The trip to the apartment unfortunately had a real "trip and fall" by my wife during the walk to the area to meet our host. Fortunately a nice local guy who works at Al Fontego dei Pescatori (I highly recommend trying them out) just a few doors down from the Gold apartment graciously helped us with our bags and showed us the way since he was going to work anyway. He took us to the restaurant and called our host Paola directly so we could arrange where to meet.
Paolo was very helpful during the check-in and gave a map with certain areas she thought would interest us, along with quieter less touristy neighborhoods where we could get away from the hustle and bustle. She was delightful to talk with and speaks 4 languages.
The apartment is 2 minutes from the Ca'D'Oro bus stop and very convenient to the train station and Rialto Bridge area. From this area you can be in the main mix of tourist areas or exploring the off beaten path seeing the normal Venice life. The location is on a quiet street so that you get the feel of Venice but it is far enough away from the hustle and bustle to be relaxing and peaceful.
The Gold apartment was spacious, clean and comfortable and remodeled only a few years ago. It was cheaper and more spacious than a hotel room with much more privacy. I would highly recommend this particular apartment.