Spending 4 nights at Santa Marta prior to our 7-day cruise (leaving from and returning to Venice) was the best decision that could be made. Not only was Paola an amazing hostess, but she was quick to respond to messages and questions I had before we actually stayed at her property in Venice.
The apartment was spotlessly clean, very comfortable and in a neighborhood very close to the Water Bus. Yes, we did walk between 5-7 km every day once we got to that day’s destination, but upon recommendation from Paola, we purchased a 2-day pass and got more than our money’s worth of travel.
Amenities were useful - iron, ironing board, blow dryer, WiFi... many more I’ve not mentioned.
We knew in advance that the apartment was on the 3rd floor (no elevator-no need; we needed to get our exercise!) and that it was in a neighborhood with other apartment buildings. Perhaps the only thing that was unavoidable was neighborhood noise in the evenings, but it quieted down by 10 PM and was no issue for us.
Paola gave us recommendations for sights to see as well as restaurants to eat at - all were fantastic and appreciated. We found a vegan restaurant about 100 meters apartment that was quite good - in your wanderings, you will find it as well!
What else can be added... a delightful place to stay for as many nights as you want—highly recommended and it left us wanting to visit Venice again and again and again. Thank you, Paola, for sharing your delightful place with us!