Venice Arsenale In-Town Apartment - Romantic Lodgings

Character: Extremely romantic, with loads of character and amenities, plus a panoramic terrace. Advantages: Modern amenities, authentic neighborhood, unforgettable terrace. Location: In Venice's Arsenale neighborhood, just down the street from the vaporetto stop and only 15 minutes' walk from St. Mark's. Very few tourists make it to this incredibly picturesque corner, which is right next to Via Garibaldi, our favorite Venetian street (also unknown to tourists!). Click here to see a map. Size: sleeps 2; living room with sofa, dining area and kitchenette; a sliding door leads to the sleeping area with queen bed; ample windows line the wall; there is also a modern bathroom with shower, as well as a furnished terrace above the canal. Features: Central air conditioning/heating, washer/dryer, dishwasher, satellite TV, DVD player. Minimum stay: Three nights. Disadvantages: No elevator: it is 21 steps up from the street. Car needed: Never!

To our mind, one of the most picturesque sites in Europe is the Arsenale canal, located right off the Lagoon, just up the Grand Canal from St. Mark's. Starting in the 12th century, it was here that Venice -- the mightiest naval power in the Mediterranean -- built all her ships. Thanks to the amazing vessels that emerged from this canal, La Serenissima was able to wrest the Aegean islands from the Turks and dominate the northern European shipping routes. Indeed, so important was this urban complex that its name (which actually derives from the old Arabic word for industry) eventually came to signify a country's entire armory. Many consider l'Arsenale to be the world's first factory, but its appearance is hardly industrial. The delightfully ornate gothic façade brings a smile to any face; along with the gingerbread turrets and wooden footbridge, it looks almost the same today as when Canaletto painted it in 1732.

Very few tourists wander over to this quiet corner of Venice, which makes the view you'll have from your very own private terrace all the more enchanting. You might see a few true afficionados across the canal at the Naval Museum (which has to be the most exciting place on earth for anyone who ever loved a boat) but other than that, this part of town belongs to the locals. One of our very favorite spots is nearby Via Garibaldi, where housewives do their shopping and everyone stops for an aperitivo after work. You'll love having a quiet lunch at an outdoor restaurant, or strolling along the broad avenue on your way to the civic gardens, a true paradise. If you want to enjoy Venice as the Venetians do, then this is the location for you!

Just off the Grand Canal and a mere 21 steps up from the street is this adorable studio apartment. Barely 500 square meters in size, its copious storage space and clever furniture layout make it seem much bigger. Sun streams in through the large picture windows, perfectly balancing the dark wood beams on the ceiling. The long room is divided into what the Italians call "day area" and "night area." At one end is a half-concealed kitchenette with fridge, range and dishwasher. Near it are a dining table and a full sofa. Beyond a sliding door is the big double bed with its full-size wall closet. From the table, the sofa and the bed you'll have the same great view as from your covered terrace, furnished with table and chairs overlooking the canal. A small room off the terrace holds a washer and dryer, and the apartment is completed by a small but very modern bathroom with shower. All in all, the location, atmosphere, and amenities make this a wonderful place to spend a few unforgettable (and perhaps very romantic!) days in Venice.

Vital information:
In Castello, on the Arsenale canal
Nearest vaporetto stop: Arsenale
On the first floor, 21 steps up
Studio (sleeps 2)
One double bedroom separated from living area by sliding door
Bathroom with shower
Private furnished terrace
Central air conditioning and heating
Washer and dryer, dishwasher, iron and board
Satellite TV, DVD player

THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE ALREADY BOOKED IN 2010:
Aug. 7-26, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Sept. 2-12, Sept. 15-22, Sept. 26-Oct. 16, Oct. 22-27,
Oct. 28-Nov. 1, Nov. 7-11, Dec. 28-31

THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE ALREADY BOOKED IN 2011:
Jan. 1-3, April 7-13, April 23-29, May 14-June 10, July 16-22

For this property:
Prices include: all taxes and services, electricity, gas, air conditioning or heating, one set of linens per person.
Not included in the price: 60 Euro for final cleaning; 50 Euro if you arrive between 7:30pm and 11:30 pm; 60 Euro if you arrive after 11:30pm; 40 Euro if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the arrival time you have agreed upon; these late fees are paid in cash upon arrival.

A baby bed can be added for 70 Euros per stay and must be requested in advance.

We regret no pets are allowed.

Check-in: 3-7pm
Check-out: 10am
Refundable security deposit: 250 Euro paid by credit card

Click here for information about private transfers to the property.

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