Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Wonderful Visit to Venice

Guest: Jenny (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 12/19/11 Review Submitted: 12/30/11

Our family had a wonderful experience staying in the Alla Fenice apartment the week before Christmas. The locations is perfect, and the apartment is very well kept, clean, and spacious. Our daughters also enjoyed playing with the various stuffed animals and games that were found in the apartment. We were graciously welcomed off the taxi by Furio, who helped us enormously with our bags, information about Venice, and even our our taxi back to the station. My husband was having health issues that week, and Furio's kindness helped make our week easier and more enjoyable. We would recommend this apartment to anyone traveling to Venice. Thank you for everything and Happy New Year!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Authentic Venetian Experience

Guest: Seattle Family (Seattle, WA - USA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

Our recent stay at Alla Fenice included 11 November 2011 and this apartment lived up to and exceeded all of the great reviews already on this site. We were on our first but hopefully not last visit to Venice. We were traveling with our college aged daughter who is studying abroad in Florence. She loved having her own bedroom. The rooms are large with high ceilings and great furnishings. The beds were comfortable. The huge windows with Murano glass open onto a darling canal where the gondolas cruise past. The heating and hot water were ample. There is a fully equipped kitchen and large bathroom with a combined bath tub and shower and a newer washing machine. The dining table is in a comfortable room that we would call a living room at home in Seattle. The unit is only one flight up from the ground level. The lower unit is an art gallery during the afternoons & had a Francis Bacon show while we were there. The location is very central yet quiet and off the main paths. Everything seemed less than a 5 minute walk away. We easily walked to San Marco Piazza many times and also the Rialto and Academia Bridges. We had friends over for wine and appetizers one evening before going out to dinner with them. They loved the place too. I want to go back to Venice and would stay at Alla Fenice again if it is available. The owners were very responsive via email when we booked somewhat last minute and also helped us with all the things to do and see once we arrived. We have nothing negative to say about this great place. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic Apartment

Guest: chrissy (Buderim Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

We loved Alla Fenice. Venice is a maze and so easy to get lost in, but Alla Fenice is a great spot to base yourself and go exploring. The apartment itself is gorgeous. We were a party of 4 adults and found it very spacious and so authentic. The leadlight windows, the high ceilings, the gondolas passing by.... just perfect. After a few too many vinos one night we were even serenading the gondolas - much to their delight! Honestly, this is a lovely apartment & I would definitely stay here again. I even loved hanging my washing out - found tourists taking a photo of it one day....be warned though, drop anything in the canal and it's gone!

Owner response:Hello we really happy to see how much people love this apartment, thank you for your wonderful review. Is really nice to have people like you as a guest, we hope to see you again soon Furio & Paola

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great accomodations

Guest: Diana (Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

Would definitely recommend this accommodation, it has character and we thoroughly enjoyed our 5 night stay here. It is centrally located, off a courtyard next to the La Fenice Opera House. Spacious, well equipped two bedroom apartment which worked well for two couples. Delightful to see and hear the gondoliers gently moving thru the canal right below our dining room windows. We appreciated having owner Furio greeting us and giving an orientation to area. Would love to return in the future.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful Apartment

Guest: Karen (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

We spent 3 nights at this lovely apartment in Venice. It was conveniently located and very well equipped. The rooms are large and there is a lovely view of one of the small canals from the windows. We were serenaded by the passing gondoliers. The Fenice Theatre is right next door and we were fortunate enough to be able to attend a rehersal for an opero one afternoon for only a small charge over the normal price to tour the theatre. It is spectacular! The owner was extremely helpful with information about nearby restaurants and groceries. I would definitely recommend this apartment.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Wonderful, peaceful, atmospheric

Guest: Charles Christopher (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

I recently had the pleasure of spending nine nights in the Apt alla Fenice, and I shall never forget my stay there. Furio and Janelyn the housekeeper were both helpful and friendly, and pointed me in the direction of local markets and also a life-saving shoe store when I could no longer walk after 3 days/nights of nonstop activity in untested shoes. It was winter and the apt was warm, well-equipped, quiet, and safe. It also feels authentically Venetian. Very conveniently located to major hotspots like the Accademia bridge, S Marco square, Rialto, and also obviously the opera house which is literally five seconds away. A perfect headquarters from which you can set out to discover Venice. And you can hear the voices of the singers echoing in the canal just outside yr window. Cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Everything at you fingertips

Guest: penham (Sydney Australia)
Date of Stay: 12/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

Thank you Furio for our wonderful stay in your fantastic apartment. Not only is Venice magnificent and my family thought so to but having Furio sit down and go through the map with so many suggestions and great places to visit and eat was the best. We had 3 nights 2 days in Venice and it was not nearly enough time. Venice is one city during the day but a night it is something else. We bought a 3day pass for the boats and it was the best thing we did. We went everywhere we could. The apartment is so close to everything particularly St Marks square. Just make sure you get as much time to discover what you can. The beds were so comfortable and the apartment is much bigger than the pictures show which was a huge bonus and so clean and well maintained. Thanks again Furio for everything we absolutely will be back to try and see what we didn't have time to do. Highly recommend you come and stay here at Furio's place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Elegant and Perfect!

Guest: Jon & Jennifer (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

We stayed at Apartment Fenice for 2 weeks (Nov. 7-Nov. 20 2010). Furio's website and descriptions are very good but the apartment is even more beautiful than the photos portray. We live in a very modern home and found Apartment Fenice to be equally as comfortable as our own house. We cooked everyday, did many loads of laundry and the apartment provided everything we needed. The beautiful details of the Murano glass light fixtures and gorgeous windows are the things I miss about the place. The location was perfect! Furio was great to work with. He is honest and easy going. He has great insight into Venice because he actually lives, works and raises his family there. Don't let Acqua Alta keep you from visiting in November. It's no big deal. It did not stop us and even added a unique element to our trip. A pair of rubber boots for 20 euro and you're fine. In 2 weeks we experienced high water only 3 days- and it's over by mid-afternoon. Venice is magical all year round. We'll be back- we'll stay at Apartment Fenice and we'll certainly travel off season again. Thank you Furio!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely charming apartment in the heart of Venice

Guest: Jospin (Adelaide, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 10/10/10

We recently stayed in this charming apartment in Venice for a few nights as part of a 6 week holiday in Europe. My husband and I travelled with my sister and her husband and we found this apartment to have everything we could wish for. We all loved opening the large windows in our bedrooms and the family area, to watch the gondolas passing below, listening to them singing and playing the accordions. We thought the apartment was packed full of character and the location is absolutely perfect - just 5 mins walking to Piazza San Marco. Our hostess was extremely helpful with information and we highly recommend this gorgous hideaway in Venice!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Roomy and Quiet

Guest: Bob (Broomfield, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

The apartment was the perfect place for the four of us. Easy to get to, quiet, very comfortable. Looking at the canal as gondolas went past was a great experience. The apartment is close to many of the sites in Venice. We found markets, a bakery, shops, and restaurants close by and away from the heavily traveled streets. The rooms in the apartment looked just like the photos in the listing. Furio met us at the apartment and showed us around. He sat down with a map and showed us points of interest, restaurants, and told us about the different districts. Furio also walked us to one of the markets near by. We soon realized that three nights was not enough time. We will have to visit Venice again. The apartment met all of our expectations. Thank you Furio for a great experience.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Great apartment with gondolas right outside your window.

Guest: Dave (Phoenix, AZ USA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/22/11

The four of us really enjoyed our three night stay. The location is excellent, walkable to St. Mark's Square, Grand Canal, restaurants and shopping. The owners were helpful identifying sights. In the evenings, the performers from the theater sang outside which was well heard from our apartment. We would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and Romantic Apartment

Guest: Vivian and Rick (Washington, D.C.)
Date of Stay: 05/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

My husband and I stayed with our two daughters (20 and 24) for one week in May. It was perfect. We loved it. It was a wonderful place to relax, quiet and very secure, even though it was centrally located within walking distance of San Marco Square. The apartment was very spacious with large bedrooms, an adequate kitchen and a big and comfortable bathroom. Hot water all the time!! I loved the large windows with beautiful views. The apartment overlooks one of the canals, and you can see and hear the gondolas going by during the day. What a treat that was!! Furio, the owner of the apartment was very welcoming and most helpful. I am recommending the apartment to family and friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place in Venice

Guest: Richard & Betty (Nassau Bay TX)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

We recently returned from a 3 week vacation in Italy and our stay in All Fenice was a highlight. We ( 4 adults) stayed here for 5 days (March 2010) and were very impressed. The location is great, the apartment clean, well equipped and charming. Furio (owner) was most kind and helpful when he received us and provided invaluable hints and suggestions for our stay in Venice. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and convient location

Guest: VictoriaTravellers (Victoria, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/27/10

The apartment was very nice. The two bedrooms were spacious. There was a beautiful view of the canal from the master bedroom. Everything worked as expected. The apartment was clean and tidy. The location was very convenient and charming. Restaurants and grocery stores were nearby. It was located in the centre of all the sights, with only a short walk taking you to all the places you would wish to visit. The owner was extremely helpful in making sure that we were comfortable in the apartment and also in orienting us to the city. When we arrived in March at night during a rare snowfall, the owner personally walked us around the neighbourhood to show us the local grocery stores and restaurants. We really appreciated his warm greeting and hospitality.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Melaney Jordan (Grove City, OH USA)
Date of Stay: 02/13/10 Review Submitted: 02/13/10

Furio, thank you for maintaining such a clean, comfortable apartment. My family of five was quite happy during our December 26-29 stay. One bonus was a GOOD shower. Free wifi and comfortable beds were appreciated. But the best part was opening the windows when hearing the gondolas go by "our" canal! We'll be back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

We stayed in this wonderful, spacious apartment in Octobe 2009. It was so convenient to everything but so quiet and comfortable. It was fantastic to have the gondolas slipping by below and the fabulous Fenice theatre adjacent. Furio was extrememly helpful. Ciao, Peter, Wendy and Karissa,Buderim, Australia

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Guest: Marc & Mary-Beth (Sacramento, California)
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 12/27/09

A wonderful apartment in the heart of Venice, which comforably accomodated us and our three small children. 5 minutes or less to Piazza San Marco, fine restaurants and groceries. Furio was very helpful. Look for identical floors and windows in the Palazzo Ducale.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/18/09

Two girl friends and I stayed at Furio's flat in October. It was WONDERFUL. It is large, clean, and right on a canal. Furio was so accomodating, walking us to the nearest mart, and pointing out good restaurants along the way. The location is wonderful. We could not hve been more pleased.

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Guest: Meyer family (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/21/09 Review Submitted: 10/21/09

October 21, 2009 La Fenice apartment was absolutely wonderful. Clean, spacious, and great location. Gondolas passed by the small canal next to the apartment everyday. One morning, we witnessed the massive sound equipment being delivered by boat to the back of La Fenice. Good restaurants were plentiful in the neighborhood. Staying at the apartment made us feel as if we were the regular residents of Venice and not tourists. Thank you, Furio! Meyer family

Owner response:Thank you

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Guest: Stanislav1 (Seattle, WA / USA)
Date of Stay: 08/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/27/09

Me and my family stayed in Furio's apartment Aug 16-19 and loved the place. First of all it is the biggest one I have ever stayed at. Everything is very convenient and all utilities are new and working. But the best part that it is so close to St. Marco (5 min walk) yet it is absolutely quiet and you have a beautiful view of gondolas going right underneath your windows. After all Venice is the best and this apartment is great. Thank you Furio!!!

Owner response:thank you i am really happy to have people like you in my apartment i hope to see you all again soon. Furio

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Guest: Terry Henderson (LA,CA)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/09/09

Furio and Paola's Venice rental was the best location of five that my daughters and I stayed in during the month of July. It was reasonably priced, very central to all of venice, very safe and very picturesque. I really enjoyed the way the light woke me up each morning; I can see now why painters over the centuries have tried to capture that light. My 11 year old loved watching the gondolas go by and my 20 year old enjoyed her spacious bedroom overlooking a garden with a big blooming night jasmine tree. The apartment is big and very clean. We plan to come back to visit as often as we can.

Owner response:thank you therry your comment is really wonderful, we really hope to see you and your family again Furio

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/29/09

Our family of 5 stayed in this apartment for 3 days in March 2009. The apartment is clean, and in an excellent location. Very close to everything but quiet and separated from the crowds. We enjoyed staying here very much. Highly recommended

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Guest: G. Stocker (-)
Date of Stay: 12/17/08 Review Submitted: 12/17/08

We stayed with 2 little children in this beautiful, very clean and well equipped flat and had a really good time. The owner is very nice and helpful. And - important for winter guests: the heating is really working, something which is hard to find in Italy.

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Guest: Jacqueline Waas (-)
Date of Stay: 09/05/08 Review Submitted: 09/05/08

We stayed there for the Venice Film Festival and the appartment was just wonderful. Thank you very much for a wonderful stay and hopefully we will be able to rent it again next year.

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Guest: Michelle and Frederic (Santa Barbara, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/14/08 Review Submitted: 08/13/08

Our family of four had a wonderful stay in this lovely apartment. It was well-equipped, large, and well located. The gondolas below and the beautiful glass windows were very picturesque. Furio was very welcoming and accomodating. We highly recommend this appartment! Furio, Thank you for a lovely stay in your beautiful city! If possible, we will be back!

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Guest: Iris Perez Caro (Puerto Rico, Caribbean Island)
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/01/08

There are so many good things that I can write about this beautiful, charming property! We were surprised of how nice the apartment was, very confortable, clean and nicely decorated. The view is great, we could watch the "Gondolas Parade" every morning, thru any of the many apartment's windows. The personal attentions from the owner(Furio) and his wife made us feel at home. Venice an unforgetable place, we are planning to come back... Our warmest wishes to Furio and his family! Iris

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Guest: The Grubers (-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

Furio - thanks for the use of your terrific apartment in Venice. The location was great, it was clean, more than adequate for our family of 5 and well equipped. We enjoyed the music from the gondolas as they passed below. Ciao and all the best!

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