My friends and I had a fabulous time in Marialuisa's apartment! This home could not be more perfect. It's beautifully decorated, spotless, and in a spectacular location, right on the Grand Canal, where the water traffic is fascinating to watch at all hours. There's a pretty little patio too, that would be great in warm weather.
We loved being in Dorsoduro, which is a more residential location than around St Mark's, but still lively, and undoubtedly quieter in high season (we visited in mid-March). It's very handy to tourist spots and right next door to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Everywhere you look in Venice there's another glorious sight and this neighborhood delivers the picturesque. The apartment is a few minutes' walk from the Accademia and Accademia Bridge-- extremely convenient. There are many very good restaurants and other food establishments in the area, too, for which our host gave us some excellent recommendations. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Marialuisa's apartment and recommend it highly.