theveniceneighbours.com

Local suggestions to live Venice at its best / for its best

Tag: venice

  • pulizie e Check-in

    pulizie e Check-in

    Sei un Host privato e non vuoi dar via la gestione? Far da sé non è fattibile, arrangiarsi con amici e conoscenti neanche.

    Sei un’agenzia, ma non hai il personale che possa seguire le operazioni quotidiane del turistico?

    Serve una mano, la nostra.

    Prendi le prenotazioni, gestisci l’annuncio annuncio in completa libertà, blocca le date per quei tuoi amici che vengono a trovarti e lascia le incombenze delle operazioni quotidiane a noi. Lascia noi ad occuparci delle pulizie e dei check-in. Questo è quello che facciamo tutti i giorni dell’anno. Inoltre, possiamo darti consigli su tariffe e sconti, aiutarti con i tecnicismi fin dal principio, dai documenti da presentare in Comune ed in Questura, al necessaire per un soggiorno ideale per i tuoi Ospiti. Su richiesta possiamo anche fornire il servizio di guest assistant, sincronizzare i calendari ed impostare il channel manager: strumenti essenziali per il lavoro che ti permetteranno di stare al passo con i competitors.

    Collaboriamo già con diverse agenzie di intermediazione, alcune da anni, sia con uffici in città, sia di fuori. Ci basta un accesso al gestionale, abbiamo già i messaggi predefiniti pronti.

    I servizi base

    Check-in

    Riceviamo Ospiti dal 2010 e per conto d’altri dal 2015. Siamo professionisti del ricevimento. Assistiamo gli Ospiti anche a Natale. Ed in caso di emergenze, avranno sempre un numero di telefono di riferimento. Pensavi al self check-in? Accogliamo gli Ospiti in videochiamata per accertarci che non siano in sovrannumero, che si trovino a loro agio e per rispondere ad eventuali quesiti.

    Pulizie

    Le nostre cameriere, esperte ed affidabili, si prenderanno cura della casa tra un arrivo ed un altro. I lavori di fondo vengono inseriti nelle routine quotidiane, così da non lasciare nulla indietro. Ed i detergenti sono a carico nostro, così da non avere sorprese e scontrini a fine mese.

    Biancheria

    Pensiamo noi a fornirla ed è la medesima utilizzata da alcuni 4* e 5* in città. Niente lavatrici in casa da stendere o stirare. Limpida e sterilizzata, in puro cotone, bianca come la neve.

    Linea di cortesia

    Detergenti neutri dalla profumazioni delicate, oltre alla fornitura di ingredienti base in cucina. Tutto a carico nostro, incluso il caffè per la moka.

    Anche se solo per un periodo limitato (come le tue ferie) o un arrivo estemporaneo, possiamo coprirti noi. Solo 24 ore di preavviso, poche informazioni cruciali e ci pensiamo noi.

    La portineria

    Infine La Portineria, il nostro quartier generale. Un po’ reception, un po’ una moderna guardiola del portiere di palazzo, è dove:

    • offriamo il servizio deposito bagagli;
    • compiliamo le pratiche burocratiche: Turismo5 e tabelle per dichiarazioni trimestrali;
    • organizziamo arrivi ed occasionalmente attendiamo Ospiti per poi accompagnarli;
    • rispondiamo alle richieste degli Ospiti: prenotazione ristoranti, taxi, visite e tour guidati;
    • fermo posta e punto consegne online (per residenti, proprietari ed Ospiti);
    • centro smistamento turisti dispersi alla ricerca di San Marco, stazione, p. Roma,..

    Passa a trovarci

    laPortineria di the Venice Neighbours
    S.re Castello 5698
    Calle del Volto
    Venezia, 30122
    Italia

    Inviaci un messaggio

    Compila il form per avere un preventivo gratuito


  • Rubbish & Recycling

    Rubbish & Recycling

    Until a couple of years ago we could leave our garbage bags on the doorstep and the dustmen would collect them. However, this was the state of every single spot of town in the mornings.

    Littering in Venice

    Seagulls and rats were absolutely happy about this. They had fresh food leftovers every night. A real party for them, a pure hygienic nightmare for us. We could not cope with it.

    Nowadays we still do the door-to-door collection. However the rubbish bag and the recycling bag must be either handed over to the dustmen or brought to the boat.

    In the morning you will hear the doorbell ringing. Often a loud voice will shout outside:

    ”Spazzinooo!” (“Dustmen!”)

    the dustmen

    If you have a smelly garbage bag (e.g. because of nappies or fruit or fish leftovers), a full one or it’s check out day, that’s the call.

    Handing over the garbage and the recycling is main thing we ask you on check-out day. It is crucial as this service ends before checkout time.

    How does it work

    They will come by between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. In case you had out before they come, you may hand it directly to them on the streets or by the boat. Yes, the trash-boat. In your hometown you have trash trucks, haven’t you? We got trash-boats. On the map in the official flyer (here below) you can see which one is the closest to you.

    Garbage collection mapDownload

    When and what time

    Every morning from Monday to Saturday they will collect the general waste. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they will collect paper. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays glass + plastic + tins. No collection on Sundays.

    Any type of bag is good to go. Shopping bags, supermarket bags, plastic bags, whatever. Colours do not matter. The content is important. 

    Be careful: not recycling correctly and littering (also leaving it on the doorstep or using public bins is considered littering) are subject to fines (from €167). 

    Thank you for your cooperation.
  • Wrong Questions

    Wrong Questions

    Honestly, we want to play a bit with you. Don’t get upset. Sometimes we have to answer to some questions that make our legs wobble.
    Let’s clear them out.

    We are driving to Venice. Where can I park?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    Can we come to the apartment, drop the luggage and then go to park?

    × only if your car is amphibious or a hovercraft or the apartment is in Mestre you can make it. Have you ever seen images of cars in Venice?

    Where is the best place to catch a gondola?

    × Any small canal is good. One worth another.

    What’s the best price for a gondola?

    × Since 2013 you don’t have to bargain anymore, there are fixed prices -> €80 before 7 PM, €100 afterwards.

    Any suggestion for a gondola ride?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    Can you swim in Venice?

    ✓ Sure, along the beach at Lido or in some remote lagoon island.

    Can you swim in the canals?

    × Do you roll wearing swimsuit or pants only in the roads back home? You don’t, do you? Why? PS: you might be subject to dear fines => up to €400!

    What’s wrong with resting a sec on a bridge?

    × You will jam up the pedestrian traffic. A bridge makes a bottle neck effect. As much as little space you can take, this situation will get worse, making the traffic go slower.

    What’s wrong with resting a sec on a bridge? [it’s not a typo, read twice, that’s better]

    × You will jam up the pedestrian traffic. A bridge make a bottle neck effect. As much as little space you can take, this situation will get worse, making the traffic go slower, increasing immensely the chance that a resident will tell you off.

    Can I have a picnic around Venice?

    × would you have a snack or a meal on a table where 40 millions of people walks on, seagulls pigeons and dogs walked, ate and p….ed? That’s the simplest reason why residents will look at you disgusted while you are biting your sandwich or licking your ice-cream

    Where can I get the best cannoli?

    × in Sicily, for sure. It’s a typical Sicilian cake. Here we get the same frozen stuff you can find at Tesco’s, Walmart’s or Carrefour’s.

    Where can I get the best pizza?

    × in Napoli, for sure. What we found here that is almost a pizza, you find it listed here.

    What’s the best food typical in Venice?

    × I’d say Sarde in Saor. My wife says the liver. Others the cod or sea snails. Every mouth is different. Maybe you are vegetarian.

    Where is the best pasta?

    × You can’t be serious. We are in Italy. We can’t mess up with that. If you find some rubbish pasta in any of our favorite eateries, let us know and we set it on fire.

    Do you have some good restaurants to suggest?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    What’s the best restaurant in Venice?

    × How can we say what’s the best for you? I love small taverns and can’t stand the fancy Nouvelle cuisine . Maybe you are bored of traditional italian food and you like gourmet restaurants.

  • How survive in Venice / How let Venice survive

    How survive in Venice / How let Venice survive

    Never forget that Venice is a very peculiar city, must be treated with a special care by everyone, including you

    Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming and crowded with tourists. To have a more authentic and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Here are some tips for exploring in Venice responsibly.

    Backpacks on waters

    The water buses can get crowded, and it’s important to save space for other passengers. Sailors will remind you to remove your backpack to make more room.

    Backstreets boys win

    The best views and most authentic shops are away from the main streets. The larger and more crowded a street is, the more likely it is to be full of tourist traps and cheap souvenir shops. Walk down the backstreets for a more authentic experience. You may get lost. Oh well.

    Don’t sit on steps or bridges

    While it may seem tempting to rest on the steps of a church or bridge, it’s important to remember that these are public spaces and not meant for lounging. Instead, sit at a café or restaurant and enjoy the view.

    City tax / tourist tax

    Many cities around the world have a tourist tax, and Venice is no exception. The tax must be paid in cash upon arrival, and it’s important to have the correct amount ready. Please note: If you booked through Booking.com, the tax may not have been collected yet, just indicated a rough amount.

    Dry mouth

    There are many little taps around Venice that provide fresh tap water. The water is drinkable and free, so fill up your water bottle instead of buying expensive bottled water. The San Benedetto, an Italian famous soft drink company, has the main production plant in the Venice mainland area and uses the same water spring for their drinks. Otherwise wine is always a good option.

    Famelish

    How to fill that ginormous blackhole in your stomach while waiting for a main meal? Here are some hints to navigate in this sea of snackbars / cafes / taverns / takeaway in town.

    • Pasta-to-go, the disgusting option. Pre-cooked pasta briefly stir-fried in a sauce from a jar, eaten from a cardboard carton walking the streets. Every time a portion of that is ordered, an italian nanny cries.
    • Gelato, the sweet option. Scout for any place which is “artigianale”: at least, they make their own icecream.
    • Cicheti, the traditional option. Meatballs, finger food, crostini, tramezzini and other goodies (a rich list is on the blog) to have at the counter of a bacaro (local nickname for tavern – here our fav). Best thing to wash it down is wine (“ombra”, tiny glass of house wine). Or Prosecco.
    feeding pigeons

    It’s not only illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice, but it’s also unhealthy and unsanitary. Avoid feeding the pigeons and enjoy the city’s beauty from a safe distance. Why would you do that?

    Got lost? Need info?

    See Restroom.

    Identification & safety

    It’s our duty to notice the Police Office who is in our apartments within 24h from the arrival. That’s why we’ll ask you to scan your ID / passport when you check-in. These informations will be partially shared with the City Board and Tourist Boards: that’s why we’ll need to see them on arrival. We consider this topic extremely important as they are sensitive contents. Here you may find our GDPR compliant privacy policy.

    Maps

    You may find handy giving a look to this map with our favourite shops in town and this one with fair-trade shops, organic food sellers, free tap sinks and much more.

    Murano glass and authentic masks

    Plenty of shops sells fake Murano glass and plastic masks. Check always the tag behind and ask if they are manufactured in Venice before buying it. In town there are plenty of small craft shops #supportlocal

    Restroom / loo / public toilets

    There are several public toilets in town. Not many, pricey and smelley. It’s a good alternative in Italy to:

    1.  in a bar or a cafe
    2. order a soft drink, bottled water or coffee to have at the counter (or at the tables, if you prefer)
    3. ask if the restroom is available
    4. use it while your drink is prepared
    5. get your drink
    6. ciao
    Recycling

    Contribute to keep clean and tidy this place (read “the world”) respecting the recycling and waste collection methods and times: you can find the official flyer in the folder of the apartment or here

    it’s a bridge, not a bench

    Would you park your car in a tunnel? Probably not. Everyone has to go through the bridges so the “traffic” should be as smoother as possible. Stopping on a tiny or crowded bridge will make impossible walking by you for the others.

    Support local economy

    Residents in Venice still purchase in little shops. Shopping at small family-run businesses like butchers and bakeries will help support the local economy and keep Venice authentic and maintaining its social texture.

    Tasting free samples

    We don’t consider polite asking to sip a wine or a taste of ice-cream before ordering it, unless the tavern’s host or the parlour’s clerk suggests. Rather order just a glass or a scoop of it.

    The selfie-stick slap

    When you are finally taking a selfie, be careful how you move the stick around. You might hit someone. Also if you are just pointing out directions or things to see. You may still poke someone in the eye.

    Venice is a live city, not an amuse park

    Remember that Venice is a live city, not an amusement park. Be respectful of the locals and their daily activities, and try to contribute to keeping the city clean and tidy by following the recycling and waste collection methods.. Be respectful like you would like tourist would be in your hometown. Thank you

    Walk on the right side

    Just like driving, we follow this street code. Walking on the left side will occur several “accidents” and disputes.

    Window shopping

    Feel free to walk in any shop you like, you don’t need to buy anything, you can just look around, but remember always to say “Buongiorno” (good morning) and “Arrivederci” (goodbye) walking in and out.