How central is this place! A real haven (as we went in July 2013 when it's really hot and there are simply millions of tourists). We were met by the host after he gave us good directions to go to a nearby bridge after we got off the train station at Santa Lucia. It's really tricky to find the place otherwise. He led us to the apartment. Warning!! Do not come with heavy luggage (with or without wheels) as there are so many bridges and steps (so the wheels aren't much good). The crowds make it too difficult. This apartment is up two flights of stairs. I'm glad I only came with a hand-lugage size case I could carry and not drag.
There is no balcony or courtyard but the views of roof tops out of the top bedroom are lovely. The airconditioning was a godsend and worked in all rooms. The bathrooms and kitchen were OK but not pristine,and you couldn't chop food in the kitchen as there was only room for one person at a time. The water was only ever luke-warm and sometimes hot, which was OK for summer but not for winter. This would suit three people happily (as it did for us) but lack of space in the kitchen might make it crowded for more. We spent a happy time watching people wander around below us and we were surrounded by beautiful churches. The vaporetto (San Toma) was only a 10 minute walk away and St Lucia railway station only 15mins away. You can only walk or go by boat in Venice...I don't know why it's taken me this long to work it out. It's so quiet at night - bliss.
Another advantage here was the bakery on one side (so we bought our daily croissant there for breakfast) and on the other, a lovely small deli where we could buy milk, cheese, meats, pasta, eggs, and other delicious specialties. There's an amazing supermarket next to the railway station if you need more choice.
The host made us most welcome (but you need to buy your milk and tea before the shops shut) and showed us around.
Buy your 7-day vaporetto passes at Platform 1 at the railway station from the trave agent. Best to get to San Marco around 7am before all the crowds get there. Public transport in Venice is awesome. Try the number 2 line from start to finish....wish I'd known that on day one.
btw the wi fi is almost impossible to use - we gave up in the end.