geetika

We're a family of 4 adults and will be spending 3 nights each in Rome and Venice next June pre-cruise and I have been looking to rent an apartment at both places with Sleep in Italy. Their prices seem to be lower than what Airbnb and VRBO charge for similar apartments, wonder why? I also find mixed reviews for them, has anyone used them recently? Look forward to your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

ShellD

We used them for our apartment rental in Rome past June. They answered all of my emails very promptly and our apartment was amazing! I would definitely rent through them again.

andreadee

Yes...I have used Sleep in Italy. We found an apartment for our family of 5 that was in an excellent location. It had a master bath, bunk beds and a pull out sofa. It was clean but minimal. It was Boccacia Big. I would not recommend this apartment in particular but I would recommend the location. The employees at Sleep in Italy were English speaking and easy to work with. I would utilize their services again but would select a different apt.

I have a great tour guide in Rome if you need one. Her name is Daniela Sarghini...she was fantastic and accommodating. We still communicate with her via email and xmas cards. My children loved her...she was hip and cool. I would recommend her without reservation.

Daniela Sarghini ~ [email protected]

We also stayed in a lovely place in Venice....it was called Laconda Lacourt. It was reasonable and an old 16th century castle. Lovely place and nice accommodations.

Have a great trip. We are planning on returning to Italy in June 2014. This time we are staying in Sicily and going to Malta for a quick excursion. I could live in Italy!!!! This trip we are hopefully living like the locals...no museums...just beaches, shopping, cooking class maybe....

Enjoy your trip!

yorkshire

I WAS going to use them next week, but the US government shutdown nixed my trip to Rome (poor me). I have to give a big shout-out to Sleep in Italy because they have a policy to charge one night for a last-minute cancellation, and they waived that charge for me. So, while I did not get to use the apartment, I saw their customer service, which was exceptionally kind.
ps I think the mixed reviews are because the apartments all have different owners, and SiI is basically a broker. If you know what you need/want and evaluate a location yourself, I think it is a safe bet.

geetika

Thanks all, have emailed SiI and will see what they come up with. Am also looking at properties with VRBO, hopefully it'll all get done by next week - this is the first time we're renting, booking a hotel is so much easier! I guess I should take vacation protection coverage, makes sense in case of any cancellation, etc. BTW, hard luck about your trip getting nixed yorkshire Thanks again!

yorkshire

Yes, that is another thing I can recommend--without trip insurance, my wallet would have taken as big a hit as my soul!

geetika

Absolutely, yorkshire, better luck next time...

mama_mia

Geetika,
I have used Sleep in Italy twice (most recently in 2011)before and was very satisfied with the apartments and service.

We were in Rome this May (2013) but unfortunately Sleep in Italy did not have any apartments that suited us. We needed beds for four adult cousins and wanted 2 bathrooms. We ended up with an apartment through VRBO. The Casa Paradiso apartment was perfect and had great amenities. I slept on the sofa bed and found it very comfortable. There are two bedrooms: one double and one twin. Very nice.

http://www.vrbo.com/305032