Our host was excellent in every way. Paolo speaks and writes English very well. He communicated with us effectively and promptly prior to our arrival and provided clear directions to the apartment. He met us upon our arrival and was very friendly. Paolo was also very helpful answering our questions about nearby supermarkets, restaurant recommendations, and how best to return to the airport after our departure. It was clear that Paolo was fully available to help us if we had any problems or needed help, but he did not bother us or intrude in any way.

The apartment was excellent in all respects. It was clean and comfortable, nicely furnished with new furniture, and the wi-fi worked flawlessly. The living room is large, the kitchen and bathroom have been very nicely modernized, and the two sleeping areas (bedroom and loft) are separate from each other, which was good for privacy. We also found it very helpful to be able to do laundry in the apartment. The location is fantastic, just past the tourist zone but still less than 10 minutes walk to San Marco and the Rialto bridge. (I imagine it could take longer during the high tourist season when Venice gets very crowded. We were there right around Christmas. Not very many tourists, cool temperatures, and a beautiful, mysterious ambience.) Lots of shops and restaurants nearby and a very short walk to a big supermarket. We appreciated being able to eat breakfast and other meals at the apartment. We had some bread, cheese, and cured meat meals there and also cooked an ambitious Christmas dinner. (There is no oven, but that wasn't a problem for us.)

San Marco, the Doge's Palace, and the Accademia museum are great, but we also spent a lot of time just walking around. (If you don't like to walk or have limited mobility, Venice may not be an ideal destination.) If you like modern art, the Peggy Guggenheim museum is absolutely not to be missed. Quite near the apartment are La Cantina and Alla Vedova, two excellent restaurants specializing in fresh fish; they have made it into the guidebooks, but these aren't tourist places.