Communication with the owner could have been better, I was passed to several people for answers before I got there, which made me uneasy. Everything ended up ok, but still gave me qualms about renting.
Location was great, the building was wonderfully historic, and the apt was adequate but very outdated. Furniture was old and not really comfortable, but the bed was ok. You get one towel and hand towel per person, and you are responsible for removing your own trash. A twice weekly cleaning service was included in our agreed upon price, but I was told the first day that was NOT true, and the only way I could get a cleaning service was to pay for it there. I even showed her the contract, and she called her boss, but was told "no - they have to pay for it here." I didn't like that, but we were tired, and didn't want to argue anymore so just be aware.
Don't be confused about the "lift". It's actually a key- controlled handicapped chair platform (looked to be from the 50's) and I was initially told it didn't work, then days later was told it was for handicapped "assistance" only. Not a problem as long as you know - going in - that the apartment is 4 stories up a long, dark marble stairwell with an average of 15-20 steps per flight. My poor husband, after a long day of traveling, had to drag our bags up 4 flights, after I had told him there was a lift. Again because I was told by the person who met us the lift didn't work. After several texts with a different person questioning this, we were sent a short video clip showing the lift actually working. Not sure why. We weren't offered use of the lift until the day we checked out AFTER my husband had already carried our luggage down.
But I will say, the person who met us was very nice, and met us at the vaporetta stop to show us the way to the apt, which we would have never found on our own due to all the twists and turns in Venice. She also pointed out some grocery stores, and gave us a few restaurant recommendations. The apt really IS in a great location, and you could see and hear the gondolas going by.
There was only one recent review of this apt, and I probably should have seen that as a red flag. Not even sure if this review will make it up since it's not all positive, but I base my VRBO selections on reviews, so I feel compelled to share what was my first ever VRBO "mistake" to let others know my experience.
Will I go to Venice again - yes! Will I rent this apt - NO.
