This was our first visit to Venice, and we were struck by two very distinct personalities. At any given time of the day, I would estimate that three quarters of the people in the City are located in the corridor between the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. If you want to see a different side of Venice, more authentic, more atmospheric, calmer, then you can do no better than to stay in Dorsoduro. On perhaps our most enjoyable day in town, we stayed within a radius of three or four bridge crossings from Laura's apartment. Have a look through Laura's book "Thirty Walks to Explore Venice" and you'll really learn to appreciate the palimpsest that is Venice. Of course, you can easily reach the more heavily trafficked areas, should you need (lots of) company.

The apartment was absolutely excellent, and Laura was a great host. Her suggestions for dining were outstanding, and very much appreciated. The apartment is quite cool, even in the summer, because you can open the windows on three sides and get a very nice breeze going through. Relaxing in the flat with a cool breeze and a glass of prosecco, listening to the life on the canal, we felt very relaxed and very much at home.

Our only regret is that we did not plan to stay longer. I would not be surprised if we find ourselves back in Venice within a couple of years -- perhaps in the low season -- and I can assure you that we will plan our visit around the availability of this apartment. It's really great.