Riccardo's loft is everything we were looking for in Venice.
First of all, Riccardo is a wonderful host. He met up with us as planned even though our flight was delayed. He also provided us with water bottles in the fridge and an abundance of toast & jam. Him and Matteo are also very hands-on and clean the loft themselves (it was absolutely spotless), which was great knowing that they really do take care of the place.
The loft is situated in a less touristy, quieter side of Venice on the ground floor of a character Venetian building. It is a very close walk to the Vaparetto (the strip by the water makes a great walk during sunset), the Rialto bridge, St Mark's, the Biennale (both the Arsenale and Giardini locations) and many highly rated restaurants in Venice. But on the way you will get to experience the more local side of Venice, with the older generation who still live there hanging out outside their buildings or doing their laundry. At night or early in the morning, the only sound you will hear is the soothing sound of bells chiming from a nearby church.
With an older building, the loft itself is strikingly modern (while honoring original elements such as the exposed wooden beams and bricks) and comes with a powerful AC (a life-saver during our summer trip!), a fully equipped kitchen and a very comfortable bed. Even the pull-out sofa bed is of high quality. The bathroom is sparkling clean and water pressure is on 👏🏻point 👏🏻
Overall, this is the best Airbnb we have stayed at during our trip in Italy. There is not a single thing I am unsatisfied with (and I can be very picky especially when it comes to cleanliness and having quality shower after a long day). The loft is so well-thought out and Riccardo and Matteo really made our stay in Venice the best.
As a last tip, please don't forget to pay Riccardo the required tourism tax like we did!!