SAN MARCO - THE PHOENIX

We enjoyed our stay at the Phoenix. The location was great! The apartment was clean and had everything we needed plus more. Simone's partners for check in were great meeting us on the Theater Piazza at the well. Note: There are many stairs up to this apartment. I suggest to only take what you need up. Luggage storage is offered a few blocks away and at the train station.

It was not in the description that gondoliers pass just under the living space windows, it was a nice surprise to hear the guitars and singers a few times a day! Looking out the window and down, the beautiful gondolas passing was a treat. Grocery is a 3 min walk, cafes and coffee super close!

We had a wonderful stay. The location could not be better, the check in process was wonderful (they pick you up in a water taxi, bring you to the closest dock and walk you to the VRBO). The bathroom, bedroom & kitchen were all very well kept and clean. You have to take your trash out which occurs very early. We slept in most days and this was an ordeal w an early departure. Also wish they had at least one extra mirror in the unit for getting ready.

I would not stay here again. This property has significant drawbacks, especially for seniors. The negatives are: 1. You CANNOT sleep on the master bed. It is like concrete and one of the supports underneath is broken. The bed was so uncomfortable we slept on the couch. There is a small single bed in the second room that is ok but not for two people. 2. The shower is literally either scalding hot or freezing cold and it surges. 3. The apartment is on the top floor of the building (six flights up!) with no elevator. You’d better be able to climb stairs with your bags. 4. Advance travel info from the host could be better. Get ALL the travel details UP FRONT!! We are experienced world travelers but maze-like Venice creates unique challenges. Finding the linkup point was nightmarish. If you DO have cell signal (we didn’t — our fault), you can’t just use Google maps to navigate either, so get ALL the travel details in advance! When we finally did link up two hours (!) later, Salvatore was helpful and kind. The positives are: 1. It has a great location near major tourist travel spots (it sits literally right over a small canal) and it is spacious. This is a plus. 2. Restaurants and shopping nearby are great and within walking distance. 3. It has a kitchen with a washer/dryer combo (no directions how to use it though — we looked on YouTube to get instructions). 4. It has a smart TV with Netflix and YouTube, with free wifi.