My first trip to Venice and I toyed with the idea of beating the crowds and staying farther away and taking the train in. I am so glad I didn’t. Yes the crowds are crazy making, but having a place like this to stay makes the world of difference. Tucked away in a small courtyard behind a gate which seems to magically block the noise of the alley ways, is this apartment on the first floor (for those of you who are especially weary of lugging suitcases up lovely ancient staircases).
My first tip is to read the PDF Nina sends you about directions to get to the apartment. They look daunting but don’t worry they make sense and they work. It will seem a little bit like a treasure hunt but that’s Venice. There is a grocery store 2 minutes walk from the apartment, and more gelato, restaurants, and shops than you will ever need.
The best part is the throngs of tourists that are around during the day, disappear at night and you are free to wander around completely uninhibited by crowds exploring. Taking the vaporetto (water bus) is a tour in itself taking you past beautiful buildings.
Nina could not have been more helpful and lovely. She showed me how to use the washing machine (a godsend for those of us on the road for a while) and pointed out the local food markets, and best ways to travel around. Very fast communicator I knew she was available whenever I needed her. The apartment is totally secure with locks on the main gate, building and each door. The AC worked great as Venice was getting a bit hot.
Would stay again in a heartbeat. This place truly made the Venice trip extra special.