craigslist and florence studio apartments?
 

Hello! I'm trying to find a studio apt in Florence for around 60 e/night. Sleepinginflorence.com is way out of my budget so I'm looking at craigslist (is this trustworthy?) and vrbo -- are there other sources for budget studio apartments? Is my budget too paltry -- much of what I'm seeing are B&B type settings for that price -- is that what I should settle for if I'm looking for 3 nights in mid-February? TIA for any guidance

While I have no expertise on this subject, the 20-somethings who work for me all swear by Craigslist and go to it first for a wide range of things.

As with all things travel, I would proceed with caution, email owners / listers and see how responsive they are, and then trust your instincts.

I did read of a NYC Craigslist apartment scam where someone was taking money for an apartment that wasn't his. But that can happen with classified ads as well.

Have you looked on the SlowTrav.com site for apartment recommendations and/or posted on the SlowTalk.com site?

At your price, I think you would be better off choosing a B+B. Even though it is mid February, that is a very low price for Florence. Have you looked at eurocheapo.com? You won't see a studio apartment there (at least I don't think so) but you will see inexpensive accomodations. If it is just three nights, I'm not sure that you need an apartment. If you want a kitchen, perhaps a hostel situation, or a B+B that gives guests kitchen access can work.

Take a look at http://www.cross-pollinate.com . This was mentioned just recently on SlowTrav and they have some stuff in your price range.

Craigslist is often a scam - there is no way I would book anything on it unless you have someone n the ground check it out fo ryou.

And, yes you rate is very low for a whole apartment - even a studio.

Lots of scams on craigslist - one bona vide owner in Amsterdam recently had four people standing outside his apartment ringing the bell having "booked" and paid for his apartment. His online details had been hijacked and he knew nothing about it.

The prices quoted are from 6 years ago - the thread was resurrected by someone advertising their own website.

But have to agree unless you can visit the place before paying anything then a Craigslist listing is likely to end in tears