Ca' ORFEO

We stayed here for 3 nights. Venice is a small city, and the place is in a good location - 15 minutes walk to everything.
The guy doesn't speak a word of English, but he seems nice, and we got by with a few fragmented phrases in Italian, German and French. We found the place ok but on arrival he got cranky with us for not calling him from the station, and we forgot a form, though we had the confirmation details. So make sure you follow his instructions or he will get cranky at you!
We got the cheapest room I think, on the top floor, and it was small but adequate. Taking our luggage upstairs (there's no elevator) was a hassle, and my gf dreaded "the stairs" after a long day of walking around Venice. The shower wasn't very good, and we got woken every morning on the hour and half hour by church bells. I'm not sure if this is an issue everywhere in Venice as there are a lot of churches, but we could hear quite a few different churches going off.
Overall I'd say the location is good but you get woken by bells, the price is not bad for Venice, the room was ok, the shower sucked, the owner was nice but initially cranky. I probably wouldn't recommend it based on the shower and early morning church wake up calls, but otherwise you get what you pay for.

Very pleasant hotel and owner. Was keenly priced and was about right it. Room description was accurate. If this is the type of accommodation being looked for - would recommend.

Strange system to pay for the apartment, which wasn't explained very well at point of booking - an international draft needs to be sent to secure the booking, with full payment, in cash, upon arrival. Not the most efficient way of booking accommodation, I'm afraid, especially when the international draft costs money to prepare. The situation is not helped by the fact the landlord speaks little to no English - it is only for the fact that I could converse with him in German that our stay was relatively smooth.
The room/apartment itself was adequate - if you needed a bed and bathroom and no more then this is fine, but do not expect any luxury. I certainly wouldn't use the kitchen (mouldy fridge).
The location is nice and central, though - ideal for the main sights of Venice yet in a quiet location, away from the crowds.
Overall, the idea of your own apartment is good, although next time I would be more inclined to go for a hotel, even though it may be the more expensive option...

basic but clean. Good location.