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Venice - Recommendations on Sestieri/Accommodations

Venice - Recommendations on Sestieri/Accommodations

Old Aug 2nd, 2016, 06:03 AM
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Venice - Recommendations on Sestieri/Accommodations

Sorry for the repost. I just realized I didn't have "Venice" in the topic. (I've been away from Fodors a while and forgot how important that is.)

Hello there.

My husband and I will be in Venice for three days in the end of May, 2017 for our 20th anniversary. (First trip to Venice.) We're looking at a couple of Air BnB's in a couple of different sestieri. We would like to be a bit away from the heavy tourist areas, but also have a great selection of restaurants who offer great food, romance and more reasonable pricing than the touristy areas. Of course, we realize we can get to just about anything fairly easily. We also want to take into consideration that we will be traveling to Venice via Tuscany (Montici) and leaving out of Marco Polo airport at the end of our stay. (Not sure yet what method of transportation we will be using from Montici. That's another topic.)

Here are the two apartments we are considering at this point:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6099635...out=2017-05-30

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4961054...out=2017-05-30

We like the first because it's elegant, beautiful, seems to be in a pretty/romantic/quieter/interesting sestiere and the price looks very reasonable at the time we're going (about $148 per night including tax and fees). That being said, it has no view, according to reviews, and we will have to walk up 3 flights of stairs with two sets of heavy luggage (we'll be gone almost 3 weeks).

We like the second one because it's beautiful, seems to be in a good location, has only one flight of stairs and it has two balconies and a terrace. Although the price is more than we want to pay at the time we're going (about $180 per night including tax and fees), we're willing to spend it if we feel like it's worth the extra expense.

When we see pictures of Cannaregio (where the second one is located), it looks more industrial and not-so-pretty. Whereas, Castello (where the first one is located) looks so pretty and quaint. But these are all just pictures and I know you all can give me recommendations based on your experiences.

We're in our mid-50's, still love romance, love great food and wine (and perhaps a cocktail after dinner). Can anyone help to sway us towards one apartment/sestiere or the other? If you need more info, please ask.

Thank you for your kindness and time.
Zenqi is offline  
Old Aug 2nd, 2016, 07:17 AM
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The first apartment is a few steps from the Arsenale. Some people enjoy this area, but it would not be my first or second choice.

The second apartment is on Sotoportego dei Vedei, which is a serious distance from San Marco, but in the opposite direction. Cannaregio is not industrial, even though it's adjacent to the train station. It's a lovely neighborhood with lots of interesting "local" things to do and see. I love it there, but it's a substantial walking distance to many of the popular places worth visiting.

If I had to choose between these two, I'd pick Cannaregio. The neighborhood offers a youthful, lively spirit, and some great places to eat. Just plan on walking a lot or using the vaporetti.

To escape mold and mildew from flooding, the higher up you are in Venice, the better.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2016, 08:02 AM
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"When we see pictures of Cannaregio (where the second one is located), it looks more industrial and not-so-pretty. Whereas, Castello (where the first one is located) looks so pretty and quaint."

Word choice is something one acquires with experience living in and exploring Venice.

There may be pockets of the look of "industry" in all neighborhoods, but finding such pockets depends on which street you turn down, which photographs you look at.

IMO, most of Castello is not visually charming, the least "pretty." There are pockets of beauty but the choices in Castello are slimmer. Some areas of Castello can be very dark, whereas, pretty much all of Cannaregio is exposed to some daylight.

Parts of San Polo, too, can be very dark, but it offers a ton of mystery and hidden charm. It's a great sestiere to explore if one takes the time.

"Pretty and quaint" can be found in every neighborhood. Dorsoduro probably offers the most. You just have to know which street to walk down. AirBnB rarely offers street locations. You mostly have to trust the pictures and go from there.

The Cannaregio apartment is on the 3rd floor. In Italy, that's known as 2° piano.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2016, 09:12 PM
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I think that I would take the first apartment, closer to the Piazza. I'd pick it because it is closer to to the action, whereas the apartment in Cannaregio involves more walking.

The first apartment is also close to the Biennale gardens, and the Arts biennale will have just commenced when you arrive in late may. It's also closer to Via Garibaldi, an area of Venice that sees fewer tourists.

The least complicated way to get to Marco Polo when you depart is via the Alilaguna ferry.

All that being said, our favourite part of Venice to stay is Dorsoduro, just like NYFS. But that's just personal preference.
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Old Aug 4th, 2016, 08:21 PM
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Excellent. Thank you everyone. We chose #2 and booked it. We'll be back for more recommendations.
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Old Aug 5th, 2016, 08:05 AM
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I like #2, too. I'm a sucker for a canal view. And Cannaregio has great wine and food spots if you want to pretend you are a local for a few days.
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