The apartment is a lovely little place that was perfect for my needs. The owners are incredibly nice and helpful people - it has been a pleasure meeting and getting to know them and it was so good of them to pick me up from the airport and to find an Italian teacher for me.

The place is compact but cosy and well equipped. It suited my needs perfectly. The wifi connection is excellent and it is a nice place to come back to at the end of a day spent in Venice - it felt like home! The huge bonus for me was Pepi, the little cat. She is the nicest cat that I have known and loves human company - so if you stay here please show her lots of affection. The owners leave dry cat food for you to give her so she is no bother, but a tip - she goes crazy for the little Whiskas treats that you can buy from the supermarket (in the pet aisle, they come in a plastic box in the shape of a cat face). They only cost a couple of euros for a pack that will last for ages.

Incidentally the huge supermarket is literally 2 minutes away from the apartment and the bus stop to Venice is 2 minutes in the opposite direction. But I recommend frequenting the local shops as well. The gelateria (by the bus stop) is cheaper than in Venice and gives huge delicious portions; the greengrocers is incredibly friendly and patient with my limited Italian. The florists around the corner is lovely as is the hair salon next door and the tabaccheria (where you get your bus tickets from) is very friendly, and the bar opposite the bus stop is too! So, all in all it's a very friendly community and a taste of real Italy away from the tourists but within less than 20 minutes (door to door) to Venice.

I can highly recommend everything - Mestre, the apartment, the lovely hosts and the sweet cat!