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Which area for 2 newcomers ?

I have found several nice apartments for rent, but have no idea which area is best for us. Retired mid 60's, looking for a quiet area (no bars,clubs,etc). I found one in San Marco but it was over a bar and the owner admitted there would be a lot of street noise. She suggested either Cannaregio, Castello or Dorsoduro. At least she was honest, but I need some help from an objective visitor or resident who is not trying to rent to me. We are there for 3 nights and want to see the usual sights and if you are a fan of Donna Leon, see some of the sites in her books. We enjoy the space of a 2BR apartment, and the have no budget restrictions , even will pay to be on one of the canals.

Anyone who can give us some guidance please do so.

Thanks

Chris in Alabama

Posted by
795 posts

I suggest doing a search on www.homeaway.com which is where we like to rent from. San Marco is fine. Obviously you do not want to be in apartment over a bar or you'll get no sleep but Homeaway has all sorts of apartments and a great many are in quiet residential areas without business noise and you can get canal side rentals too there. I am a fan of Donna Leon and have read her books about Commissario Guido Brunetti. We are frequent visitors to Venice and have lived in Florence and Rome and use Homeaway all the time.

Here is one apartment that is very quiet and has great views. www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p209059vb

Posted by
967 posts

This is my favorite apartment ever in Venice: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1111068. It faces the Frari church on a small canal a short walk from the S. Polo vapporetto stop. The owner is very kind and can arrange for a retired chef friend of hers to take you shopping in the fish market, then come back that evening to cook a multi course dinner.

Posted by
32692 posts

I don't know anything about the apartments mentioned, and haven't followed the lynx but I will say that if you wind up near the Frari you will be seconds away from Tonolo. Tonolo is the exquisite bakery that Brunetti liked best, and I can tell you from plenty of experience there that their stuff is GOOD. I made a pilgrimage there from the Ala hotel every day on our last trip (and the previous trip). Excellent coffee, great atmosphere (no tables, there simply isn't room, but a fair expanse of counter) and pastries to die for.

Posted by
11293 posts

My dear freind Nigel is right about the location, but the name is TONOLO. :-) It is divine.... And that apartment looks yummy. Bookmarked it for future use, but we'd have to find someone to share it. A bit above my daily budget target.

Posted by
2026 posts

I hope you get to see some of the sights, but if you're really lucky, you'll get to go home with Guido for lunch. Paola seems a pretty deft hand in the cucina department, and more than once I have dropped the murder to find myself in the kitchen. Have fun!!

Posted by
3940 posts

We've stayed in the San Polo area on our visits...no canals views from the B&B, but quiet. And still not too far a walk to Rialto.

Posted by
32692 posts

Yes, Laurel, spelling corrected. That'll teach me to be up half the night and then try to type before breakfast ...