Venice - suggested neighborhoods for apartment rental

[jenmjm]

So far, we have one other couple confirmed to go with us on our Mediterranean cruise next year.  We want to spend a couple days in Venice, and we'd like to rent an apartment.  Besides Piazza San Marco's neighborhood, are there any other locations you can suggest that are still close to the city's hot spots and public transportation?  I assume that we'll be doing a lot of walking and maybe taking the vaporettos.  Thanks for any suggestions that might help me narrow my search on VRBO and other sites!!

[clseale]

After doing a bit of research, I booked our hotel in the Dorsoduro sestiere. We don't leave for another 3 months, but I'll be happy to let you know my thoughts when we return!