Wow! We had the most incredible stay at Alessia's. The communication before and during our trip could not have been better. We arranged with Alessia to have her son, Dimitri and a water taxi pick us up from the train station. The 10 minute commute to the apartment was the perfect way to arrive and get a feel for this amazing city. It is absolutely worth it. Dimitri then insisted in carrying our bags up the stairs and took some time to point out their favorite local spots and (thankfully!) explained the vaperetto system. My parents ended up joining us and added a couple of nights on to their stay. Alessia was more than accommodating.
We had booked a water taxi sunset tour with a international tour group. We later found out that Dimitri offers a similar tour. Seeing Venice at night from the water was surreal. The tour was incredible but we all agreed we would have enjoyed it much more with him as our guide.
We rarely experience such genuine and warm hospitality and are so grateful Alessia, Dimitri and their awesome apartment.
We cannot wait to return.