Patrick

While I have often raved about our experience renting at Palazzo Olivia, I have found their prices have not only increased substantially since last year, but they have advised me they will again before next summer. Without air-conditioning and the increased prices, it has made me reconsider where to stay next June.

I found the following apartment from sleepinitaly.com:
http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_rondanini.html

It looks amazing, and they can confirm at 110 euro a night for next June. It even has my big three -- air conditioning, a regular walk in shower, and a lift, although not a problem there as it is on the first floor (US second).

So here's my main question (other than feed back if anyone has seen or stayed in this apartment). Do I recall that several people have commented on being "switched" to other apartments with sleepinitaly? I know it is common practice with some companies, and I'm just a little concerned, especially booking so far in advance, that I'd end up being told last minute, that apartment is taken and their offering me something quite different.

One other thing I really like about this place is that I only need to make a deposit of 70 euro which I can do with a credit card, and the balance on arrival. What's more I can cancel up to 15 days before and only lose the 70 euro deposit.

Patrick

And I can't believe I've erred on the very thing I often suggest to others. The city in question is ROME. Sorry.

Betsy

Gasp! What a gorgeous apartment at an unbelievable price. When you make the reservation, you might stipulate that you would definitely not accept being switched to another apartment (unless an emergency occurs) and would like the agency to put that in writing. Don't know if this would make any difference, though. Can't wait for your trip report.

Patrick

Well, Betsy, you'll HAVE to wait -- since that trip is nearly a year off! LOL

I've already emailed them back expressing my concerns about being switched and asking about my "obligations". My only question before to them had been if the apartment is dark, as in all those pictures there is no indication of windows. They pointed out that I missed the line about two windows from the living room looking out onto the quiet Piazza Rondanini.

I will say this. When I tried working with Sleep in Italy a few years ago, I found that nearly every really great looking apartment I requested was not available for my dates, so I'm not afraid to book way ahead if that's what it takes to get one of their "choice" apartments.

Betsy

Patience is a good thing, Patrick.

Google <Piazza Rondanini apartment>. This apartment is apparently represented by other agencies, and there are additonal photos on other sites. One shows a dining room view with what looks like a large window just outside camera range.

Betsy

Here's the one I was referrring to:
http://www.romesweethome.it/full_info.asp?ID_IM=1454

There may be others.

Patrick

Good sleuthing, Betsy. I have looked at a lot of Rome sites and had not seen this particular apartment. Interesting that the site you gave me is 50 euro a night more!
I don't think that is a strange window -- once you realize there is some more trompe l'oil next to it. Being an old building, I suspect the wall is about 2 feet thick and that window opens inward in that space, almost like a window seat.

I've actually had two emails each back and forth today with sleepinitaly (nice to see someone responding so quickly). First they suggested it is really very early to book for next year when I asked about being switched. When I explained that a couple years ago I got "shut out" of the really nice apartments and said I didn't mind sending a deposit this early if it really does assure me of this particular apartment, then he responded "by all means, then let's do it now". He also mentioned that sometimes apartments are owned by people who end up using the apartment themselves. However, he said the woman who owns this one is practically never in Rome -- and certainly not in summer, so there should be no reason to switch.
Anyway, guess I'll go for it.

Patrick

I swear I've had nothing to drink for lunch. Why did I think you said "strange window" when you actually said "large window"? Must need new computer glasses!

Betsy

LOL Patrick, I was wondering that myself. Was trying not to analyze whether it was some kind of Freudian slip. Probably more realistic to attribute it to needing new computer specs.

julia_t

Hi Patrick - just wondering if you did reserve this apartment for June, and whether you have had any problems with sleepinitaly, changes, etc.

I had a reservation for October for another apartment which I have just been told is not now available; This Piazza Rondanini looks to be a very adequate substitute and I am seriously considering it.

I see from another thread that Neopolitan has reserved this apartment for the first week in June, so if you read this, perhaps you could post to let me know if your booking has proceeded smoothly.

Many thanks.

bobthenavigator

Julia, That was a year ago and Patrick has not been around for some time.

Statia

Patrick hasn't been around lately, but maybe "Neopolitan" can give you some further info.

Topping for him.

Betsy

Good one, Statia

julia_t

I know I haven't seen Patrick's name for a while, but this thread was started last year, and he was then looking at reserving this apartment for June 2006.

I 'resurrected' this thread in the hope that maybe Patrick still looked in occasionally, or had maybe even 'reincarnated' as certain other posters have done.

I also hoped that Neopolitan might spot the title and add something interesting and/or useful.