Thanks Kristina, I was just curious about your comment about bad reviews. I just read back through this and was wondering whether your goal price is realistic for a 2 bedroom apt. in central Rome during Easter week? You don't need to answer, but it does seem a little low to me given your criteria. But happy hunting! I think it is impossible to have a bad time in Rome, so you and your friends will have a special time, no matter where you stay!

Have to agree with the last poster; Easter Week means everything, including rates, are at their most expensive, though a budget of 100e per night per couple for the listed amenities would be a tough order at any time. Easter week also means public transportation will be overwhelmed, making it even more important to find a place central to your activities.

It's time to sit down with the other couple and show them examples of what you are finding available within the criteria and where they are located in relation to what you plan to do. With such a tight budget it's critical to ensure they understand the limitations you are working with and that you know what is most important to each person: is it a private bedroom? private bath? view? convenient location? price? With careful planning it may be that each couple can go up an extra 40 or 50e per night, which opens up a host of options for you that meet all or most of your criteria. Or it might be that privacy is not as important as you thought or they don't mind separate twins or a sofa bed, which can often be more more comfortable than two twins pushed together.

I do sympathize with the search process: we looked at literally hundreds of options and then cross-referenced them with reviews and/or the same offering with different agencies to find the best price and as much info as possible about each one. It takes persistence and flexibility but the end result is worth it. Good luck! But for the sake of your sanity, please have a talk with the other couple before resuming your search.

Eleni-
You're absolutely correct that my price may not be realistic given the time of year and my initial requirements.
We may need to re-evaluate our goals. For example, given that it will probably be cold when we are there a terrace probably isn't necessary.
Perhaps it means not staying in the absolute center. Apartments seem to be a bit less expensive in the less "popular" neighborhoods like the Vatican and Colloseum. I realized that might not be so bad. The last 3 times we've been to Paris, we've stayed in the 18th and the 9th and been just fine even though most people look for something more cental.

There's another wrinkle in my search. We've decided to spend 3 nights in Positano. The entire trip is going to be 8 or 9 nights. So, really, we're not looking for a full 7 night rental, but more like 5 or 6 nights (Wed-Mon). This also limits choices.
The plan is to spend the first 3 nights in Positano and the last 5/6 in Rome. If I can find something super-affordable, then we might rent it for the entire time and go down to Positano mid-week, leaving half our stuff in the apartment and allowing a little more flexibility in planning.

Kristina, you have so many decisions! But such fun ones to have to make....
Cupid1, your suggestions are excellent, and I agree with you completely.

Kristina, I have almost zero ideas about apartments, but I noticed this one which looked quite nice for the price. It's in the Vaticano area, but looks very conveniently situated.

http://www.travel-library.com/apartm...e/gracchi.html

Thanks Will, there are some interesting looking apartments on that site!

Will,

Thank you! for that link. I, too, am looking for a 2BR/2BA and I've never seen that site before.

I can't believe all the good possibilities I found there. Thanks again.

I suggest this apartment for 5 in Rome, 800 euro weekly:
http://www.perfectplaces.com/29058
Ciao