Mario was a great host and even suggested (and booked for us) an off the beaten track restaurant for my birthday which was lovely. The apartment is very central with everything you need close by. It is a building right on the canal with lots going on to watch. Taking a private water taxi from the airport was well worth it. We booked a return direct with Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia who were very reliable. You get dropped at Ponte Minich (a quiet bridge on a nearby canal) where you also get collected from. Paolo met us in the nearby square and the apartment is just over the bridge so all very easy to find.