We didn't meet the host, but were welcomed by her friendly and charming cousin Caterina who showed us everything we needed to know about the apartment. Caterina recommended merchants and restaurants in the area, gave us two sets of keys (very important--and not something I had thought about in advance), and answered our logistical questions.

After we spent one night in the apartment we realized we needed additional bedding, and the host dropped off the extra sheets the same day. We really appreciated that level of responsiveness.

Although we didn't meet Valentina in person, all of our communications with her made us feel that she was attentive to every detail of our stay. We loved our time in the apartment and hope to return another day. (Our 12-year-old daughter loved the experience so much she announced that she intends to live in Venice.)