What a great experience. Valentina was a wonderful host. Before the trip, she sent us a timetable for the shuttle bus from Marco Polo airport to Mestre station. When we arrived she met us at the station (with an umbrella, as it was raining!) and walked us to the apartment. Once there she sat us down and gave us plenty of information about the best things to do and places to go in Venice and the surrounding areas, as well as lots of hints and tips to make the most of our stay. She even gave us a map with places of interest marked upon it. Valentina speaks fantastic English and we had no trouble communicating with her.
The apartment is in a great location, right next to Mestre train station (where trains run frequently and cheaply to Venice and other great cities) and there is also a bus stop right outside the flat if you'd rather take the bus. The apartment is also only a few minutes' walk away from a HUGE supermarket, a pizzeria, a chinese restaurant and a McDonalds. We couldn't have found somewhere better to stay.
If we ever decide to come back to Venice, we wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else.
Thank you so much Valentina!