Elena and Juri's recently renovated third floor walk up apartment was convenient, immaculate and quiet. It was an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of Venice.

The apartment, located on a side street, is less than a kilometer from the train station, Venezia Santa Lucia, and is even closer to the bus terminal. It is also just minutes from a grocery store, bakery, pizza and other restaurants and importantly a delicious place for gelato -- Gelateria Polo Nord.

Elena (holding a paper with my name) graciously met us at the train station to make sure we would find our way to the apartment. Once inside the apartment she gave us some cookies, fruit, a welcome cocktail and a map showing us our location relative to the rest of Venice. She made sure we had all the information we needed to feel comfortable and provided her and her husband's cell phone numbers should we have any problems.

Everything was as pictured and we would surely stay here again.