This apartment on the Rio Marin was perfect for my two friends and me. We had our own bedrooms and bathrooms, a comfortable living room over looking the river (small canal, and a well-equipped kitchen where we spent much time at the table having coffee or dinner. We were close to the train station, to vaporetto stops, and to restaurants and shops. But the location was quiet and away from the chaos of the San Marco area. It was so lovely each morning to sit near the front windows and look down on the water traffic, including gondolas. Elena and her husband, who live downstairs, were very welcoming and helpful, but never intrusive. This was the ideal place to stay; it was both economical and charming.