Marco was a great host. Keeping in touch before our arrival was easy. He made contact with us when we were on the ferry from the airport and there was a colleague waiting to meet us when we landed who took us to the flat. The flat was as pictured - a stylish, modern studio - very clean and has everything you need (including a really comfy fold away bed). It's real selling point, however, is the location. The flat is literally a stone's throw from the Rialto Bridge in Cannaregio but tucked down a quiet side street. Walk out the front door and turn a corner and you have an uncrowded view of the Grand Canal, not to mention a superb tavern practically on your doorstep! It's an ideal base from which to explore the city but is in a quiet spot so getting a good night's sleep afterwards is not an issue. Most sites are within walking distance with St Mark's Square no more than 15 minutes away. We explored all the central neighborhoods with the exception of Giudecca without once needing to jump on a vaparetto. This was our first visit to Venice and we had a great time, thanks in no small part to Marco's apartment.