Maria's enthusiasm for Venice and her guesthouse was evident from the first email. As this was not my first Venice visit, she lent me her "secret venice" book to go beyond the normal tourist sites. Meeting her in person was like catching up with an old friend. The guesthouse was more than I expected - my twin/single room was just like the photos, but I enjoyed the common room (talking with other guests) and the breakfast spread. The wifi was strong and quick in my room. With the rains, I didn't get to enjoy the garden. The location is wonderful in Dorsoduro near Accademia and the Peggy Guggeheim collection. With a good selection of restaurants, bakery, produce boat, pizza by the slice and gelato, you might forget to visit San Marco (an easy walk) and other attractions happily enjoying this neighborhood. Maria also clued me into a secret happy hour that took me three times to find it was that hidden and wonderful.