We loved Maria's apartment, which we nicknamed the "skybox", for its fantastic views and delightful airy feel. The apartment itself was attractive, with nice wood floors and built-ins, great wifi, and all the infrastructure one needs. The location was perfect, close to everything, yet near the university area which had its own pleasant studenty feeling with nome of the expensive band-name shops one sees around San Marco, and instead wonderful neighborhood restaurants and bars obviously frequented by locals.. The apartment was also very convenieint to the main vaporetto line that runs along the grand canal. It is hard to imagine a more fun, easy, and charming time that a few days exploring Venice based in Maria's apartment.