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Back to Castello Apartments
Hi Kristin,
Castello was a perfect apartment! We loved the location, the responsiveness of the staff, the furnishings - everything! I hope I'm lucky enough to get to stay there in the future. PS: One thing that I don't think you say on the website for these apartments is that there's free wireless access. It worked perfectly for us and I think would be a draw for many to the property. Also, we took your secret restaurant recommendation and ended up going twice - stunning food!
Thank you,
Nancy L.
Ciao!
Of course La Serenissima did its job!
We were concerned that the high water might present problems for us. It did not in spite of the fact that
there was a full moon in the middle of our stay and it rained for the first 3 days. The water came so early
in the morning it did not affect us at all. Nicola offered us boots if needed.
When we arrived there was one of those nationwide 1-day transportation strikes. Luckily, we flew Iberia and not Alitalia which pulled a surprise strike.
Although we were disappointed to have the 1 bedroom apartment with the very narrow kitchen, we were able to cook with no problems. This is a beautiful apartment. Martina said they changed the other 1 bedroom apartment and put up a wall so it was no longer the large open room we knew from previous years. Maybe your web site should change the picture to avoid disappointing other travelers. We have stayed at Castello five times now and experienced every apartment except the studio. There is a certain comfort level here for us. Because we enjoy cooking and living like a native, we take on a sense of ownership. So, it is like coming home for us...a home away from home....and Martina and Nicola are wonderful as always.
The low season pricing and additional In Italy discount were great. This was our first time in Venice during November and we have to say there were no crowds. When the sun comes out it can't be beat. The only problem was trying to carry home all the goodies we found.
Once again, Venice, Castello and In Italy delivered a memorable vacation.
Grazie mille.
Regards,
Rosemary F.
Hi guys;
We had a blast and I must say that everything went off without a hitch. All of our accommodations were expecting us and welcomed us warmly.
I must give credit where it is due. Castello B&B in Venice and Palazzo Mannaioni in Montaione were FABULOUS!!! Antonio and Nicola in Venice were outstanding and looked after our children with eagle eyes. Silvia and Mannaioni took care of every last detail for us. I look forward to going back and staying there again.
Also, the car rental through Auto Europe was awesome. We picked up at Fuimicino and dropped off in Civitavecchia for less than a Hertz rental.
You guys rock and we are heading back to northern Italy next summer to see family and will gladly use your services again. Feel free to use any comments.
Thanks again!
Bill M.
Dear Kirill,
We had a great trip to Italy. In the area of planning, now that the trip is over, I can say that In Italy does a great job of pre-selecting places to say and taking the busy work out of planning the trip. All the hotels we stayed at, as picked from your recommended lists, were great. My biggest regret was not finding In Italy sooner as i think I spent about 20 hours searching for hotels and ideas prior to finding the site, and only about 5 hours planing the WHOLE trip, including confirmations and research of things to do, once In Italy was in front of me.
Our favorite was Castello Apartments in Venice for two reasons... one was the people there, as Nicola and the rest of the staff were great to talk to. The second bonus was the ability to cook in a kitchen after picking up groceries in a small shop around the corner. We travelled with our two seven year olds and being able to have breakfast and dinner back at our room not only made the day the perfect length, but gave us some of our best time together.
In Rome we stayed at Hotel Ponte Sisto which had a great central location. We were in Rome during some scorchers so it was nice to be relatively close to everything where we could walk. We strategically used taxi's here to avoid the heat and get us of our feet so we could cover more ground during the day with our seven year olds. The surprise was they were actually not that expensive and well worth it. Great breakfast spread here, and the courtyard made it even better.
In Italy does a good of documenting the pre-trip info you'll want to take with you about getting around, how to get between places, and small tips for various locations. I only wish I had printed more of it for easy reference while we were en route or changing cities.
All in all it was the best family trip we have taken. I know we will go back to Italy, exactly where I am not quite sure where, but I do know that In Italy is firmly in my favorites folder and only a click away next time we start planning.
Thanks again and all the best,
Drew K.
Dear Gang at Italy Online:
You asked for my comments - to sum it up - a BIG GIANT THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Generally, thanks to your frequent recommendations and trading of emails back and forth our trip was fantastic and the logistics an accommodations were superb. I never could have planned this myself, and I never believed each place I stayed in could be almost exactly what I what I expected and wanted. Also, the instruction documents you included with each location we stayed at was EXTREMELY helpful and on the mark. It gave us great instructions on how to get to each location from the airport or train station, and the contact numbers included were helpful- and the contact ALWAYS answered immediately.
Venice- We arrived at 9:45 a.m. Per your instructions once we got our luggage we called the Castello Apartments. We knew the check in time was 4:00, but we were hoping to drop our luggage there and tour for the day. Well, not only did Antonio answer the phone immediately, he told us our apartment was ready right now, he gave us specific instructions on how to get the water taxi to get to the Castello Apartments - AND - he had me call him from the water taxi and proceeded to give the driver step by step directions to the Castello Apartments. When we arrived at the apartments, the apartment we had reserved was under emergency repair, but he had another ready for us. While it wasn't quote what we ordered, it was perfectly fine and he had our bill adjusted.
The Castello Apartments were very nice. They must have been recently renovated because the building and the rooms were top notch. And the location (you'll see this repeated many times) was perfect. Far enough from the crowds and noise of the tourist areas, yet close enough to get to easily (easy 10 minute walk to St Marks Square and an easy 15- 20 minute walk to the Rialto Bridge. There is also a nice little breakfast provided each morning (pastries, cheese, coffee, juice etc.) I would recommend Castello Apartments to anyone, and would stay there again without question.
One restaurant I would like to recommend is Osteria alle Testiere di Gavagnin, Calle del Mondo Novo tel 0415227220. The food was incredible mostly seafood and pastas.It is small, maybe seats around 25-30 people, and you should make a reservation as they usually have 2 seatings at 7:00 and 9:30. I don't know how you categorize how expensive places are, but this restaurant averaged 10-12 euros for an appetizer, 15-20 for the first course and about 20- 25 for the main course. The house wine was very good and not too expensive.
Avoid all restaurants in the St Marks Square- they are way overpriced compared to the quality of food you get elsewhere.
One other tip if you can afford it- take a water taxi ride all the way through the Grand Canal- you get a much different perspective after looking at the canal from streets. The Vaperetto would be an alternative but it makes so many stops and is very crowded.
Other Observations- you were right- I never needed a car, and having one would have been a complete hassle.
Again please feel free to use any or none of my comments to assist you and others in planning their trip. To any future users of In Italy - trust these guys, they know exactly what they are doing. Not only did they help pick the right places to stay, but how many days to stay in each city, the order of cities to travel to, etc.
Bill G.
Thank you!
Thank you! We did have a marvelous trip and would definitely use your website for future trips and will recommend it to friends. We we loved the street maps we ordered from you and found them to be essential for navigating both Venice and Rome. We used your airport shuttle service and rented a cell phone through you. We also used your website for sightseeing tips.
The Castello Apartment was incredible - beautifully furnished, overlooking a canal, in a very convenient location in what appeared to be a real neighborhood. We shopped at the market just a few doors down the canal and at the wine shop just across the bridge. We would definitely return here. One important feature for us was the very comfortable sofa bed.
We loved the Campo dei Fiori apartment for its wonderful location! We were able to walk everywhere and our grandchildren loved the market jut a few doors away. We had a fabulous, and very reasonably priced, dinner at the restaurant located at Via di Monte Giordano 49 (near Piazza Novana), one of your recommended restaurants. The name has changed but unfortunately, I did not write it down.
The only negatives here were the very uncomfortable sofa bed and the cleanliness of the Rome apartment. We feel that when an apartment is advertised as sleeping 6, all beds, including the sofa, should be comfortable enough so that every one gets a good night's sleep. This was not the case here. Also, the apartment was not very clean, especially considering the fact that we were charged a 50 euro cleaning charge for a 3 day stay.
Aside from those two negatives, our trip was perfect. We look forward to using initaly again.
Sincerely,
Maryellen and Tony F.
Dear Jessica:
My family and I had a wonderful trip and I have been pleased to tell eveyone about initaly.com. Everything went off without a problem, buying tickets to museums in advance was an excellent suggestion and service, and doing so saved us loads of time. Getting transport to and from trains and airports from initaly.com was also a welcome suggestion. I would recommend to other travelers to take advantage of this service. Also the apartments we rented were nice, clean, conveniently located and perfect for our purposes. I would recommend that anyone going over make sure they have a cellular phone that works in Italy so that your apartment contacts can be reached a day in advance and kept abreast of your arrivals etc. I must say that hands down, Castello Apartments was the highlight residence of the trip. What a beautiful place and a wonderful and charming host. We will definitely go back there again. Thanks for helping us have a great trip. We can't wait to book our next vacation to Italy.
The Carini Family
Jessica,
Italy was wonderful, Venice was relaxing and the most fun of all places visited, and Martina & Nicola were there to give me a warm greeting. When we arrived on Friday at about 11:30AM, we wanted to check-in and leave our luggage with the front desk until the apartment was available so that we could shop for food before the stores closed for the mid-day break. Not only were we pleased that we could use the apartment immediately, but Nicola told me he had a surprise for us. The 2 bedroom apartment was not reserved for the 2 nights we were to be there, so Nicola took us to that one instead of the 1 bedroom we rented! My sister and I had rented this apartment the first time we spent a week in Venice. It's beautiful...but then, all the apartments at Castello are beautiful. So far, I've been in 3 different ones! This time I had the chance to show my girlfriend how great it is to rent an apartment in Venice and live like a native. She loved it!
The day we were leaving, we were to meet a riverboat at the other end of Venice in the afternoon. We had our bags packed and ready to leave with Martina so we could check-out by 11AM and then spend more time walking around. Martina told us we could use the apartment for as long as we wanted that day...no rush to leave! Maybe it was because this was my 3rd stay in 3 years, but Martina gave me a gift bottle of Prosecco as we left.
I hope to return to Castello again next year if possible. Martina and Nicola always make you feel genuinely welcome, their palazzo is beautiful, clean, well stocked, and they take good care of you. An excellent find in a wonderful place...Venice.
Thanks for your help in securing this grand vacation. I have given your web site address and info about Castello to several passengers we met on the river cruise. They were excited about experiencing the Venetian life style of which they only caught a glimpse.
Rosemary F.
We had a wonderful time in Italy. The Castello apartments were very comfortable and in a very nice location. They met our expectations for accommodations. Everything seems to have been refinished rather recently. The owner Nicola was most gracious and very helpful when we asked about anything. Also was helpful in arranging private water taxi's when they were needed. He offered suggestions for things to do and see in the area. It was also within easy walking distance of so many things. We absolutely love Venice. Would go back on a moments notice. For only 4 of us in a group of 11 people having been there before, it was great being able to show others the wonders of Venice. Certainly when we go back we will contact you for lodging information. On both trips that my sister and I have had to Italy you have given us excellent recommendation on our lodging needs. We enjoy planning trips on our own and you have been a great help.
Thank you.
Julie A.
Dear Kristin,
Yes, we have returned from a glorious trip. Traveling with our children and grandson has been a joy. All of our accommodations were just perfect - those arranged through you and those I arranged on my own.
In Venezia the Castello apartment, Carpaccio, and the B&B triple room are as described. The Tegons are wonderful hosts, very personable and helpful in all ways.
Carpaccio has two large bedrooms with queen sized beds in each, large bathroom (albeit small shower, but they are pretty much that way in all renovated buildings), wonderful large eat in kitchen and a soggiorno with large dining table, cabinet (with TV) and sofa bed. Croissants and rolls were delivered every morning at 8:00 AM. The refrigerator and kitchen were stocked with everything one would need including milk, juice, tea, coffee, jams, butter, toasts, etc. I did not have to unpack the few kitchen items I brought with me. Everything was immaculate with clean towels and new sponges. The triple room was also large with bathroom and small fridge. Our son and family enjoyed the daily breakfast buffet. Our 7 year old grandson started every morning with hot chocolate while his parents took pleasure in their cappuccinos.
The triple room and bedrooms and soggiorno of Carpaccio all face the side canal. It was a great source of fun and enlightenment to watch the activities on the canal. We watched with fascination the method of delivering goods from the canal barges to the quay and eventually to the shops. There is a bridge right in front of the Palazzo which afforded us views on just how men with their delivery carts get up and down the steps. The pier is just to the right of the Palazzo so we were able to arrive with the water taxi "porta a porta"with no problems. In fact, we arranged for a water taxi to take us to the train station for our trip to Firenze. It is certainly more expensive than a vaporetto, but well, well worth the price.
As you know, we were in Venezia for 6 days. One of my sons wondered what could we do on a small island for 6 days! We lived like natives in a charming local neighborhood frequenting shops such as the alimentari (grocery), macelleria (meats), pasticceria (bakery), enoteca (wines) artisan shops, clothes shops, restaurants, etc. All just around the corner a couple of minutes away. Then we rested in the afternoons in the comfort of our air conditioned apartment.
The rest of the time we walked the island, climbed the bridges, saw the sights, ate the gelato, rested at a bar with a Fanta, a glass of Venetian wine or an espresso, went to Murano, Burano and San Giorgio Islands. From the top of the tower of the Benedictine church in San Giorgio you get a wonderful view of Venice and surrounding areas - better than from the tower of San Marco. They each have elevators so it is no trouble to try each. No lines at San Giorgio though. Believe it or not, what I enjoyed immensely was the balcony of San Marco where the bronze horses are. Hardly anyone was up there, the breeze was refreshing and the view just as nice as anywhere else. A wonderful resting spot. We also arranged a walking tour with Elena for the "Venetian's Venice". It was 2 1/2 hours of interesting information and conversation. Beware, she is a fast walker.
Another great vacation with the help of In Italy. Thank you for your interest and your efficiency.
Ciao, alla prossima,
Carol Ann N.
Dear Kirill,
Castello apartment: Exactly as promised -- we enjoyed the neighborhood, being out of the stream of tourists, but just a few minutes walk away from Piazza San Marco. The apartment itself was, as described, ultramodern, meaning pretty bland, though with all the amenities. We really appreciated the kitchen / breakfast arrangements. Milk, orange juice, coffee, teabags, butter and jam were all supplied, and the supplies replenished as needed. Fresh rolls were delivered each morning, hung on the doorknob in a cloth bag. We had fun with the challenge of making our own cafe. also we were charmed with the practice of hanging the tassel on the hook outside the door to indicate that the staff could come in and clean. (I've tried this at home, no luck yet).
Also, I wanted to thank Kristin for her recommendation that we drive to Venice from Piemonte, rather than return the car in Milan and take the train as we had originally intended. We had a great day making this drive, and made two stops that I would recommend to anyone travelling in this area. First was Cremona, where we planned to stop to have a break and eat lunch. It was really easy to get to the centro (a straight line off the autostrada, with the campanile providing a good visual), lots of parking, and a really wonderful piazza, with duomo and campanile, and pedestrian only shopping zone. Being Sunday afternoon, everything was closed, but we enjoyed looking at the windows with the musical instruments -- I'd love to spend more time here. Our second, unscheduled stop, was Soave -- the first glimpse of the walled city and the Castello from the Autostrada is spectacular, and surprising, after all the industrial areas. We couldn't resist the temptation to stop here -- we took a quick walk through town, and up to the castello, which was just fascinating, and we left reluctantly after a few hours in order to get to Venice before dark. But the next week, I went back to Soave on a Sunday morning, where there was an antiques market going on, had a great lunch in the small enoteca in the loggia right at the foot of the path up to the castello, and then a walk along the outside of the walls and through the vineyards -- a wonderful day.
Thank you, Julie and Kristin, for all your help in arranging this trip.
Judy A.
Dear Julie,
Great location! Water taxi took us right to the door and vaporetto stop was really close. Worked really well for the 4 of us with lots of room and a cozy living room to regroup after a long day, write postcards, etc. We did discover a wonderful restaurant only a few steps from the apartment...Trattoria "Ferrata", Cale larga dei Bari, Santa Croce, TN 041718846. Excellent food, lovely dining on their private garden patio, great service.
Kent
Dear Jessica,
The Castello run by Nicola and his wife was very nice. We were a bit disappointed on our arrival to find that the Tintoretto apartment which we had booked was not available. Instead, we were put into a very small room with a small bathroom for our first night, but were assured that we would be moved by 10 am the following morning to the Carpaccio 2 bedroom apartment with canal views for our remaining 2 nights. Everything went as planned. In some ways it was a bonus to have the 2 bedroom canal view apartment. On the other hand, canal views mean increased noise levels. Oh well, this is the worst thing that happened on our entire trip and how bad was that (ha ha ha)!!!
Nicola and his staff were all a delight and extremely helpful and accommodating in every way possible. And the breakfast served in a quaint room on the lobby level was very nice. All in all our trip was an absolute success - invigorating, relaxing, exciting!!! We plan to return to Italy soon and will definitely use your services again.
Thank you!!
Jill R. S.
Dear Kirill,
In Venice we stayed at Castello Apartments. It was a beautiful building and our hostess was extremely helpful. Per her recommendation, we took an evening gondola serenade tour when we first arrived. We enjoyed the music and the timing was right in that the sun was setting and reflecting on the water. (Coop. Gondolieri S.M. Del Giglio, Tel. 041.52.22.073) We had a great meal at Da Mario Alla Fava, Calle Stagneri 5242.
Thanks for all your help and recommendations. The literature you provided to us was invaluable. We have already recommended your web site to friends planning trips to Italy.
Regards,
Joanne G.
Dear Kristin,
We were up early so we could pack and get to the train termini. Gabriella picked us to take us to the train station. Traffic was murder and Alex got carsick. We arrived at the station in time and schlepped our luggage to the train. We had comfortable accommodations in first class. When the porter came through and inquired whether we would be eating in the dinning car, we accepted. The meal was fixed price for all, so lunch was $100.00. We arrived in Venice before we knew it. We then found Vaporetto #63 to San Zaccaria. Mind you, we had to drag 5 pieces of luggage on/off the boat. We then started our journey to find our apartment. Over bridges, up/down stairs, it was not easy. It was like a labyrinth. We finally found Castello. The rooms were lovely with relief frescoes on the ceilings. We unpacked and by that time, it was 6:30pm. The receptionist had made reservations at a place highly recommended. Alex had asked to go outside and look around; it was so unusual with water for streets. We told him to be back in one-half hour, he was gone an hour. We were getting worried that he may be lost and not even know the name or address. He was lost, but he had looked at the number of the apartment. He was happy to find us.
Laurie G.
Jessica,
The apartment was quite nice, and lived up to our expectations. We were especially impressed with its cleanliness. In addition, the owners were both as helpful as anyone might desire. We would certainly return. There are, however, two minor things about which you should be aware. First, as one might expect in any major city, the area is relatively noisy. This makes sleeping somewhat difficult, especially when the windows are open. Second, although the bathroom is completely modern, the shower is very small. While it was not a major problem for my wife and me (because neither of us is a large person), it seemed to us that it would be impossible for a large person to use the shower. Because there was no tub, such a person would be left with no real way to bathe.
Peter W.
Castello was by far the nicest accommodations we had in Italy. A beautiful room, great kitchen, nice view, everything was great about it. The staff was great, having bread and juice every morning was great. I will highly recommend Castello. It was a nice quick walk to St Marks square, and in the less touristy part of town so you could find food shops.
No real finds in Venice, but we did run into Rick Steves. The food was decent, but higher priced as expected. Tons of seafood, but some more exotic than I care for, squid eggs, sea snails? I found a lot of the fresh fish blandly prepared. Incredibly fresh, but just grilled, not much seasoning.
Michael K.
Dear Julie,
Just got back from three weeks of delightful travel to Italy, and thoroughly enjoyed the two lodgings we reserved through you, especially the truly elegant Castello in Venice. What a surprise to find we had a beautiful apartment including grand lounge that converted into a bedroom for two, a fully equipped, VERY modern kitchen complete with stocked refrigerator and pantry, dining room, large bedroom with king sized bed, grand bath, fabulous breakfasts served in the "morning" room whose ceiling I wanted to pack to take home. We were on a pleasant and only slightly busy canal and in very easy walking distance from St. Mark's. Please, please, please let your readers know what a lovely gem this is, and how truly special the staff are!
Diana H.
Dear Kristin,
Our trip was better than I could possibly imagine. I can honestly say that Venice was my favorite place. The location of the apartment is in a real "neighborhood". My husband is first generation Italian-American and spoke only Italian until he was 6 years old. He hasn't spoken Italian for many years but in that neighborhood of Venice as we shopped in the produce and butcher shops he suddenly found himself speaking fluent Italian and enjoying conversations with locals! The little touches in the apartment such as the fresh bread and pastries every day were wonderful! Not to mention the wonderful wine shop next door!
Kristin, I have been singing the praises of "In Italy" ever since I returned. I have several people who are anxious to follow a similar itinerary and book through your site. I certainly know that I will be going to Italy again and using your services.
Thank you so much to you, your staff and colleagues in Italy for making our trip truly unique and memorable!
Regards,
Linda L.
Dear Cynthia,
I hardly know where to begin. Our stay in Venice was absolutely perfect. The Castello apartment was far nicer than we could have even expected. And Martina couldn't have been more helpful. One of our goals was to buy a piece of Murano glass. She set up our trip to Murano Island, complete with a private taxi ride, and someone meeting us at the dock. She also recommended several restaurants in Venice. However, we ended up cooking in because by the time we got to Venice, our 14 year old twin boys were starving, since they'd discovered that American, Italian food and Italian, Italian food are very different. One of the nicest surprises was how safe Venice was. We even felt comfortable enough to allow the boys to go out on there own to explore. Consequently, this was their favorite location also (Rome being our second favorite). The location of the Castello Apartment couldn't have been better. We were a short walk from everything and yet out of the tourist area. At night, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Then, when we woke up, there was a cute little linen bag with a various assortment of rolls hanging on our door ready for breakfast. There is nothing we would have chanced about our visit to Venice except maybe,.........a little more time. It went by too quickly!
It is fair to say that Venice and our apartment were the highlight of our trip. We plan on returning someday, booking the same room and staying for a week. Thank you so much for helping make arrangements for our trip. We look forward to returning some day.
Dayna L. H.
Dear Kirill,
We arrived at Castello well rested, which we were thankful for. We did not/could not have imagined what it took to get into Venice with out going there. Parking in the garage, trying to find the Vaporetto stop, trying to figure out how to use the pay phones (don't forget to tear the corner off the prepaid cards), all the while hauling all of our baggage onto a crowded Vaporetto, then up and down the steps that go over the rivers (thank god for rolling luggage), thank god for your maps and directions (they were perfect). Marco greeted us along with Teo the boxer dog and immediately he made us feel at home. He gave us a must do tour over a map and a list of his favorite restaurants. Every morning croissants and rolls were left on our door knob in a beautiful embroidered sack. Our apartment came stocked with coffee, cheese, crackers, milk, orange juice-which was completely unexpected and very much appreciated. The apartment was impeccibly clean and was kept that way throughout our stay. The laundry service was excellent-the clothing we left in the morning was returned to our room in the evening. The apartment was very spacious, comfortable, quiet and in a very good location. Just half a blocks distance from the apartment building is a very convenient Enoteca (wine shop). The wine selection is great but we really loved the home made wines sold from the kegs across from the cash register. The wine maker/shop keeper could not speak English, but we were able to buy a 1.5 liter plastic water bottle filled with wine for about 3 Euro. An incredible deal considering not far away you can have a cup of coffee or a pot of tea served to you in Piazza San Marco for about $6.00/12,000 lire. Or you could order one cocktail in a hotel bar for $15.00/30,000 lire. The only unpleasant experience we had was one morning we awoke to the stench coming from the construction taking place in the sidewalk and the river.
Sincerely,
Wendy and Ken C.
Dear Cynthia,
Castello was a geat place to stay. Marco and the staff were very helpful.
I'd recommend the wine store just down the canal from the apartment and the local shopping in the neighborhood.
Paul A.
Dear Julie,
The accommodation was great. The fact that all the main rooms looked out over a side canal made it all very attractive and the sun shone all the time so we had a great holiday. The one big minus was the hot water system. First off all you had to learn how to get hot water to come out of the taps at all and even once you learned the technique it took several minutes for get acceptably hot water for showering etc. In a hotel at an equivalent price I would expect to turn a tap and get instant hot water. So although we had a great time we would probably wouldn't return to this particular apartment.
Ronald P.
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