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Rome apt help, aka I may hang myself soon. . .

Rome apt help, aka I may hang myself soon. . .

Old Jun 27th, 2008, 05:38 AM
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Rome apt help, aka I may hang myself soon. . .

I have been searching the threads on Rome apartments, and it is clear that I am not alone in how overwhelming this process feels. I am completely down to the wire on planning, so I know that my delay has limited our choices. We will be in Rome for 3 nights, July 14-17th. Here's the deal. . .

I have found an apartment that I really like and that suits our family AND is in our budget AND is available. The only problem is that I am having a hard time finding reviews for the company that are recent. I have looked on Slow travel, I've been there, and Trip advisor, and, of course, Fodor's for information. There are a couple awful reviews from 2006--but it looks like most of them are from a few people who posted on every review site out there. The most recent review (April 2008) is of the exact apartment that we are interested in and is glowing.

This is the apartment that we have found and really like.
http://romerentalapartments.com/cont...25/62/lang,en/
It is listed through Rome Rental Apartments, named "zeus2". I can't find anything about the agency or apt, + or -. The same apartment is listed through Rome City Apartments, named "helios2". http://www.romecityapartments.com/default_new.aspx Rome City Apartments has had some negative reviews in the past but was given good marks most recently here http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18586
The apartment is 120 Euros/nt through Rome City Apartments, and 133.33 Euros/nt through Rome Rental Apartments and their terms and conditions are nearly identical.

My dilemma is this: Do I book this apartment trusting in the most recent review? Or do I start this painstaking process from the beginning? Or do I just give up and hang myself from the rafters?

I would really prefer to avoid the last option! Any insight is much appreciated.
pgnewby is offline  
Old Jun 27th, 2008, 06:10 AM
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What's the worst case scenario? You're only going to be there for 3 nights...

It looks clean and nice. It suits you, your budget and your family. It's available.

Your time is limited.

Book it ASAP!
TuckH is offline  
Old Jun 27th, 2008, 06:22 AM
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Hello pgnewby

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and go for it.

I agree with Tuck - book it now!
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 06:30 AM
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Can you call? If there's something specific that bothers you from the negative reviews you could ask the rental companies for an update on the problems.

Book soon!
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 08:01 AM
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I understand your dilemma. I've booked an apartment for September that looks perfect for our 4 nights in Rome, but I can't find any reviews. We decided to hope for the best and give it a try. There are so many apartments out there that they all can't be reviewed! My thinking is that if someone stayed there and it was horrible we would be more likely to hear about it.

At least that's what I'm telling myself. I say book your apartment. You don't have much time!
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 09:18 AM
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Ahh, thanks everyone. I can get stressed with the whole planning process and just needed the "go ahead".

I called and spoke with a representative, Umberto, who seemed quite organized. He even referred to me by name when talking about my earlier availability request email. I asked a few questions and he seemed more than willing to answer them. What more could I ask for? Well, except for that nagging fear to disappear!

I am holding my breath and hoping all goes smoothly. I'll let everyone know after our trip!

Thanks again for talking me down from the noose!
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 10:10 AM
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About 10 years ago I started booking villas and apartments in Europe, ones that I found on the internet doing google searches. Some websites had reviews, others didn't but it didn't really bother me. I trusted my instincts and had no major problems with anywhere I booked. OK, so the plumbing on the Spanish villa was very dodgy but the swimming pool made up for that (even though we had to use buckets of water from it to flush the toilet some days LOL!)

The way I saw it with renting apartments was we were really only sleeping in the place, if it wasn't perfect it was an adventure anyway, and the most important thing for me was a safe location in a city.

Until 4 years ago I had not discovered fodors, tripadvisor, or any other travel/review websites. They all offer wonderful resources, and I am glad I have them available, but I think they can lead one to over-obsess about things that in the greater scheme of things don't matter that much.

If you have found an apartment that you like the look of, fits the budget, and is available at what is now short notice, then go for it.

And have a great time in Rome!
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 10:14 AM
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Our apartment in Rome, rented by friends with whom we were staying, was nothing like the photos. Would not have chosen it if we knew what it really was...but...it was fine. We were there just a week. We were not buying it or worse, have bought it. Whatever, as long as it has beds, running water, and the location is ok, you will manage. It turned out we really liked the neighborhood and the people there were very friendly. I even found a tailor to alter some DH pants.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2008, 02:21 PM
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I have gone ahead and booked the apartment. I booked online and was worried when the confirmation email detailing the check in process never arrived. It was to be sent "within 48 hours." I still don't have that email, but I have had contact with the rental agency rep.

After a couple emails and a "killing them with kindness" approach, I feel much more confident about the rental process. The agent even waved the damage deposit for us, warned us not to let the taxi charge more than 10 Euros for the trip to his office, and recommended a pizza place for us to take our daughter on her 8th birthday. What more could I want??

I am feeling like this will be a great place to stay for a few days.
And, TuckH and Elainee, you were right to mention that it is only a few days. Even if everything goes wrong, we are still vacationing in Rome, right?

Thanks for all your help and insight. I will let you know how the rental went upon our return!
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Old Jul 3rd, 2008, 06:21 AM
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If you are planning to hang yourself, I would suggest Amsterdam. Italy still looks down on suicide
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Old Aug 17th, 2013, 07:30 AM
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Hi Pgnewby,

This message is not related to this thread but I have been trying to find an english speaker from Villeneuve. I have visited the region for many years and would like to buy in Villeneuve as it is one of my favourite places. Have also stayed in Hotel D'Atelier. Would it be possible to correspond with you about the village.

Thanks in advance
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Old Aug 17th, 2013, 07:47 AM
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steve - If you click on pgnewby's name, you will see they haven't posted on this forum since 2008 so it's unlikely they participate here anymore. If you have a question about a certain village, start a new thread with the name of the village in the title.
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