An Apartment in Venice:
Santa Maria Formosa

ABOVE: A view of the narrow lane outside the apartment through the wrought-iron-and-glass door in the entrance foyer.

Booking information

The Santa Maria Formosa Apartment rents for less than the cost of a three-star hotel room, and the price (which depends on season and number of guests) includes linens and cleaning.

When you book, you'll be asked to give credit-card information. This is just to secure the booking; you won't be billed unless you fail to show up. You'll pay the landlady in person, in cash when you arrive, so make sure that you have enough euros or can get them from an automated teller machine. (You may want to check your daily overseas ATM limit with your bank and increase it, if necessary, before leaving home.)

After Venere confirms your reservation, you'll receive an e-mail from the English-speaking landlady, who'll give you a number to call when you reach Venice. Upon your arrival, she'll meet you at the apartment, give you the key, and show you how everything works. When you leave at the end of your stay, you'll simply leave the key in the apartment and pull the self-locking door shut behind you.

Next page: Photo tour of the apartment