Although we did not meet Paolo, we were met according to plan without any hitches, by Roberta and a friend who spoke much better English than I did Italian/Spanish. We loved the house and it's location in Castello which, although not central, is absolutely fine especially for Arsenale vaporetto stop, and not as busy as the centre. In fact we liked to be nearer to the locals where we found restaurant cafe owners to be particularly friendly (ie in Via Garibaldi). The house was warm, the beds were comfortable and we appreciated the coffee, tea and extras including wine and biscuits.