We had a wonderful time at Serena's apartment. It was spacious and clean and we really appreciated the treats she had left for us. Although the apartment overlooked a small piazza, the sound-proofing on the windows was perfect; no matter how enthusiastic the party in the square was, we never heard it. Venice is a small city, so don't feel that Serena's place is isolated or a long distance from the places that you want to go. And it really is right over a canal! One suggestion I would make is not to use Google for directions. The first time I looked it up, it placed me in the middle of the Grand Canal! The second time, I was someplace else entirely. I suggest that you email Serena; her directions were perfect and she was kind enough to meet us after 11pm because of our late flight. We will be back and we will definitely stay here again.