I had high expectations of Villa Ines even before getting there. I planned this trip as a special surprise for my mother, who was visiting Venice for the first time. The owner, Marika, was very helpful and accommodating, promptly answering all the questions I emailed her.

We were not disappointed when we arrived at Villa Ines. It was very easy to get to Lido by water bus from the train station. Marika welcomed us herself, and we were shown to a clean and tastefully decorated room, with high quality bed linens and furnishings, including beautiful Murano glass lamps and a chandelier from Marika and her husband's own family furnace. The room had air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free wifi. The bathroom was also a very pleasant surprise, as it had a whirlpool tub and L'Occitane bath products: certainly not things you can expect to find in just any bed and breakfast. In the morning we were served a hearty, delicious breakfast in our room.

We found Lido to be an excellent base for exploring Venice. The island is very pretty, quiet and residential, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and yet easily accessible.
Marika is an excellent host, very warm, friendly and hospitable. Staying at her bed and breakfast really feels like being a guest in her home. She also happens to be a very accomplished chef, and the highlight of our stay was the cooking class we had with her in her well equipped, professional kitchen. My mother has always had great interest in Italian cuisine, and learning to make Venetian specialties from a world-class Italian chef was a wonderful treat for her. We especially appreciated the great tips that Marika gave us for making authentic Italian dishes using the ingredients we can find in our own country. After the lesson, we were able to enjoy the food that we made in the villa's beautiful garden.

Marika's kindness did not end with our stay at Villa Ines. We forgot something there and she was kind enough to mail it to us, and she even sent me a personal holiday greeting months after our visit.

All in all, our stay at Villa Ines was an unforgettable experience. It was obvious that Marika and her family really care about their guests and their experience. The bed and breakfast offers good value for money, especially in a city where hotel rates can be extortionate. Villa Ines truly is a gem that I would recommend to any visitor. When I go back to Venice, I know exactly where to stay.