Paolo's place was phenomenal!! We would definitely recommend staying here! The place was very nice, clean, quite and safe.
Location was great, 10-15 minute walk to San Marco Square and close to a water bus stop which you should at least get a 12hr pass for and go check out the two close islands (Murano & Burano) as well as making it you're boat tour of the city. But more than just visiting the site you really need to just wander and get lost in this magical place!
Paolo was very responsive and he met us at the nearby water bus stop (~15 min walk from the train station or just take the water bus - we walked to save some cash since we weren't going to use the bus again that day and the 12hr ticket was the best deal for us). Venice has a lot of steps, we were glad we used these convertible backpack / duffle bags instead of a standard suitcase.
He gave us a tour of the neighborhood and pointed out his favorite restaurants. He was super friendly and made himself available for our entire stay. Truly a fantastic host!
He also had a few delicious crackers, cookies and snacks laid out in the kitchen (including these fruit candies that we got addicted to.)
Go to Venice, stay with Paolo and don't make any other plans. Just point yourself in a direction and go get lost! Also stop by Cà D'Oro alla Vedova and eat the most amazing meatballs we've ever had – “polpette di carne”