We really enjoyed this apartment. It was in a beautiful setting, the inside courtyard - and the location was very convenient for both walking and taking vaporettos on both sides of the part of Venice we were on. The space was great for a family. It would have been nice to have drying rack for clothes - it was a little humid while we were there and as such we decided not to do any laundry without a rack. We did enjoy a wonderful seafood supper in a restaurant we cannot reacall the name of - but it is right next to the ristorante Marco Polo on the Salizzada San Lio - and has an orange sign - perhaps Paola could forward the name. Speaking of the Salizzada San Lio - walking from the apartment and turning left takes you to a great bakery, on your left on the corner, a great fruit store across from the bakery and an actual grocery store on corner across from the bakery - although this one is not open on Sunday. In the other direction, right over the bridge to the Campo San Marina takes you on your left to a great cafe for that morning macchiato.

We loved being in Venice for the Biennale. We enjoyed the greeter and her dry sense of humour very much. She was very helpful at our arrival - giving us, information, buying the kids gelato at the best gelato place in Venice she told us near the apartment - Boutique del Gelato also on Salizzada San Lio and walking with us to a grocery store. At our departure she arranged for a taxi and escorted us and waited with us at the pick up point. We had an excellent trip and look forward to a return visit for another Biennale.

Lisa and Howard , Toronto, Canada

Contessa is an apartment which is the former library in a 400 year old palace, which is still owned by an Italian princess. You enter through a beautiful garden, then up the elevator to the apartment. It is very roomy and beautifully laid out with a good shower and kitchen. The one bedroom with the half bath is quite and comfortable, and even the loft is large and private. Views are on a quiet public plaza. Internet is very fast via ethernet cable (important to guys). We had four adults and were very comfortable. If you have kids, there is a little bed and even a crib for them.Location is on a line between San Marco (10 minute walk), and Rialto (also 10 minute walk). It is steps from, and between Saint Marina (where the water taxi will drop you), and San Maria Formosa (3 minute walk). Across the bridges from San Maria Formosa, there are lots of restaurants (all good!), shopping, and even a well stocked grocery store.The agent, Paola, was very efficient and helpful. Just call her cell and she answers every time.Contessa is outstanding value in an area known for expensive hotels. I would stay there again.

Bob, Park City, UT

Just wanted to thank you for getting us set up in Venice. "La Contessa" was just perfect for us.  We were operating on the schedule of a two-year-old so you can imagine how important it was for us to have a well-located base. The greeter was fantastic.  She met us and led us in from the San Marco vaporetto stop on a busy Sunday (can you imagine us with the baggage and the people!).  We had fantastic weather and a wonderful visit. I'm ready to go back tomorrow.  We'll be in touch for next year! Warm regards!

T. D. Cooks & M. Troughton, Maryland and San Francisco