We booked Maurizio's apartment 2 months in advance. I spent quite a bit of time searching for the right apartment: updated and not dingy, located close enough from the main scene but far enough from the tourist traps, close to a specific boat stop as part of our travel plans, etc. I also informed Maurizio well in advance that we will be arriving in the morning from our cruise.
Three days prior to arrival, I communicated with Maurizio to determine where we should meet and pick up the keys. Everything was fine until the day before our arrival. He informs us that we will NOT be staying at his apartment because the AC unit was broken. How convenient! Anyway, he tells us to meet him at Hotel Malibran and that this place was better because we now get free breakfast (which we didn't care for as we were leaving really early the next day). Since I didn't have a phone, we literally had no choice but to find internet and figure out how to get there from the cruise terminal.
So we arrive at Hotel Malibran and we get the key for another apartment that they were managing called Guest House Al Milion. The place is a shit hole! We paid Maurizio $203/night for his apartment only to be put in a room that I would not in a million years book myself. I recall seeing this place when I was searching for hotels in Venice and it was definately NOT worth the $200 I paid Maurizio. It was also everything I did not want (I will send photos to anyone who wants to see it as proof!). The least he could have done was ask what our preference was before booking an alternative accommodation especially that I booked his apartment 2 months in advance. Also, we had a safety and privacy issue at Guest House Al Milion. After walking around Venice that day, we walked in on another traveller in our room!! Apparently, they accidentally gave him our room and key. Maurizio DID NOT take the time check what kind of place he was putting us in.
Our experience really ruined the trip. What a disappointment. I would not recommend booking with Maurizio.