This apartment is superb and simply could not have been better! It exceeded all our expectations and then some.
Host: Daniele met us at the close vaporetto stop. (Rialto Mercale- but as soon as the San Silvestro one is fixed, it will be even closer.) He is one of the kindest and most helpful people my husband and I have had the pleasure to meet. He went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed, and more. He had to wait for us at that stop for a while because we were first-time users of the vaporetto and didn't know exactly how it worked or how to pay. He assiduously checked the wifi before he left to make sure it was working perfectly, recommended restaurants, showed us how to get groceries and orientation tips. He left all manner of cold drinks for us in the fridge, not to mention beer and wine, yogurt, lovely fresh fruit, etc. The apartment: Don't let the little alleyway fool you. Once you enter on the third floor, a huge, quiet, modern oasis awaits you. It is immaculate, new, and spacious (more space than we needed, but very comfortable.) The kitchen and bath are new and both huge by Italian standards. We were grateful for the washer, hairdryer, comfortable bed, and air conditioning in the bedroom. A visitor's book is lovingly placed for you to sign and beautiful books on Venice are on display. If we only had more time to spend to peruse them! The apartment is decorated like something out of a magazine. Care and attention to detail is evident throughout.
Location: Couldn't be better! In just a few steps, with a great shopping on the way, you are at the Rialto Bridge. You can go through the alley towards the canal and be there even faster, avoiding the shops, but passing a number of restaurants right on the canal. We had a lovely meal in the one closest to the apartment, and though touristy, we were able to watch the Grand Canal traffic at night which was amazing. The best pizza place we found in all of Italy is Forno Antico, conveniently a few steps from the apartment, and we really enjoyed the Amarone Restaurant, practically right out the door. We rarely used the vaporetto since everything was in walking distance, and while navigating through Venice is quite confusing, the apartment itself is easy to find.
We are so happy we found this place since we know we need to return to the magical city of Venice and hope to stay here again. Staying at Ca'Valeria was an outstanding experience and we are so grateful to Daniele for his kind hospitality.