We booked several months in advance, knowing the best places get taken early in Venice. The apartment was wonderful; just as advertised, and certainly a great value. What we didn't expect was the location being the absolute best place to be in Venice... and it was soooo quiet. While the entire city is swarming with tourists, the apartment is largely apart from the crowds yet amazingly close to everything. But the promenade overlooking the island of Giudecca is simply the nicest, most relaxing place to stroll. And with the Conad supermarket on this promenade and only a 7 minute walk from the apartment, we had the best of all worlds. And then on top of it, Marco met us at the dock in the rain, brought umbrellas and helped carry our sleeping toddler over the bridge and into the apartment while still in her stroller.