Our stay here was absolutely wonderful and beyond our expectations. Nina was very kind to still meet us even though we came in very late. Though it was nearly midnight when we got to Venice, Nina was at the water bus station to walk us to the apartment and tell us a few important things about the place and basic directions to surrounding places. The apartment was absolutely clean, beautifully updated and quite comfortable. It is very close to shopping dining and groceries, but just far enough from San Marco that it doesn't get overwhelmingly busy with other tourists. The garden was bigger than we imagined it being, and it was nice to sit and eat breakfast there. We didn't bring our kids but I think the garden woud be a great place for some family time if you have children. The bed feels firm at first but is at least partly memory foam so you sink in to it after a short time. The shower is small but comfortable. The furniture was all quite comfortable and well matched to the apartment. The A/C cools the room quickly and is pretty quiet. The espresso maker works but we had some difficulty with it. Make sure you empty any water left after you use it or it may leak out on the counter. Honestly with the shops close by I would skip the coffee maker and just go get a cappuccino around the corner. The coffee, food, and Gelato near by are all quite good. The Bruschetta at Laguna restaurant I really enjoyed. I really have no complaints about my stay here. One suggestion that I think would be helpful is a list of good restaraunts nearby and perhaps a small map showing the locations. This would be a good addition to the welcome folder. I would have loved to have had lunch or coffee with Nina or even her family, but it did not happen this time. You will not be disappointed if you stay here, and will likely be wonderfully surprised by how great it is! Thank you Nina!!