Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonder Stay in Venice

Guest: KA (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/10/12 Review Submitted: 05/18/12

We had a wonderful stay in this amazing apartment. It was clean , well equipped and exactly as described. The location was perfect. We were with walking distance to all the sites . There were restaurants close by, and a grocery store just over the bridge around the corner. If you're bringing a computer, the WiFi was reliable , fast and had a strong signal. Both Mario and Silvia were helpful and professional .Mario answered any emails we sent before the trip quickly and Silvia was on time when we arrived to show us to the apartment Next time we are in Venice we will definitely stay here again and we will recommend it to anyone going to Venice. Thanks for a wonderful stay

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

Live like a Venetian

Guest: Nic (UK)
Date of Stay: 05/05/12 Review Submitted: 05/10/12

The photographs do not do the apartment justice, it is even nicer than it looks. Spotlessly clean, well provisioned with kitchen equipment, TV, radio, dishwasher, washing machine, iron and ironing board and so on, all of which we made use of. Great fun hanging the washing on the pulley style line attached to the outside wall. It was nice touch to have some essential items to get you going, like coffee, sugar, dried herbs, olive oil, dishwasher tablets etc. Access to all the sights is very easy, once you get your bearings, which also means that you do not need to carry your bags a long way to and from the apartment to the boat stop at San Marco - San Zaccaria. Lots of lovely little local businesses to buy food and ingredients from within a 25m radius of the front door. These include a butcher, a pastry & coffee shop, and an artisan pasta shop. There is also a small supermarket about 150m away, with a very good selection of provisions, this also has a deli and meat counter. So many restaurants to choose from, take your pick, although we really enjoyed cooking with all the local ingredients. We will definitely return.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Florence Apartment

Guest: CR (San Diego, California)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

Excellent location...hidden away but close to everything. Spacious apartment, furnished beautifully, and fully equipped. As with all of Venice, there are stairs, and this apartmetn is no exception. We would stay there again without hesitation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely Apartment in Great Location

Guest: Celeste Barrett Rubanick_HAC28465 (Alachua, FL)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

The apartment was beautiful and spotlessly clean. Photos are completely accurate. Silvia met us as planned, brought us to the apt., and answered all our questions. Washing machine is brand new and worked wonderfully. Towel warmer in the large bathroom was a nice touch. Kitchen clean and handy. Recommend nearby Trattoria da Remigio. There are approximately 61 stairs to the apartment which were not a problem for us. We did have trouble getting on the internet in the afternoons and evenings; mornings were fine. The loft has a pullout sofa which was already made up for my sister and she also had an armoire, desk, and chair as well as a nice view. There is only a railing around the loft so I would not recommend it for small children. She also felt privacy was lacking. Be aware there is a nice large bathtub but no shower. This would not affect our decision for a future stay as we would gladly reserve this property again!.

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

Great Location

Guest: Sixty40 (Waterford, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

From my first contact with the Owner this rental experience was smooth and professional. Any questions I had were answered swiftly. The location was everything. Apartment tastefully decorated, steeped in history and spotlessly clean. Close to all major attractions. The local supermarket deli was amazing, delicious food and good value. Ditto the cafes' and bars 5 minutes from the apartment. Can't wait to return. Thank you to Sylvia for meeting us off the Vaporetto and answering all our questions.

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

Clean Roomy Well Located Apartment in Saint Mark's Square area1

Guest: fourwheeler (Knoxville)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

We are regular users of VRBO and this is apartment is one of the best that we encountered during our stay in Europe. Very roomy and clean. Had everything necessary for a great stay in Venice. Quiet convenient location for exploring and shopping. Communication with the owner was good and we had no problems with the unit. I would recommend it to anyone! If there was any drawback it was the lack of a standard shower but the large tub worked fine for us.

Recommended for:

BEAUTIFUL AND ROMANTIC APARTMENT!!!

Guest: arianan (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

We found the Rezidenza Contarini last minute through VRBO and felt like we had won the lottery. It is a bright, spacious, beautifully updated apartment with a glorious skylight view of the nearby church cupola— to hear the bells ringing in the morning with a steaming cup of espresso is just heaven. Everything was clean and sparkly and Mario was downstairs and helped us with even the most simple questions. If you don't get lost (which I think is part of being in Venice) it is a mere 10 minute walk to the Piazza San Marco and the neighborhood that the apartment is in is residential and quiet, so that you feel as if you're actually living there. I would highly recommend the Contarini apartment and will hopefully stay there again on my next visit, and will certainly recommend it to any family or friends! (one small thing ... we could not get the oven to work properly ... not sure if it was just us, or the oven.)

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

Great Location

Guest: Sarah (London)
Date of Stay: 10/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

This apartment was perfect for us. Close to many of the most important sites such as St. Mark's Square but very quiet for such a central location. The flat itself was well equipped and lovely and light. We bought delicious fresh sea bass at the famous Rialto market and found fresh pasta, bread and fruit and vegetables from local shops in the street below the flat, so were able to cook for ourselves a few times. There are some very reasonable and friendly restaurants and cafes in the area where you can sample Venetian specialities or just drink a great Italian espresso at the bar. The weather turned very cold while we were staying but the efficient heating system meant we were nice and cosy in the flat. Lastly, we could not fault the service. Mario was really helpful before, during and after our stay and Silvia ,who greeted us, was charming but business-like and made sure that we had everything we needed. A really positive experience.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Venetian Apartment

Guest: Lou (South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/15/11

We had a wonderful time in Venice. The apartment was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. It was located in an ideal section of Venice. We could easily walk to grocery stores, restaurants, and sites of interest. Highly recommend it.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Fantastic...

Guest: Liz (Queens, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

Fantastic accommodations, welcoming and hospitable. We were greeted at the vaporetti dock and escorted to the apt, which was lovely, on a back street, accessible but secluded, and very Italian (I thought we would never find again on our own, but did easily). I would go back again in a heartbeat!!!

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

Lovely apartment in great location

Guest: MM (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/04/11

My daughters and I spent three nights in this bright, immaculate, beautifully furnished apartment at the end of a 3 week trip to Italy. We had been warned by Dutch travelers in the Dolomites that Venice would be hot, crowded and smelly. The city was unique and beautiful. Granted, there were hoards of tourists and it did get hot during the afternoon. The apartment was located close to San Marco and it was easy to return in the afternoon to take a cooling break, before going out again in the evening. It was just enough off the beaten track to be quiet. Everything was as pictured in the listing and the arrangements were flawless from my initial contact with Mario through the check-in with Sylvia. We made use of most of the amenities including Wi-Fi, washer and clothes line, AC and even cooked dinner in the kitchen. I will recommend this apartment to friends. Thank you Mario and Sylvia!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Great loft style apartment near San Marco Square

Guest: Fred (NYC )
Date of Stay: 04/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

This is an easy apartment to highly recommend. It is a great apartment for 2-4 people to share...it is clean, modern and has an excellent design...looks just like the pictures on-line. It's located a short walk from San Marco on a beautiful street...but away from the hustle an bustle. It's fully equiped and the views overlooking the neighborhood are spectacular as you are on the top 2 floors of a 4 story walk-up. Mario, the property manager/son of the owner, was very helpful with tips on the area and worked to ensure we had a very pleasant stay. Excellent wifi. There are many local restaurants and markets in the neighborhood - you get a little taste of living like a local. Be sure to check out Johnny's across the street. Excellent food and service.

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

Loved the apartment and location

Guest: Linda (California)
Date of Stay: 03/31/11 Review Submitted: 04/09/11

We had a wonderful time at this apartment. The apartment was in spotless condition and loved the space. The views were wonderful and it was great having a washer. We LOVED the location right near the center of Venice. Silvia guided us to the apartment and although we arrived very early before check-in, she allowed us to store our luggage in the apartment while it was being cleaned. Very helpful not having to tote our luggage around Venice for a couple hours. The only inconvenience were the stairs to the apartment but we only made the trip with luggage once when we arrived. I would definitely recommend this apartment. The apartment is in a quiet area but very close to sites and resturants.

Owner response:As venetian buildings are built close each other, best apartments are at higher floors as these have more sun light and better view. Of course ancient buildings does not have elevator! Anyway our stairs are large ones!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Perfect place to stay

Guest: Angela (Gig Harbor, WA USA)
Date of Stay: 02/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/04/11

The location was perfect. A very friendly place to get coffee/coke/wine and pastries across the narrow street, a couple doors down were a produce market, a butcher, and a pasta store (that also carried mozzarella cheese, milk, etc). There were good (non touristy) restaurants within less than 5 minutes walk. The grocery store, good gelato stand and the best mask store in town (according to Rick Steves--and we agree) were in the "neighborhod" also a less than 5 minute walk. St. Mark's square was a brisk 5 minute walk. The apartment itself was gorgeous--historic building with high ceilings, beautifully furnished and completely stocked with everything we needed. It was impeccably clean.Wifi worked great. The downstairs bedroom's bed was split into two twins for our 10 and 14 year old daughters and we took the double in the loft. All were very comfortable. There is no elevator and you do have to climb a few flights of stairs to get to the apartment, so may be difficult for those with mobility issues. But the climb was great for us--worked off the gelato! Mario, you and Syvia (who met us at the water bus) were so kind and helpful. Thank you! Thank you, Mario, it could not have been better!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great service!

Guest: Elena (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

Although I didn't have a pleasure to enjoy this beautiful apartment in very convenient location (since I had to cancel my trip. Shucks!), Mario and Anna (owner and manager) were very courteous and followed up with the refund of my deposit. I can't wait to have a chance to visit Venice and stay at this property so I can thank them in person. I'll be studying Italian until then. Highly recommended.

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

We Loved it All

Guest: Barbara (Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/19/11

We loved everything about this apartment. The location was great, close to everything but on a quiet street that had everything we needed, from fruit and vegetables to rubber boots. The apartment itself is simple and elegant, clean and perfectly maintained, with plenty of sheets, towels, blankets etc. There was plenty of space for 2 parents and 2 teenage girls, and the loft was particularly wonderful. Mario, our host, was so helpful-- he researched travel for us, and made us Christmas eve dinner reservations! We will recommend this apartment highly to anyone visiting Venice.

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

Beautiful Apartment

Guest: Patrick and Liz (Provence, France)
Date of Stay: 11/09/10 Review Submitted: 12/05/10

This apartment lived up to the lovely photos on the site. Our greeter was very helpful, and we were delighted with the location, and with the roof-top views. The neighborhood was close yet calm, and we loved having this space to relax in (and cook!) in the evenings. Thank you, Mario!

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

Live like a High Class Venetian!

Guest: Shew (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

We had stayed in this building before, but this was our first time in BILOCALE and it will not be our last! The place is immaculate, and stunning. Lots of beautiful sitting rooms and windows that look out to the rooftops and steeples of Castello. The dining area was so nice, we entertained there, and the kitchen was bright and mostly well equipped (a larger pot for pasta would be welcomed). The bedroom and bath were clean and also comfortable, which made up for a lack of a shower stall, but to luxuriate in the tub was a treat too! We would highly recommend this to you if you want to live like a Venetian as the street is full of shops, nice people and you can get your fish and groceries and wine within metres and cook while you look out at Venice. Magnifico!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Perfect base in Venice

Guest: Emma (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

This was a perfect base for our stay in Venice. The apartment is very clean and comfortable and the owner very helpful in answering questions. There is plenty of space for a family of four. A quiet neighborhood, with good shops and cafe close by - easy to get to the main sites and off a street that is not frequented by many tourists. A very short walk to the vaporetto and you only need to cross one bridge from where the airport water bus stops. We had a magical stay. We have been recommending it to everyone and will hopefully return. The only drawback are the three flights of stairs, but the result is views over the roofs of Venice and this is Venice, you quickly get fit walking around everywhere!

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

Quiet location, very close to San Marco Piazza

Guest: Sambo (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/14/10

I would recommend this property to anyone. Greeted on arrival at the vaporetto and walked to the nearby apartment. It is daunting at first, trying to remember how to the apartment but then you discover that all of Venice is like this. Apartment is clean and has all advertised facilities. It is comfortable, even in extreme heat. It is a very short walk to the vaporetto station and a bit further to San Marco Basilica. We really enjoyed our stay here and will come back again.

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

Great location, Beautiful Apartment

Guest: Ting (Oakland CA)
Date of Stay: 04/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/12

The apartment was beautiful, tastefully decorated, kitchen very well supplied. The apartment and rooms were very spacious and the bed were decently comfy. The living room was very nice with a comfy couch and decent view. The bakery across the street was amazing and the restaurants recommended by Silvia were excellent. I would definitely stay again and would highly recommend!

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

Beautiful, well located apartment

Guest: Cathy (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 11/29/09 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

We stayed at the Contarini Bilocale apartment with our two children in for a four day weekend break at the end of October. We were met at the ferry arrival from the airport by a very friendly lady who took us to the apartment. We were immediately charmed and impressed by the size, the design and the location of the apartment. It has charming views out over the rooftops, is spacious and incredibly well equipped. Although we spent very little time in the apartment during the day it was always a pleasure to return in the evenings. The apartment is well located between St. Mark's and the Arsenale - we were there partly for the Architectural Biennale so it was ideal for us. Be aware it is on the top floor of the building with lots of stairs up so may not be suitable for disabled or elderly people. We will definitely stay there again and recommend it highly.

Owner response:As in Venice buildings are built close each other, best apartments are at higher floor as these have more sun light and better view. Of course ancient buildings does not have elevator! Anyway our stairs are large ones!

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

Guest: karen 7 (lethbridge)
Date of Stay: 07/14/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

This is a great location in a safe area. The apartment is very clean and well equipped. The owner even arranged for us to be picked up at the train station, and had someone book oour water taxi to the airport on the morning we left. We were very satisfied with this apartment.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/29/09 Review Submitted: 06/29/09

I'll make my story short, this place is so nice that my kids would rather stay in the apartment than go out around Venice.

Recommended for: