I've got a 3-night short break scheduled in early March, and have been looking at some budget apartments on the veniceapartments.org site (thanks, JKY for posting: I hadn't come across this outfit before).

Both apts are in parts of Venice I don't really know, so I'm after some expert advice (hello Shannon, Westsider ) on location. I've narrowed the choices down to 2: Ziani and Trabanico. Their website gives good pics, and useful maps, but to save you looking too hard, Ziani is in eastern Castello, almost next door to Isola S Pietro (their description suggests viale Garibaldi, but their map, and e-mail confirmation, shows it further east); Trabanico is in northern Castello, almost next door to S Francesco della Vigna.

There was discussion a few weeks ago about the good shopping and drinking to be found in via Garibaldi (not far from Ziani)- but I wonder if E Castello is going to seem like a bridge (or rather, several) too far in windy/rainy early March. But a shortish walk down to Giardini to pick up the no.1. I've no idea about shopping up in N Castello: didn't you once live up there, Shannon? Michele, from veniceapartments.org (who has been v quick and helpful in e-mail replies) says there is a 8-8 type supermarket nearby, plus some little shops just behind the apt. But it looks like a longish trek down to Arsenale for the no.1.

Michele also asks "Please send me your suggestions or your notes (for example about the virtual tours, the printable format of the pages and so on) so we can increase our level", so I'll be happy to collect any feedback on his site (which I find very good to look at: those virtual tours work better than some I've seen.

Well, I think that's quite enough for now. Please give me your thoughts!

Jonathan

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Originally posted by Jonathan:
There was discussion a few weeks ago about the good shopping and drinking to be found in via Garibaldi (not far from Ziani)- but I wonder if E Castello is going to seem like a bridge (or rather, several) too far in windy/rainy early March. But a shortish walk down to Giardini to pick up the no.1.

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I would go for the Ziani for the above reasons (via Garibaldi, especially) and the closeness to the gardens and parks mentioned in THIS THREAD. It's also a nice walk along Riva Degli Schiavoni. The other apartment is closer to S. Marco (at least it feels like it) but to get there you have to cross several bridges (Shannon will be able to tell you how many) and if you don't have a good sense of orientation, like yours truly, one can get lost easily.

I like the web site of veniceapartments.com. It is similar to THIS. There is Michele Barison (Micky) that is also very nice

P.S. BTW, I don't consider myself an expert in Venice. I am still learning my way around between and

"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."

"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."

[This message was edited by Westsider on 26 January 2004 at 12:04 PM.]

Thanks for your thoughts, Nellie. Yes, I think I'm also leaning towards Ziani. The Michele that I mentioned is indeed Micky Barison: his Altra Vista company runs both websites. veniceapartments.com features what I would consider "affordable" apartments: rivierabrenta.it is for fantasy only!

Jonathan

Small world, uh? You are in good hands Jonathan. Micky is very professional and honest and very well educated.

"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."

"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."

My wife and I really enjoyed tours we took with Venice Art Tours and Venice Day Tours. Both were a lot of fun. If you decide to use either of them, tell them Mike and Jan, who were there in September 2001, said hello.

I’m a Dorsoduro person. I don’t know VeniceApartments.Com, but just took a look at it . How do you know the prices? Anyway, if you want to use them, they have an apartment listed named Erizzo with a knock-out location near the Salute. Being on the “other” side of the Grand Canal you are protected from the tourist hordes – especially up at the tip near the Salute. You are steps from a tragetto crossing (so much fun, and remember to stand!) and a Vaparetto stop. The area behind the apartment is one of the nicest in Venice, with beautiful vistas everywhere. There is great shopping on Fond. Ospedaleto, and you will feel just like you are living in Venice, but you will be convenient to St. Marks, etc. Like I said, I can’t vouch for this agency or this apartment (I don’t even know it’s price!) but I love the location.

Passionate for Olive Oil & Italy
www.casadecase.com

Jonathan,
You knew I'd jump in here eventually, right?

Going strictly by the maps provided, I'd go for the Trabanico apartment. IMO, the Ziani is just too far from anywhere to be convenient. Also, I think you'd be relying quite a bit on vaporetti. (Nothing wrong with that, just a comment!) Via Garibaldi is l-o-n-g, and even cutting through the gardens on the viale will take a while.

If you stayed at the Trabanico, I think you'd quickly figure out the shortest way to either the Arsenale vaporetto stop or shortcuts towards San Marco.

FWIW, Shannon's apartment in Cannareggio was between SS Giovanni e Paolo and Fondamente Nuove. If you have the TCI map of Venice, you can find the palazzo {Grifalconi} she lived in. (She's "on the road" this week w/o her PC, but will no doubt have helpful info to share when she gets online.) From her apartment, it was less than a 10 minute walk to S. Francesco della Vigna.

I guess it boils down to what you hope to do on this little getaway? Do you want to explore the Castello of the Arsenale or the Castello of San Pietro.
(You're in Venice! You can't go wrong. )

EVO,
Yes, I liked the look of Erizzo. Prices: I filled in the booking enquiry for with my dates, and Michele sent me an e-mail with availabilities and prices. (For 3 nights, Erizzo is €380; Ziani 325 & Trabanico 330). I was tempted by Erizzo's location: last year I had a short break at Pensione Calcina, just S of Erizzo on the Zattere, and I do like Dorsoduro. But I felt like a different area this year.

Hello Colleen!

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You knew I'd jump in here eventually, right?

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But of course... (and I didn't mean to be exclusive in only invoking Shannon & Westsider in my OP ) Yes: S Pietro is a Long Way out East; whereas SF delle V only looks to be 10 minutes' walk over to SS Zanipolo, SM Formosa, and other places which I know fairly well. The TCI map is unfolded beside me (and has been for several days now) - yes, I see Pal Grifalcone.

I think it's make-my-mind-up time tonight: but for now I have to leave my computer (busy day ahead: I've got a lunchtime recital in Cheltenham today and I'm playing in the pit for Sweet Charity all this week... Oh well, it all adds up to a few more meals in Venice).

Jonathan