Just an informal unpaid endorsement if you're looking for a place to stay. Clean, comfy, good location, with friendly and helpful hosts. There are some steps, though, but there is a small elevator available up one set (we never used it). We had a very good experience.
Also recommend the restaurants al Portego and al Vecio Canton. Friendly, busy, casual, and yummy. We were not impressed with al Mariner.
For a gondola, we were lucky to get a chatty gondolier at Campo Santa Maria Nova. Quiet canals and a brief stint on the Grand Canal under the Rialto. There's a handy sandwich and spritz place on the campo too!
Take a quiet walk in Dorsoduro near the gondola repair shop. A peaceful break.
If Venezia FC is playing: the stadium is on the island, easy to get to, and was not packed. The crowd was friendly with kids around. You need your passport to get in and you can buy tickets at the team shop near Rialto. We saw the Alps from our seats! Tell your Corte Campana hosts that you're going to the game to get some street cred.
January in Venice was great- no lines. Biggest issue was that some restaurants were closed for vacation. Including the Venice Jazz Club, which bummed me out.