Clea

I was looking to book one of the apartments listed in Romeby.com based on all the recommendations I have read here. The email I received said the reservation would be held until my arrival date, but with this statement in the next sentence: "Although we do not guarantee the availability of the accomodations offered". Okay, what does that really mean? Am I going to arrive in Rome and not have a place to stay? Then what? Has anyone who has used them been cancelled? I thought that was the point of making a reservation. help!

earl30

I can't speak specifically to Romeby. but you've encountered a frequent complaint by many people who book apartments in Europe. They look at pictures of a wonderful place in a great location, pay their deposit, arrive, and are told "sorry, that one is not available but we have another place for you". Then they are taken to an alternate apartment that has no realtion to what they originally booked. I'm generally only comfortable booking a specific apartment.

Christina

I think that does mean exactly what earl says -- something possibly could happen and it wouldn't be available, even though you reserved it -- if so, you cannot dispute it or try to get your money back (within the conditions of your contract). All vacation apt. rental firms I've researched or dealt with have that condition. A hotel has many rooms and probably can have something available, but if something happens with a specific apt., it may not be free. For example, something could be broken and need repairing so it is not habitable. Also, a lot of vacation rental apts. are owned by private owners (most, I think) who can just change their mind and take it out of the inventory.

It's just a legal clause and while there is always a change it can happen, the odds should be slim. They may be some firms that have a reputation for switching apts more than others, and those are what it is best to find out from recommendations. I do remember another post on here about some firm in Rome that switched apts, but don't remember the firm.

As to what would happen, the contract should specify. Usually they say they reserve the right to substitute another place, which is supposed to be same quality. I suppose it would be possible they wouldn't have one free, and then they should just refund your money, although they could put you in a difficult situation in some seasons.

Nikki

The Rome post that spoke of a switched apartment referred to sleepinitaly.com. I remember because at the time I had an apartment reserved with them and became slightly anxious after reading the report here. In the end I decided to keep my reservation and all went well.

ira

Hi clea,

This is always a problem when renting apts.

You have to keep in mind that you are dealing with very small businesses, the apt owners, who rarely have an inventory to fall back on in case of unforseen problems.

Romeby can only do its best to get you another place.

NYCFoodSnob

Where do people live where a last minute plumbing problem has not occurred? What is an apartment owner supposed to do with tomorrow's tenant when today's tenant accidentally flooded the place? What is a vacation rental agency supposed to do when the electricity of a building is shut off due to repairs in the area? What is that same agency supposed to do when the owner pulls the property after it has already been booked?

IF YOU NEED MAXIMUM SECURITY, STAY AWAY FROM APARTMENT RENTALS. (Was that loud enough?) Otherwise, you need a strong sense of adventure and a great sense of humor. Eight times out of ten, things will go as planned and you'll have a lovely time.

MissPicante

I have used www.Barclayweb.com to book apartments in Madrid, Rome, Paris and Seville and each time it was exactly the apartment advertised on the website. Nothing was ever said about substitutions. I would use them again, no problem.