Venice Dream Apartment: Belvilla N20 Awaits!
Venice Dream Apartment: Belvilla N20 Awaits! - My Venice Rhapsody (and a few bumps)
Alright, let's be honest, Venice. You're a bloody dream. And Belvilla N20… well, that was the promise of that dream. I’m still trying to piece it all together – the gondola rides, the gelato stains, the sheer, overwhelming beauty. So, here's my unfiltered, messy, and VERY opinionated take on this apartment and the Venetian experience. Buckle up, buttercups.
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First Impressions: The Canal-Side Allure (and my luggage's nemesis)
Finding the place was… an adventure. Let’s just say Venetian alleyways are not designed with rolling suitcases in mind. Thank God for the "Car Park [on-site]" - although “on-site” translated to “a five-minute, slightly stressful walk through cobblestones, praying your wheel doesn't break.” The elevator? Praise the heavens. "Elevator" is a lifeline in Venice. Seriously. Especially after you've wrestled that suitcase through what feels like a labyrinth.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
Honestly? "Facilities for disabled guests" is a bit… optimistic. While the elevator was a huge win (thank you, actual guardian angels), many aspects pointed at this apartment being mostly, but not fully, accessible. The details weren’t spelled out: was the front door wide enough? The bathroom accessible? I didn’t need those features, but the lack of clarity made me wonder. So much potential, but not perfect. “CCTV in common areas” and “CCTV outside property” were reassuring though - safety always helps you relax, right?
The Wi-Fi Wars - or "How I Learned to Love (and Mostly Hate) the Internet"
Okay, deep breaths. The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was a vital selling point. I'm talking digital nomad, social media obsessed, needs-to-know-everything-immediately level of dependent. The "Internet access – wireless" was… patchy. Let's just say I spent more time muttering curses towards the internet than I did admiring the view from my window (which, to be fair, was stunning). “Internet access – LAN” was a welcome surprise, providing a more stable connection but limiting my mobility. “Wi-Fi in public areas” – didn’t even bother, after the room experience.
Living the (Potential) High Life: Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and Did I Mention the Wi-Fi?
This is where the apartment teased me. The "Pool with view" (though it wasn't even on the property, so I was being lied to!) sounded heavenly. The "Spa/sauna" facilities? Sigh. My body wrap dreams, unfulfilled. The "Fitness center"? I'd rather walk the canals (which I did, a LOT). Essentially, if you're looking for a pamper paradise within the apartment, you’re probably going to be disappointed. “Gym/fitness” still felt very far away.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassurances in a Chaotic World
The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays" are all massive thumbs up in this day and age. Really, that's a massive weight off your shoulders. "Hand sanitizer" readily available? Another plus. I truly appreciated the obvious effort put in. The "Room sanitization opt-out available" was also a nice touch, allowing you to choose what to do.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (or a Quest for a Decent Coffee)
Let’s talk about the food. Now, the "Bottle of water" on arrival: a small, lovely gesture. "Breakfast [buffet]" or "Breakfast service" would have been amazing, but I wasn’t provided any. The "Coffee/tea maker" in the room saved me. Let's be real here: finding a decent coffee in some areas of Venice can be harder than finding a gondola that takes Amex. The "Restaurants" nearby offered incredible food. The "Poolside bar" (which I didn't see, because there was no pool!) was a cruel joke. The "Snack bar" within the premises could have been a life saver, but it didn't exist.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches That Matter
"Daily housekeeping" – bless them! My room was always immaculate. The "Concierge" was helpful with restaurant recommendations (essential!). The "Laundry service" was a godsend after my gelato-fuelled adventures. But sometimes the little things make a huge difference. The "Free bottled water" was a nice touch, although it wasn't quite enough. On the other hand "Air conditioning in public area" and "Air conditioning," made it so much easier.
Inside the Apartment: My Personal Venetian Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room - the "Non-smoking" "Couple's room" – was… well, it was decent. The "Air conditioning" worked like a charm. The "Blackout curtains" were crucial for a good sleep after all that exploring. "Free Wi-Fi" failed to meet my needs. The “Bathrooms" and the "Shower" was good and simple, the "Daily housekeeping" was a boon to the cleanliness.
The "Seating area" was a nice touch for reading, and the "Refrigerator" kept my prosecco chilled. The "Coffee/tea maker" kept my mornings sane. I actually really utilized the "In-room safe box."
Getting Around: Navigating Venice Like a Local (After a Few Wrong Turns) The "Airport transfer" service was convenient. "Taxi service" made a lot easier, especially after late nights. I was glad there was a "Car park [on-site]"
For the Kids: Didn't Experience it, but…
I didn't travel with kids, but it looked like a family-friendly spot, with "Babysitting service,” "Family/child friendly" features.
The Verdict: Worth It? With Caveats.
Belvilla N20 is a mixed bag. The location is phenomenal, the potential is there, and the safety measures are impeccable. But the internet frustrations are real (and for someone who craves connectivity, painful), and some of the amenities advertised don't exactly live up to the hype.
Would I go back? Maybe. Venice is magical enough to outweigh the downsides. But next time, I'm bringing a portable Wi-Fi router and setting my expectations accordingly. And maybe a good book, just in case the internet finally gives up the ghost.
Escape to Bliss: Your Dream Forest Getaway in Bligny-sur-Ouche, France
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-edited travel guide. This is Venice, baby, and the itinerary I'm about to unleash on you, based around Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N20? It's gonna be a beautiful mess. Consider yourself warned.
Venice: The Unfiltered Itinerary (AKA "How I Survived & Possibly Thrived in the City of Water")
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Panic, and the Pursuit of Aperol
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Marco Polo Airport. Already sweating. Why is everyone so chic? Where's my "I survived a long-haul flight and look vaguely presentable" badge?
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: The vaporetto (water bus) from the airport. Oh, the vaporetto. Beautiful, chaotic, slightly terrifying. Trying to maintain a "cultured" air, secretly clinging to my luggage for dear life. Scenery: glorious. My brain: mush.
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Finally find Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N20. It’s… well, it's Venetian. The key is fiddly. The front door is ancient and slightly creaky. Already love it. And it's on the third floor, no elevator. Great exercise after the long flight.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Unpack (mostly). Discover I’ve forgotten my favourite lipstick (the end!). Commence mild internal freak-out. But the balcony! OMG, the balcony. Tiny, overlooking a canal. I can practically smell the romance. Must. Find. Aperol. Spritz.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Search for Aperol. Wandering lost near Rialto Bridge. Ask for directions. Get pointed in five different directions. Embrace the glorious, infuriating chaos. Finally stumble upon a tiny bacaro (wine bar). Aperol acquired. Life restored. The first sip? Pure, fizzy, golden bliss. This is why I came.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch: Pizza. It was greasy. It was wonderful. I ate it with my fingers. Don't. Judge. Me.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Rialto Bridge, the crowds. Ugh. Beautiful, sure, but the jostling! Managed to take one decent photo before giving up and retreating to a quiet alley. Note: Alleyways are gold.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploration. Get lost (again!). Discover a tiny church with a hidden courtyard. Sit. Breathe. Let the Venice hit me, slowly.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner! Seafood pasta. Heaven. The waiter flirted with me, which may or may not have been due to my terrible Italian. Who cares? I was on cloud nine, right until a rogue seagull decided my plate looked delicious. Never have I jumped so high in my life. Seriously, those birds are ruthless.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to the apartment. Balcony time. Watching the gondolas drift by. Taking the world. Slowly, deliberately, thinking of the next day.
Day 2: Churches, Gondolas, and Questionable Gelato Choices
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Sun streaming in. That balcony… Sigh. The water is a constant gentle murmur just below, and the day offers a blank page.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast at a local cafe. Croissant, cappuccino, and the sweet taste of freedom. Reading a physical book! I am embracing the slow pace.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: San Marco Square, St. Mark's Basilica. The church is stunning, the pigeons are ravenous. Consider buying birdseed, only to be stopped by the guilt of feeding them.
- 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM: Wandering around the back-streets, getting delightfully lost. Finding art-gallery. It's way of the beaten path.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Gondola ride! It was ridiculously expensive, I will admit, but also… magical. The gondolier sang a little, I tried not to cry (the romance! The water! The utter ridiculousness of it all!). It was pure tourist bliss.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at a hole-in-the-wall place. Pasta with white wine and garlic!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Gelato time! Decided to be adventurous and try a flavour called "Stracciatella di Noci" (translation: "Walnut Raggedy"). It looked promising… it tasted like… well, I'm not sure what it tasted like, but it wasn't great. Regret.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Church of San Giorgio Maggiore - The climb to the top of the bell tower offers spectacular views. That's, like, the entire city's view.
- 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM: More getting lost. Stumbled upon an incredible little bookstore.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I saw the chef carry in the fresh seafood. The food was incredible, and felt like a gift after the gelato.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: More balcony time, probably involving wine. Maybe a little stargazing, if the city lights allow. Venice, you beautiful, messy, wonderful thing.
Day 3: Murano, Burano, and the Day I Almost Drowned (Metaphorically)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The bread seemed fresh, and everything was in order.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Murano & Burano. Okay, Murano. Glass! Pretty, expensive glass. I resisted the urge to buy everything. Burano! Colourful houses! Like a cartoon exploded! I took a million photos. I felt happy. I got lost in the beauty.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Quick lunch at Burano: fresh seafood again. So good.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Return to Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N20. Some much needed relaxation, but the balcony calls!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempt to navigate the streets around Palazzo Ducale. This proved harder than it should. Too many people (again!). Started feeling overwhelmed. Briefly considered throwing myself into the canal for a moment of peace.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Found a tiny caffè and ordered a strong coffee. Needed it to regroup. Breathe. Remember why I came. Escape.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner near San Polo. Sat outside, watching the world go by. Felt my love for Venice begin to renew. The food was fantastic and simple which revived my mood.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to the apartment. Packing. Feeling a little sad that this adventure is coming to an end. Planning for another trip as soon as I possibly can.
Day 4: Farewell, Venice (Until Next Time)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. A quick snack to make myself at home in the apartment.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last walk around the neighbourhood. Said goodbye to the canals, the little shops, and the sneaky seagulls.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check-out from Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N20. The key is more cooperative this time. Feeling a bittersweet pang of sadness.
- 12:00 PM - onwards: Travel to the end.
Final Thoughts:
Venice is overwhelming, expensive, and sometimes frustrating. You will get lost. You will eat questionable gelato. You will be jostled by crowds. But, and this is a big but, it's also breathtakingly beautiful, utterly romantic, and filled with a magic that seeps into your bones. I'm already planning my return. Don't let the imperfections scare you. Embrace the mess. Venice wants you to love it as much as it loves itself. And trust me, you will. Now, where's that souvenir shop…
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Italian Villa Awaits in Acqualagna!
Okay, spill. Is Belvilla N20 actually worth the *hype*? My Instagram feed is screaming "Venice!" and I'm starting to feel the FOMO.
Ugh, Instagram, right? Let’s be real. Hype? Yes. Worth it? ...Mostly. Look, Venice is a sensory OVERLOAD. So, Belvilla N20. I wouldn't call it the *pinnacle* of Venetian luxury, okay? Remember, you're *in* Venice. Expect some slightly wonky plumbing, the occasional "mystery" damp spot (thank you, humidity), and a lock that'll make you feel like you're trying to crack the Enigma code, especially after a couple of Spritzes. And I'm speaking from experience, okay? Getting locked out at 2 AM? NOT my finest hour. But...the *location* is AMAZING. Seriously. You step out the door, and BAM! You're in a tiny, winding alleyway. Forget the Grand Canal for a second (you *will* get there), and imagine it. The authenticity is worth any small hiccups. Honestly? I'd go back. But pack a sense of humor!
The pictures look…charming. But are they *real* charming, or that Airbnb-filtered kind of charming?
Okay, here's the truth. The pictures...they're probably better than it *looks* in person. But that's Venice, baby! It's all about the hidden beauty, the things that are a little *imperfect* that, weirdly, make it perfect. Expect a bit of a "lived-in" feel (it’s not a sterile hotel room, thank GOD), maybe some slightly uneven floors. That's part of the charm! And, trust me, in this apartment, you're not just *staying* in Venice. You're *living* it. But, okay, I will say: That bathroom mirror? It’s questionable. Lighting is brutal. But hey, it made me leave the apartment looking *fabulous*. I kid!
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *central* or am I going to spend my entire trip lost and frustrated?
Okay, location, location, location. This is where Belvilla N20 earns its stripes. It’s genuinely *good*. Not on the main drag, so you’re spared the hordes (mostly), but close enough to everything you actually *want*. The Rialto Bridge? Easily walkable. San Marco Square? Same deal. It's that ideal balance: close enough to the action, far enough to get a break from the crowds. I mean, I got a little turned around the first day – everyone does! – but I *eventually* learned to navigate the maze. Pro-tip: Download a map *before* you leave, and make a mental note of some landmark. Because Google Maps on your phone is basically useless once you hit those narrow alleys. (And no, I didn't ask for directions; I just retraced my steps, and ended up discovering some *amazing* little hidden cafes.)
Are the bedrooms adequate? I need good sleep and a comfortable bed after a long day of exploring!
Okay, the bedrooms. They're *fine*. Don't expect a king-sized bed with 1000 thread-count sheets (this isn’t the Four Seasons, remember?). The beds are functional. I slept. Did I sleep *perfectly*? Well, the church bells *do* toll. A lot. And the walls aren’t soundproof. (Welcome to Venice. It's a noisy place.) But hey, earplugs exist, right? And after a day of wandering, trust me: you *will* sleep. Just bring some earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
The kitchen? Is it even *usable* or just for show? I want to make my own simple breakfasts, at the very least.
The kitchen…it's…functional. Think "Italian grandma's kitchen" vibes. Which is to stay, expect it to be basic, but full of the stuff you need, if a little…*charming*. (And perhaps a bit dated. Some things don't get old, just…grow up next to the current stuff, yeah?) You can absolutely make breakfast. Coffee maker? Check. Fridge? Check. Basic utensils? Yep. Don't expect to whip up a Michelin-star meal. But you can make a panini, scramble some eggs, and enjoy a delightful breakfast before hitting the streets. (And you *should* hit the streets first thing. The magic hour is a must for your memories.) Just…maybe buy your groceries before you *completely* forget you need them after a day of sight-seeing.
Wifi? Essential. Or, at least, very, very helpful. How's the connection?
Ah, the internet. It's…*there*. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds for streaming movies (you're in Venice! Go *look* at the canals!), but it's adequate for checking emails, sharing (some) photos, and planning your next adventure. I managed to video-call my family (briefly!), which made me feel good. And it’s nice to have when you are trying to find where your next meal should come from (because there are honestly a million options).
Cleaning? Is it actually *clean*? I can't stand a dirty place.
Okay, okay, the cleanliness. It was…fine. Look, Italy isn't always obsessively clean in the way some cultures are, so adjust your expectations. But, yes, the place was *cleaned* before our arrival. The sheets were clean, the bathroom was… acceptable, and the kitchen didn't have any obvious horrors lurking. (I inspected.) Honestly, in the grand scheme of things, I was more concerned with the pigeons on the windowsill, which, by the way, are *relentless*. But, hey, you're *in* a city that is literally sinking. Don't expect perfection. Just expect to have a great time.
Any hidden fees or extra charges I should know about? Surprise costs are the worst.
Read the fine print, people! Always. I can't remember *exactly* what was specified, but I *think* there was a cleaning fee and maybe a city tax. Nothing outrageous, but definitely read everything. Don't get caught by some unexpected costs! These things are the worst. Especially when you're planning to have gelato every day.
