I had a shocking personal experience with this host. Sadly, race-based commentaries still occur.

Be careful as to what conversations you engage Zoia in. Over breakfast I shared pictures of my Partner, which I often do on my airbnb stays. My partner was born in Kenya & is black in her skin colour.
This led to a stream of comments from Zoia purely based around race. Initially directed at African immigrants to Italy – then at my Partner directly after sharing more details on our relationship.

I feel it is relevant to provide the background on my partner that I shared with Zoia. My partner came to Australia (our home together) to attend University, won prizes & qualified as a Pharmacist. Later she became a full Australian citizen & now contributes to our Australian society in every way.
Even when I shared this detailed background with Zoia, the comments purely based on race continued. One comment specifically was: “European (white) women do not behave like that”
How sad. Most people feel feel skin colour does not determine the soul & character of people.

I expect Zoia will make all form of justifications for her tragic comments in her reply to my review – or somehow try to change the context. Sadly, the reality exists that some peoples attitudes to skin colour are from a generation or two ago.
If Zoia should try to deny these comments that is even sadder. I would not have made an official complaint with the Police in Venice if this was not such a serious issue.

So if the risk of racial commentaries is not a major concern, enjoy your stay in an artistic apartment, but in a room that is 30 minutes away from the atmosphere of Venice. The town of Mestre itself is not a special place – it is quite run down & very quiet in the evenings. So these are also the trade-offs – room price savings vs not being in the heart of Venice & its romance.

On the positive side…on this same trip in the EU, I have had 9 other AirBnb hosts who have all been fabulous.

Good and safe travels to all :)