Venice - Italy - page 276

as 130 a night per apartment—not bad in a city this pricey. What has impressed

me over the years has been the level of cleanliness and the obvious pride that has
gone into the styling of the apartments. Even the simpler flats are well furnished,
and usually reflect some stylistic preference of the owner; most have air-conditioning
in summer and heating in winter. You could even land one with a view of
St. Mark's.
The key to using a booking service like this is to supply them with detailed
specifications about the type of place you're seeking. Some are modern, complete
with brushed steel and designer trim, while others are more relaxed and filled with
family heirlooms (or cast-offs). Ask a lot of questions before booking. Also bear
in mind that, for example, not all Venetians have a kettle in the home (they're not
tea drinkers), so if you must have any specific appliances or kitchen ware, be sure
to request them in advance (this goes for microwaves, televisions, and anything
else you might require). And remember, if you want to stay in a palace with all-
original artwork and antique pieces, this can also be arranged—at a price!
If you'd like to have a good look at a selection of apartments on the Internet
before settling on a choice, navigate toward Venexia home ( % 041-5208575;
www.venexiahome.it), which also offers a fair range of private accommodations,
from comfortable two-room suites (for as little as

€

80; see their “comfort” range
for the cheapest options) to luxurious three-story apartments and elegant pent-
houses with panoramic views of the city. Some have private gardens, and many
are large enough to accommodate family groups. You'll also have a wide choice in
terms of decor and design; whether you've got a taste for contemporary style, or
prefer the '80s look, there's something that will suit you and won't sting your
pocket too badly (the average price for an apartment sleeping four people is
around € 150).
You're encouraged to rent the apartment for at least a week, but a daily rate can
occasionally be had if you're on a short stay (note that it will be slightly costlier).
These apartments are all fully furnished, with toasters and coffee machines in the
kitchens; and they're usually well maintained, immaculately clean, and serviced
regularly. If you call on arrival at the airport, a representative will meet you at your
boat or taxi, and then personally show you to your apartment. You will also have
round-the-clock access to an assistant assigned to take care of your local travel
needs, including the booking of shows, restaurant recommendations and reserva-
tions, sightseeing guides, and general city information. And if that's not enough,
you can even have meals prepared for you by an in-house chef. If you're planning
to be in Venice for Carnevale or during the Film Festival, I recommend that you
book 3 months in advance.
Flats in Venice ( % 041-2413875; www.flatsinvenice.net) is a smaller opera-
tion that rents out five different apartments, its daily rentals starting at € 80. Most
of these are very basic one-room spaces, and not my first choice for a comfortable
self-catering stay. Their so-called “Family Apartment,” however, is a decent
enough choice for a couple with children, especially if you'd like to be in the heart
of San Marco—it's right near La Fenice. The flat has two upstairs bedrooms (one
of which has two single beds, making it ideal for the kids), a bathroom with bath-
tub, kitchen, and living room. Flats are serviced, but the cost goes up with each
additional person in your party.

€