Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N29 Awaits!
Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N29 Awaits! - My Venetian Rhapsody (or Reality Check?)
Okay, deep breaths. I've just emerged from the labyrinthine canals and echoing calli of Venice, and I'm still trying to piece together the magic (and the mosquito bites) of my stay at the Venice DREAM Apartment through Belvilla. So, here's the honest truth, folks, warts and all, because let's be real, travel is rarely as perfectly curated as the Instagram photos suggest.
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location!
Right, so the apartment, N29, is tucked away somewhere… well, in Venice. That's the beauty of the city, innit? You ARE somewhere. The address was a bit vague, but let's chalk that up to Venetian charm, shall we? Finding the place itself was a mini-adventure – a delightful stroll that slowly morphed into a "are we there yet?" saga. The upside? You get to experience Venice, the REAL Venice, not just the highlights reel. The location itself… okay, it wasn't directly on the Grand Canal, but it was close enough that the gondola serenade floated up to my window (if I squinted and pretended the damp walls were a Tuscan villa).
(Score: Location – 7/10. Adventure factor – 10/10. My sanity during the initial search – 4/10. Bring a map, people!)
Accessibility - The Venetian Shuffle
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Venice is notoriously…challenging. Forget about smoothly rolling your suitcase, let alone a wheelchair. The narrow streets, the bridges (oh, the bridges!), and the uneven cobblestones are a logistical nightmare. This apartment, being a Belvilla rental, didn't explicitly advertise wheelchair accessibility, so I didn't expect it. It was what it was – a Venetian experience. This is a serious consideration; anyone needing wheelchair access would need to do some serious pre-planning. Venice is a tough nut to crack in that regard.
(Score: Accessibility - 1/10 for those needing special accommodations. 6/10 for able-bodied adventurers who like a good calf workout.)
Cleanliness & Safety - Sanitizing Squads (Almost!)
Post-pandemic, we're all a little paranoid, admit it. I was pleased to read about the "anti-viral cleaning products" and "room sanitization between stays." This gave me a bit of peace of mind, especially since I'd seen some…interesting things in the city. The apartment itself seemed clean enough. My inner germaphobe breathed a sigh of relief. The hand sanitizer was a nice touch. The whole "daily disinfection in common areas" thing? I never actually saw it, but hey, the illusion is sometimes enough, right?
(Score: Impressive on paper, a bit vague in practice - 7/10. My anxiety level – 6/10, decreasing each day.)
Inside The Apartment: Comforts and Quirks
Ah, the apartment itself. Pretty standard Belvilla fare, tbh. The "in-room safe box" was reassuring. The "Wi-Fi [free]" was a lifesaver; because good lord, you'll need to post some Insta-worthy pics of you to the internet at least once! The "air conditioning" worked… okay, maybe a bit noisy, but better than baking. The "blackout curtains" were a godsend, especially if you like sleeping past dawn (ha!). The "extra long bed" might have been a regular bed, but I was so sleep-deprived from the jet lag that I wouldn't have noticed a thing.
The "coffee/tea maker" was a highlight. A real life-saver as I had to navigate my way through the streets to get to the nearest cafe! The "complimentary tea" was a lovely touch. I spent a lot of time sitting in the seating area, staring out the window. I felt like a character in a novel… or maybe just a cranky tourist, it was hard to tell!
(Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, )
I’d give the apartment an 8/10 just based on how easy-going my stay was.
(Score: Comfort - 7.5/10. Quirks – Definite Venetian Charm.)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food Glorious Food (or Finding It!)
Okay, let's talk food. The apartment itself didn't offer any on-site restaurants. Bummer. But hey, you're in Venice! This is not about staying in the apartment. The real adventure is OUTSIDE! I was constantly amazed by the number of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes. The selection was never ending! I had a hard time choosing.
(A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, )
(Score: Dining - 8/10 for the sheer variety outside. Appetite – 10/10. My wallet after a week - 3/10.)
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and Sometimes Don't)
The "daily housekeeping" was a nice perk, although I suspect they were mostly just straightening the bed. The "luggage storage" came in handy, of course. I wish I could say I used the "business facilities", but let's be real, I was trying to escape reality, not immerse myself in work! The "currency exchange" wasn't really needed, since I was already stocked up with Euros. The "concierge" was helpful in pointing me towards good gelato, which, let's be honest, is a crucial service.
(Score: Services - 7/10. Useful, but nothing extraordinary.)
Things to do - The City is Your Gym!
Okay, let's be real, Venice is the thing to do! The entire city is kind of a "thing to do".
(Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], )
This place had none of that. It made me realize how much I enjoy having to run around the city, especially with the lack of space and amount of people.
(Score: Things to Do - 10/10 for Venice. 1/10 for the apartment's offerings.
Getting Around - Water Taxis and Walking Shoes
Getting around in Venice is an adventure in itself. Forget cars. You're either walking, taking a water taxi (expensive but a must-do!), or braving the vaporetto (the public water bus). The apartment didn’t exactly offer "airport transfer", but hey, that's part of the charm! I recommend comfortable shoes and a willingness to embrace the chaos.
(Score: Getting Around - 6/10. Good shoes and strong calves are essential.)
For the Kids – Family Friendly?
I didn't have any kids with me, but the "family/child friendly" label is a bit misleading. Venice is… challenging for kids. The narrow streets, the water, the lack of playgrounds… it's not exactly Disneyland. But, there are a few "kids facilities" to keep them entertained.
(Score: Kids – 4/10. Choose wisely, parents.)
The Verdict: Venice DREAM Apartment – A Mixed Bag, But Worth It?
Look, the Venice DREAM Apartment through Belvilla isn't perfect. It's not the lap of luxury. It's not a spa retreat. It's a basic apartment in an amazing city. But, you’re not in Venice to be coddled. This is about immersing yourself in a place that feels like a living painting, and this apartment serves as a decent basecamp.
It's a good option. For the price, it's a good value, because you're in Venice. I would recommend Belvilla, and I would also recommend Venice itself, unless you’re expecting a stress free, easy-to-get-around vacation.
Final Score:
- Overall: 7.5/10 (Venice earns the high score!)
- Would I stay there again? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a better map… and maybe some extra mosquito repellent. And a book.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, 'cause this ain’t your grandma’s perfectly manicured itinerary. We're talking Venice, baby, and we're gonna get lost in it. Literally. And I wouldn't have it any other way. This is for Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N29, so get ready for the charming chaos:
Venice, Italy: A Messy Love Letter (Belvilla & Beyond)
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Gratification (and Possibly Panic)
Morning (ish): Arrived at Marco Polo Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the airport. That whole "follow the signs" thing? Lies. Absolute lies. Ended up wandering around like a lost pigeon, fueled solely by the desperate need for caffeine. Finally, found the Alilaguna water bus. Expensive? Yes. Magical? Also yes. Seeing Venice rise before me from the lagoon, that's when the "oh-my-god-I'm-in-Venice" feeling really hit.
Afternoon: Found my way to Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N29. Finding the apartment? Another adventure. The address was a series of canals and tiny streets I couldn't pronounce. I asked a kind old woman with a face like a sun-baked peach for help. She pointed me toward a street, mumbling something in Italian I couldn't understand but definitely included an exasperated sigh. Finally! Key in hand, I made it to the apartment. It was… cozy. Okay, a little tiny. But charmingly tiny! The balcony? A total game changer. I swear, I could practically touch the rooftops across the way.
Evening: Did a quick grocery run for essentials: bread, cheese, wine (duh), and a massive bag of biscotti. Then came the first dinner. Ordered a pizza from a nearby pizzeria. Apparently, I misread the menu and got a pizza with anchovies. I HATE anchovies. Cue the internal crisis. Luckily, the wine saved me. Sat on the balcony, watching the gondolas drift by, feeling utterly, ridiculously happy. This is what life is about, people. Screw the perfect itinerary. This is living.
Day 2: Canals, Churches, and Catastrophe (Almost)
Morning: Planned on a walking tour. Got completely sidetracked by a tiny gelato shop. The pistachio gelato was heavenly. Actually, it was other worldly. I might have been transported to another dimension for a few minutes. After that, I finally made it to the Rialto Bridge. Overcrowded? Absolutely. Beautiful? Undeniably. Took way too many photos, feeling totally, unapologetically touristy.
Afternoon: St. Mark's Square. So grand, so imposing. The pigeons, however, were aggressive little feathered thugs. Briefly considered buying a mask, just so I could pretend to be immune to their sticky-beaked attacks. Entered St. Mark's Basilica. Whoa. Just… whoa. Dazzling gold mosaics, the sheer scale of the place… left me speechless (for once!).
Evening: Decided to take a gondola ride. Romantic? Potentially. Overpriced? Definitely. But the ride? Pure magic. The gondolier, bless him, sang in Italian, even though I understood maybe one word (ciao!). The flickering lights of the city reflecting on the water, the gentle rocking… I might have shed a tear or two.
- Gondola Debacle: Halfway through the ride I almost lost my phone. It slipped from my pocket, and for a heart-stopping moment, I watched it teeter precariously on the edge. I screamed. I swear, my gondolier nearly jumped ship! Managed to catch it just in time. Crisis averted! But the fright stayed with me the rest of the evening.
Day 3: Murano, Burano, & a Lesson in Patience (and Pasta!)
Morning: Took a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano for some glassblowing. The demonstration was incredible. The artistry, the skill… I bought a tiny glass heart, determined to be a romantic. Then, I accidentally knocked over a display of glass figurines. Mortified. Luckily, nothing broke and got out of the shop as fast as possible.
Afternoon: Hoped to Burano. That candy-colored island? It was just as charming as the pictures. The houses are like something out of a fairy tale. Spent ages wandering the streets, taking photos of every brightly painted building. Had the most divine seafood pasta at a tiny restaurant overlooking the water. It was so good, I literally wanted to lick the plate.
Evening: Back in Venice. Got utterly lost trying to find a restaurant I'd read about. Wandered aimlessly for an hour, growing increasingly hangry. Ended up eating pizza. Again. It was still good, though. Sat on the balcony, watching the sunset. Tired, full, and ridiculously content.
Day 4: Art, Aperol, & Goodbyes (and Maybe a Little More Panic)
Morning: Went to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Modern art isn't always my thing, but even I was blown away by the collection and the atmosphere. After, I wandered into a little café, ordered a cappuccino and just soaked it all in before my flight.
Afternoon: Had to depart. Trying to get to the airport on time. Rushed through the waterbus and felt slightly panicked. The airport was hectic, and I thought I might miss my flight. But I made it. Waving goodbye to this amazing city, full of wonder, delicious food, and a whole lot of chaos.
Evening: On the plane, I was already dreaming about my next Italian adventure. The memories of Venice were already cemented in my mind and heart. This city has gotten under my skin. I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts (and a plea for sanity):
Venice isn't about ticking boxes. It’s about getting lost, letting go, and embracing the glorious messiness of it all. Don't worry about following a perfect itinerary; just wander. Talk to the locals (even if you don't understand them). Eat ALL the gelato. Drink ALL the Aperol Spritzes. And for the love of all that is holy, don't be afraid to get lost. That's where the real magic happens.
And remember: pack extra patience, a good pair of walking shoes, and maybe some earplugs for those aggressive pigeons. You’ll need them.
Unbelievable Assisi Escape: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits!
Why "DREAM Apartment"? Did it actually *feel* dreamy?
Dream? Oh, honey, it started out dreamy. Picture this: you're exhausted after a flight, you've wrestled your suitcase across cobblestones (seriously, Venetian cobblestones are the *enemy*), and then… the canal. The tiny balcony. The promise of *amore* and Aperol Spritz. For about five minutes. Then reality, like a particularly stubborn gondolier, rammed the dream right in the side. It was small. *Really* small. Smaller than my walk-in closet back home. But, okay, the view? The view did deliver. Actually, scratch that, the view gave you a solid B+. You could see *a* canal. And a bit of laundry. So, yeah, dreamy-ish. Mostly, it was just… Venice. And Venice is inherently magical, even if your apartment is the size of a breadbox.
How easy was it to *find* the apartment? Because, you know, Venice and its maze-like streets…
"Easy" and "Venice" rarely belong in the same sentence. This place… I swear, Belvilla must employ a team of sadistic map-makers. Finding the apartment itself? A saga. We spent a solid hour, armed with a crumpled map, getting increasingly lost and increasingly hangry. We asked three different locals, each of whom pointed us in a different, equally confusing direction. At one point, I was pretty sure we'd wandered into a secret speakeasy for grumpy pigeons. Finally, a lovely old lady, who *clearly* knew the apartment, took pity on us. She led us through a series of alleyways, muttering in Italian, and I swear she might have been a witch, because the place just *appeared* like magic. So, yeah, "easy" is relative. Bring snacks. And a compass. And maybe a good therapist.
The apartment's actual interior? What was the vibe? Cleanliness? Amenities? Dish soap provided? (Asking for a friend... and probably me.)
Okay, buckle up. The vibe: "charming" in the way that a slightly dilapidated antique shop is charming. Think exposed beams, peeling paint, and a definite sense that the building had "seen things." Cleanliness? Let's just say it had character. I'm not a germaphobe, but even *I* raised an eyebrow at some of the corners. The bed? Comfy-ish. The pillows? Flattened. The bathroom? Teeny-tiny, but at least the water pressure was decent, which is a small miracle in Venice. Dish soap? Yes, thankfully. Amen. But the towels were… well, let's just say they'd been through the Venetian wars. Bring your own. Definitely bring your own. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. Kidding! (Mostly…)
The balcony! The thing that drew us in. Tell us about the damn balcony!
Ah, the balcony. That siren call of my expectations. The balcony was... little. Like, *really* little. You could stand on it and touch both walls simultaneously. But the view? Okay, the view was the hero of this whole saga. Seriously, from that little perch, you could watch the boats go by. It was gorgeous. The water shimmered, the buildings were stunning, the air was crisp, and it really did help you feel like you were, you know, actually in Venice. I think I spent the majority of my time there, with a bottle of wine, making sure I was making up for all the other let-downs. It was like the only thing this apartment got truly right. I'd give it a solid 9/10 score!
What was the best thing *about* the apartment, beyond the view? And what drove you absolutely batty?
Best thing? The location, hands down. Even though it was hidden away, it was PERFECTLY placed for exploring the real Venice. Easy access to everything. Plus, that little balcony, despite its size, really made me feel connected to the city. What drove me batty? Okay, get this: the *noise*. Venice is alive, folks! You hear everything. Church bells at 6 AM. Gondoliers singing at all hours. Neighbors arguing (in Italian, which, admittedly, sounded dramatic and beautiful even when they were probably yelling about laundry). And the *doors*. The doors here are old and creaky. Getting a good night's sleep was an adventure in itself. I swear, that door was haunted by the ghost of a thousand grumpy Venetian shopkeepers.
Would you recommend it? Be brutally honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend Belvilla N29? Honestly?… Depends. If you're the type who needs five-star luxury and pristine perfection, run, don't walk, to the nearest hotel. But if you're looking for a genuine, slightly gritty, absolutely unforgettable Venetian experience, and can put up with a few (okay, maybe a *lot*) of imperfections, then… yeah. Maybe. Pack earplugs. And a sense of humor. And if you manage to find that apartment without screaming, send me a postcard. I'm sure I'll have already been back and done it all again, anyway. This place wasn't perfect, but it WAS Venice. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Okay, one more thing… any tips for future renters? Anything you would do differently?
Absolutely! My top tips:
- Learn some basic Italian phrases. Trust me, it'll make everything easier, especially when asking for directions. "Scusi, dov'è...?" saved my bacon, repeatedly.
- Pack light. Venetian steps are a workout you didn't sign up for.
- Bring your own toiletries. Trust me on this one. And a good lock for the door!
- Embrace the chaos. Venice is messy, and this apartment is a reflection of that. Roll with it.
- Eat ALL the gelato. Seriously. All of it. You won't regret it.
- Most importantly: Take a breath! Venice is about the experience. Get lost on purpose, don't rush, sit down on the balcony with a glass of wine. That's the magic. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find a little piece of your own dream.
