For our second trip to Venice we opted for apartment lodgings at Ca' Carmini, after reading several positive online reviews. This property was quite special in many ways. For starters, the highly competent staff at Views on Venice booked us a water taxi from the airport, a truly splendid way to arrive. The driver brought us right to "our" canal, just a short bridge crossing to our rental.

The duplex apartment was spacious and elegant, two intimate floors for just the two of us. The downstairs living area had a pair of love seats facing the TV, views out to the private garden, a small bath with shower, and a narrow kitchen. Upstairs was a second, more expansive living area lined with art/architecture books, a cozy, inviting bedroom with fanciful painted beams, and a white-tiled bathroom with tub.

But the best part of staying here was the location. We were in one of the most convenient spots in Venice: steps from the Campo Santa Margherita, within walking distance of the Grand Canal and the Zattere, and near shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. Day after day, this was an inviting, comfortable, and quiet place to return to after roaming Venice's endlessly beautiful environs.

Criticisms? The tiny kitchen and lack of a real dining table. Despite this rental's roomy digs, there was no place to sit indoors and relax over a good meal. The only option was the outside garden. Which was wonderful! But if you're a culinary traveler who enjoys buying groceries to cook at home, this apartment may not be for if you can't serve every meal outside. (Otherwise you're stuck inside noshing at a coffee table at one of the sofas.)

Overall, however, we loved this place and would stay here again.