This was our first experience with Airbnb and I think we've been spoilt forever! Valentina's apartment was exactly as described and located in a residential street with everything we could wish for within a few steps. From the moment we booked Valentina's response times were brilliant. Prior to arrival she also sent us a wonderful information pack by email which answered every question we had. This was most reassuring as our friends with whom we were travelling, had wanted us to stay in a hotel and I'd insisted we would have a much more affordable and fun trip, living like a local. As suggested we prebooked a private water taxi from Marco Polo airport (which by the way is the most fun way to travel). We were particularly grateful for the warm welcome from Caterina and the prosecco and breakfast items that she bought for us. The apartment was exactly as shown in the photos, it was very clean and had a spacious layout. As mentioned we were travelling with another couple and the layout of the bedrooms gave us a completely private experience. The air conditioning was a real bonus as it was incredibly hot weather during our visit. We didn't use the kitchen except to make the occasional cup of tea, but it was very well equipped if you wished to cook. Mosquitos are an issue in Venice but lucky there is pharmacy right underneath the apartment so we were able to stock up with repellents, creams and anti histamine tablets. I noticed the apartment also had plug in repellent in the bedrooms. Getting into St Mark's Square is a 10 minute walk or it is easy and fun to get the water bus, be sure to buy a pass for the duration of your stay which is better value. Top tip: give both Caffe Florian and Harry's Bar a miss, and head instead to the terrace of the La Biennale di Venezia museum, which is located on the Grand Canal just next door to the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal. A wonderful terrace to sit and watch the world go by, with the best value drinks in Venice.
I'll be recommending Valentina's apartment to anyone heading to Venice. And as we all totally fell in love with this gorgeous city, I'm sure we'll be returning in the not too distant future and I know just the place to stay!