I am planning a trip involving a few european countries with my husband and 2 children.Hotels requirements of 2 rooms/4 people seems too expensive.I am nervous about booking an apartment with a company I know nothing about and have no experience with .Could someone advise me of a reputable company with whom they have had a positive experience.I live in Australia.I am looking at 4* in Rome,Florence and Venice.Thanks

We used www.sleepinitaly.com and they were fine. Answered emails promptly and never minded questions. They are based in Rome but I do believe they have apartments for rent in Venice, too. You might want to take a look at the website www.slowtrav.com for their reviews.

dancer;

I understand your hesitancy but your desire to have more room, flexibility and even save a bit are shared.

There are 4 in our party going this May to Rome and Venice. My husband and I decided that we would book apartments when possible for our trips going forward. I'm an early riser; he's a late nighter.

I've gone through the slowtrav.com website to obtain reviews on apartments, but note they are not all current. We have chosen Palazzo-Olivio in Rome and we are going through SleepinItaly for Venice. Our original Venice choice ran into some extraordinary circumstances (i.e. canal dredging & draining); therefore we were given an opportunity to reassess our decision.

You can obtain numerous opinions via the search mechanism; look at these apartments and decide if you would be comfortable in these apartments. Everyone has their own level of taste and expectation.

Keep us posted on your choices. Best of luck.

There was a recent post from regular and knowlegeable poster NYCFoodsnob about a new website for 2 apts. in Venice. Here's the website

www.permessovenezia.com

You rent these directly from the owner. The thread created quite a lot of controversy because of the seeming good value. Here's the thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34558165

Here's a review of an apt in Venice (and agent) from a fellow countrywoman of yours

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34537081

Slowtrav.com is a good suggestion for checking reviews of many specific apts and agents. You can also find recommendations by doing a text search here for "apartments AND name of city"

Palazzetto da Schio is a popular apt rental in Venice. The owner, the Contessa da Schio, rents directly through a website.

www.palazzettodaschio.it

Some other websites often mentioned are

venice-rentals.com

venicerentals.com

http://www.guestinitaly.com

Keep in mind several agents may get the same apt listings and prices can vary.

I have rented at the following two agencies and was very happy with the service, prices and apartments. I also have a review on slowtrav.com for both.

Florence - San Lorenzo Apartments
http://www.sleepinginflorence.com/

Venice - Venice Rentals
http://venicerentals.com/

I can also without hesitation, reccommend Palazzo Olivia in Rome.Friendly and helpful staff, nice and clean apt.and above all,the location.It is a two minute walk to the Piazza Navona area which puts you within about 8- 10 min.walk to the Pantheon. Vatican is about a 20 min. walk.

Let me also say, I was delighted with Palazzo Olivia also. We had a wonderful week there this past June.

Hard is it is to imagine, my cynicism made me worry before arrival that it might not be as great as it appeared, because it also seemed much nicer for the money than anything else I was looking at. But it was everything it appeared to be, and a great value in my opinion.
I must admit I've had doubts about every apartment I've ever rented, but thanks to thorough research and follow through before committing, I haven't been stung yet! Such is the fate of a cynic.

I've rented several different types of lodging (hotels, castle, apartments) through this website: www.italyby.com. Always have had a great experience with the properties we have booked.

Our apartment in Florence was phenomenal - 2BR, 2BA, and a full kitchen...but it was a healthy 15 min walk to the major attractions. Still, I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

http://www.florenceby.com/sangallo/index.html

My sincerest apologies. Within seconds of my previous post, I wrote the editors asking for my post to be deleted. Unfortunately, it took longer to do than I had hoped. I had nothing to do with collateral damage because I <b>never</b> request the deletion of other's posts (unless someone tries to steal my identity).

Although the website www.slowtrav.com has already been mentioned, it is worth reiterating what a treasure of info you can find there, and more than enough &quot;security in numbers&quot; to put your mind at ease about the reputation of the company and/or property you choose.

A few hours spent on this site will quickly pay itself back in peace of mind.

Best wishes,

Rex