Peter_S_Aus

We’re looking at staying in Venice again – we’ve spent six months, on three trips previously. The planning is running horribly late, and we’re looking for an apartment for a couple of months,11th April to 11th June, or thereabouts.

We want to stay in Dorsoduro, as that’s where we feel at home. Last time, we were near San Giacomo, in Santa Croce, and while we liked the area (but how could anyone not like just about anywhere in Venice), it did not feel quite right. I’m still not sure why….

We’ve had a look at AirBnB, also VRBO, and not found anything yet. Can anyone recommend apartments or maybe other web sites that might be helpful? We are a mature couple, agile enough with stairs and need an apartment that will house just the two of us.

Hoping for a little help. Thanks.

farrermog

This might be one to keep in mind for next time Peter -

http://www.halldis.com/search/ad.act...bid=hl&fd=&td=

[no personal experience of the agency, but have bookmarked properties in a few cities]

Good luck (and looking forward to another fascinating trip report).

Elizabeth_S

Do you also visit slowtrav.com? Lots of excellent accommodation information for Italy. Here's the forum

http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/862600685

And here's the reviews for Venice apartments

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/list.asp?r=Venice

And here's a couple of Dorsoduro one bedrooms I've been eying for a while (in the same building/same owner)

http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/inde..._id=51&lang=en

http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/inde..._id=60&lang=en

tarquin

Just a suggestion, but if we had two months to stay in the area, we would go back (for the third time) to an apartment in the Papafava palazzo in Padua.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p482809

It's in the centro storico, easy walking to the fabulous food markets and the tram which takes you straight up to the station. Padua is a great hub for trains in all directions and only 30 minutes and 3.10E to Venice.

I don't know about availability but Francesca Papafava might do a special deal on the rent as she did for us this year.

tarquin

Oh, sorry, I have just looked and that apartment doesn't seem to be available, but the general idea applies. Padua is a vibrant place with good walking and full of young people because of the university.

rialtogrl

Corte Tiepolo! It is on the Grand Canal.
http://www.cortetiepolo.com/
I have not stayed there, but have visited the apartment on the Grand Canal (not the one in back, though.) It is beautiful.

There are a few reviews of the place on the slowtrav link above.

Might not be available for 2 straight months, I suppose.

artsbabe

We stayed here about 3 years ago, and I highly recommend it. http://www.viewsonvenice.com/our_pro...a_carmini.html

or2nh4me2

http://www.rosadivenezia.com/

We looked into this apartment based on fodorites suggestions and it looked fantastic. Not sure if it would be available for that long though...

enzian

I replied to your query on Tripadvisor. Basically,,if you shorten your query slightly, to 11 April,to 6 June, lots of places show up as available on VRBO. M

Peter_S_Aus

Thanks to all for your suggestions, and it gives heaps of places for us to try.

hanabilly

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for you, but just wanted to say I'll be looking forward to hearing about your stay...verbose or not!

vincenzo32951

Try venicerentals.com. You can give them your requirements, etc., and they will email you with option.

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"just wanted to say I'll be looking forward to hearing about your stay"</font></i>

I'm sure there are a few property owners in Venice who would disagree.

The internet may be a fun place to exercise your inner Henry James fantasy. But when it comes to Siskel and Ebert thumbs-down write-me-in-private style, property owners who offer deals don't appreciate betrayal. I'm afraid the evidence is overwhelming. I'm not surprised there are no fabulous finds found on this thread. I will be surprised if one turns up.

Peter_S_Aus

NYC Snob, I don't think that I have ever criticised any apartment that we have stayed at in Venice. I am not about to re-write The Aspern Papers.

Peter_S_Aus

I should also confess that the reference to Siskel and Ebert is a shade to oblique for this ignorant Australian.

Must be an American thang.

tarquin

NYC's comment is mystifying. Is she referring to my mention of a possible discount? Hardly a devastating revelation that longer lets can be cheaper.

Peter_S_Aus

Well, we've found a place to stay. Same place where we stayed four and six years ago. Not the most flash of apartments, but it overlooks the Carmini, and has an altana big enough for a table, chairs and an umbrella. Calle Lunga San Barnaba, an area where we really feel at home. It's close to where some friends live, so socialising with them will be easy.

Short walk to Billa on the Zattere, and with a bit of luck the same butcher will be at Punto in Campo Margerita. He sliced up duck for us, and was fun.

I don't see myself doing a Siskel &Ebert review (sorry, NY Snob, but I'm not much of an "airs and graces" kind of bloke).

Thanks to all the posters who made suggestions, and I spent a couple of happy hours looking at Views on Venice, Slow Travel and so on. Good always to look at alternatives.

Elizabeth_S

We stayed near there - great area and we loved Billa!

Looking forward to the TR

wekewoody

Peter

NYCFS

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"Not the most flash of apartments"</font></i>

Maybe that's how some Aussies spell g-r-a-t-i-t-u-d-e. Gee, I wonder if the apartment owner reads Fodor's? We know she speaks English. I wonder if the apartment owner appreciates such comments on the internet? It's not like the address of the house (a breach of confidentiality) and a link to the owner's website hasn't already been offered by the OP.

Some people have no clue the damage they do while placing a big foot in the mouth. Unbelievable.