Over 3000 posts and we have never rented an apartment! Now I think we will in May of 2007.How far in advance can I rent?.One website had rentals available in 2005 and 2006,time machine I guess.Just a tad over one year in advance dosn't seem like too far,especially for a specific place and time.May 19-28.Looking for studio or one bedroom,150 euro/night MAX.I have been in touch with Ruth as I am interested in the studio in "her" same building.Not sure if the 135 euro price is out of date on italy-accom website Piccolo Tiepolo. RR

Robert, I rented ahead ten months. Just write and ask them if they are accepting any reservations this far in advance, and if they have any spring 2007 prices available for you. Two were more than happy to oblige me, and one wrote me back around October with a new price list and first dibs on a reservation. It's been easy livin' every since I sent out those deposits. Cindy

That's a beautiful rental by the way. If you take that one-let us know how it works out. I just might have to bookmark that apartment.

Robert,
I stayed in that apartment, but rented from another company--at a lower rate! Here's a link:

http://www.viewsonvenice.com/our_properties/studio/ca_g...l?mode=gallery&mm=69

It's a great apartment in a great location.

We ahve stayed here three times in Venezia. We love the location, close to the fish market, da Pinto, La Marca and Do Mori. You are also close to a traghetto stop (Santa Sofia) as well as several vaporetto stops. While just steps for the Railto, it is quiet and most of the apratments in the building and the surroundings are not rentals. I would just plan on packing a knife and cutting board, but otherwise we ahve been able to make many a fine meal in the kitchen.

Robert

It is time you rented an apartment then- I find it so much better than a hotel room.

A few that I would look into:

first - I have always been too late to book the following but it is available when you are going. This, for me is an ideal location and it looks like a fine place at a very reasonable price.
http://www.holiday-rentals.com/Italy/holiday-apartment-Venice-area/p16166.htm

I have not rented the apartment above but have used this agency before for Spain (actually I think I just used the agency to contact the owner and worked out the deal directly)

the Rosa is small but lovely and central but I didn't find it to be a problem to escape the hordes
http://www.rosadivenezia.com/en/index.htm

I have rented form the following organization a few times and find them to be good and they have a large selection which should be within your budget-
http://www.veniceapartments.org/index.html

Stayed in Errizo - extremely good value and I liked the location as well although not terribly central to markets, it is almost exactly between the Salute and the Guggenhiem - just a short 50 metre block off the ??? traghetto stop there.
I have the Grimani reserved now for May 6-17th.

I am sure that you will enjoy Venice even more (if that is possible) when having a 'home' of your own.

Leonard

Sharon, I sent an e-mail to the agency and the apartment is available.RR

sharon, did you review the place if not how about a short review? I just have to go out on a limb with a 40% deposit,which i would rather not do unless sure of my choice.RR

Robert,
I didn't do a review (I rented it before I knew about Slow Travel). The apartment is great. It's a decent-sized studio with a large bed, small desk, closet-sized (but very functional) kitchen. It's at the end of a quiet alley--but steps away from one of my favorite restaurants, Da Ignazio, and the crowds.

The building is very quiet. The only resident I ever saw was a cat in the garden.

I've saved the best for last: the view. There are two large windows that look out onto the Grand Canal. It's called Ca' Gondolier because there's a gondola "parking lot" in front of the apartment. One night, I had a lovely chat with a gondolier who was putting his gondola to rest for the evening. I'll try to find some photos and post them.

Finally, the people at Views on Venice are great. Ive been renting from them for years and have never had a bad experience.

Hope you like it--I'm jealous!
Sharon

Robert,
Here are some photos. These are from May 2004. This is the front gate

Sharon

This is the cat in the garden

This is the inside. The apartment is to the right.

Here's the view

If i am reading there cancelation policy right if you canclel more than 8 weeks out they get the 40% deposit.less than that they take the whole thing.Is this normal!!? RR

quote:

if you canclel more than 8 weeks out they get the 40% deposit.less than that they take the whole thing.Is this normal!!?

Robert,
I haven't read their policy for a long time. I cancelled once, in 2001, and they just applied it to my next rental. I looked at some of the companies in the ST classifieds and saw 30% to 50% as the deposit and that it is non-refundable. So I guess it is normal. However, I think a company would be willing to apply the deposit toward a future booking, as I experienced.
Sharon

That's what I read as well, but it doesn't make much sense, since they say that the remainder of the rent (60%) is payable 20 days before arrival.

If the 60% is only payable 20 days before arrival, how are they going to get it from you if you haven't paid it and have cancelled less than 20 days before arrival?

If you go in May probably Ruth (Boleskine) will be living right next door.

That place looks to be a pretty good deal. I should rent it myself sometime.

quote:

If you go in May probably Ruth (Boleskine) will be living right next door.

That place looks to be a pretty good deal. I should rent it myself sometime.

I was there in May '04. Wonder if Ruth and I were neighbors? I did smell some good cooking....

It is a great apartment. I h ope it doesn't get too popular--I want to rent it again!
Sharon

Sharon I really liked your pictures. Thank you. I hope more people will do that and post photos of details of where they stayed. I really appreciate it. I especially like the cat pic.
Leslie.

If you are renting this far in advance I suggest travel insurance as soon as you send a deposit. Also have you considred Le Boat? You can rent a cruiser, stay on board and be able to cruise Venice. Lodging and transportstion too.
Martha

quote:

I really liked your pictures

Leslie,
Don't encourage me! I have lots and lots of photos... Hooray for digital cameras!

You may be onto something. It is nice to see photos, isn't it? I think I'll try to put photos with reviews in the future.
Sharon

P.S. I'm not a "cat person" but I really liked this cat. He was cute.

Robert- I used the link provided by Sharon and looked at a few of the other apartments. For 50E more, it looks like there is an apartment that is available called the Ca'Cierchieri that is in an old palazzo with private gardens and its own vaporetto landing. I have never stayed there but it is a one bedroom with king bed and might be more enjoyable. At least that's the way ot looks from the photos.

Dawn

quote:

it looks like there is an apartment that is available called the Ca'Cierchieri that is in an old palazzo with private gardens and its own vaporetto landing.

Dawn,
I've stayed in that apartment (and in another in that building that is no longer for rent). Ca' Cierchieri was great. The private garden is beautiful and the location (not far from Campo San Barnaba) is fantastic. It's larger than the Ca' Gondola apartment, but it doesn't have the Grand Canal view. But it does have the added benefit of a landing for a water taxi (not a vaporetto), which is handy if you have an early-morning flight and don't want the hassle of vaporettos, buses, etc.

I highly recommend both apartments. I think it's a question of more space vs. looking out at the Grand Canal. It's a tough decision. I'm so happy that I've been able to expereince both.
Sharon

Sharon,

You truly are a lucky girl. It means that you have kept going back.

Dawn

quote:

You truly are a lucky girl. It means that you have kept going back

Dawn,
I am a lucky girl. I have been very fortunate and cherish my every visit to Venice.
Sharon

Dawn, "just' 50 euro times 9 nights times 1.23 dollars/euro equals about 550 dollars.

I like the idea of the smaller place,and the view is the main attraction as well as the fact that it dosn't cost more than a modest hotel.

The cancellation policy seems like a rip off.I mean its almost certain that with 2