This is really a special place to stay. As all the reviews say, looking out at the canal watching boats and the gondolas go by is so cool because you are at water level. I would sit in the window sill with a glass of wine and enjoy the evening as around 5pm the gondolas with a great singer would go by. I was a little worried it would be bad singing coming from each gondola separately but it was one man only when it was a group of gondolas, and it was really beautiful to hear plus they don't come that close to the windows so it is not intrusive. It is also fascinating to see how the city functions via water boats from construction, tourists, deliveries etc. I love Venice and have been many times so I know that almost all the apartments are compact as this one is too, but it is laid out very nicely and very charming. The furnishings and details like the artwork are very nice along with comfortable beds and pillows. Also, I am super sensitive to noise and light when sleeping and even though it is on the grand canal it is quiet at night. We enjoyed the Dosoduro area as it was a lot less crowded than near San Marco but easy to access everywhere, my kids 7 & 9 did great walking wherever we needed to go. The host was very nice and responsive, we would definitely stay there again on our next trip.