Our visit to Venice was nothing short of amazing thanks in large part to Brian and Maddalena hosting us in their beautiful apartment for the weekend. Their place was unique and stylish, but very comfortable. They had the best AC we encountered along our entire trip (which was very appreciated in the the sweltering summer heat). Although a neighbor helped check us in, Maddalena was very communicative throughout our check-in process, leaving a thorough list of information and recommendations that that helped make our stay effortless. The location was perfect--in a quiet area away from the bustling tourist areas, yet just minutes away from restaurants and shops that catered to both locals and visitors. There were a few great spots for waterfront dining just a couple streets away (reservations recommended). All the major sites were also within walking distance, but a lot of the fun was getting lost in the winding canals as there's so much to see around every corner (just make sure you have good GPS!). Don't hesitate to choose Brian and Maddalena's apartment for your Venice trip! Highly recommended!