Pier was an excellent host. We met Tina no problem and she explained the neighbourhood as we walked to the apartment. She speaks very little English, but my husband speaks (some) Italian so we were able to communicate! The apartment was very nice and exactly how the pictures described it. The area the apartment is in is in the quieter, less busy section (San Polo) but about a 15 minute walk to the main area of San Marco. We loved that we were in the less touristy section of Venice! It has fantastic restaurants around and wonderful little shops. Pier's apartment is a great place to stay if visiting Venice!