When you stay with Paolo and Rita you are getting one of the best stays in Venice, for a couple of reasons. Let's start with the flat...it is completely charming. Recently remodeled, the decor is simply wonderful. Bright colors, antique furniture, art books and books on Venice, lovely table service, lots of cookware and a nicely appointed kitchen made for the kind of stay in which we had to remind ourselves that we needed to leave the flat because, after all, we were in Venice.
The bedrooms are comfortable and the beds especially so. We had great sleeps.
Rita met us at the flat upon our arrival and gave us a nice tour of the place and pointed out the thoughtful snacks and beverages that she made available to us (prosecco!). In addition, she showed us a map of the vicinity and highlighted the best restaurants and cafes and even pointed out a couple of places to avoid. We found her advice to be spot on (Vino Vero!).
The other great thing about staying with Paolo and Rita is the location of the flat. A short walk from the train station, the Cannaregio neighborhood--Venice's northernmost--seems to us like one of the best places to stay in Venice. While we did not visit every part of Venice, we did visit see enough of the city to realize that what most visitors get with Venice is crowds, crowds and more crowds...slow moving sidewalks packed with tourists. The neighborhood we stayed in is off the beaten path and although the cafes are busy in the mornings, the surrounding streets shut down completely in the hot part of the day. Starting at 5pm, the restaurants open up again and just outside the door to the flat (but not so close that you can hear them), the locals come to revel in each other's company. And there are several fine and fun restaurants nearby, most offering al fresco, canal-side seating. It's a lively scene and is such a great contrast to the busier, more touristy parts of the city, where in our opinions, the people are not having nearly as much fun as the people in this area.
In short, if this place is available, grab it. You won't be disappointed!