporetto to reach the main sights and to return at night, so a multi-day transport pass makes sense. Check the hostel's website for current prices and offers, which vary considerably with the season.

Bring a padlock for dorm lockers, as is wise in any hostel, and check the hostel's policies on luggage storage if you arrive early or leave late. Evenings on the terrace, looking across the water, are one of the best value experiences in the city.