Al Bailo di Venezia Apartments

We stayed here with our family two years ago, and it was a wonderful time in Venice. The apartment looked out over the canal and San Lorenzo Church, and both it and the building were immaculate. The location was ideal for a couple or a family, close enough to all the sights yet on a quiet canal away from tourists.

The location is great, but the electronic key system caused some trouble because everyone depends on a person's mobile phone. If the phone runs out of battery, you can't get in. I also heard noise from the neighbors, and the room quality felt a bit low for the price.

The good points were the location, spacious apartment, and cleanliness, but the problems outweighed them. Check-in was a real pain. They said instructions would arrive 72 hours beforehand, but they never did. After I called on arrival, I had to send passport copies, download an app, and register. Then I was supposed to open the app, press the lock button, and scan my phone against the lock. That didn't work, so I called again and asked for a digital code. He gave me one. What the heck? The bathroom water flow was extremely slow. The AC was poor and made it feel suffocating, but when I opened the window, bugs bit me. These companies charge crazy amounts while the service is poor. Pathetic.

I booked three nights for a mother-daughter European trip to Venice in 2018, but the Air France strike meant I couldn't enjoy the full planned stay. We were in room 102 on the first floor, and I had no complaints. It was immaculate, with all the amenities of home except for the towel warming rack, which was amazing. I booked through Booking.com, so I could reserve the apartment without paying in advance. It's a short walk from the San Zaccaria stop. Follow the hotel's directions, but after turning left onto the greci bridge, go straight ahead. Apartment representatives are there from 9 am to 4 pm, and they were pleasant and helpful. There's a grocery store just over the bridge, outside the apartment building. Go through the courtyard to the right, then left and right when you reach the canal, and it's on your left. Prices for provisions were fair. Being able to make a few meals was a definite plus. We also did laundry at Effe Erre Laundry, bought soap and fabric softener at the grocery store, and got a load done in no time. Would I stay again? Absolutely.