Along with 2 other couples we rented a Parker Villa.This is our first time renting a property rather than staying in a hotel.I thought we had chosen a reputable firm. However after reading several posts on this board I am wondering if we were ripped-off.

They are a wonderful company--just not cheap. Have you spent an hour or more at slowtrav.com? Look at their reviews and then talk to Zak at Tuscan House for potential options.

I've been pleased with Parker ... they take alot of the worry out of renting if you ask many questions: how many towels are supplied; are there reading lamps in the bedrooms; are there lounge chairs; is soap, tissue paper, etc. supplied; what are the views at each side of the villa; and so on. They have always been quick and thorough in answering our questions. Have a great time!

I've just been oo'ing and aa'ing the Parker cataloge so wonder what makes you concerned that you are geing ripped-off?

Check out the following thread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

Marky,
I don't think the link got over complete.

You're correct Rick.

To get to the thread I was tring to post, type in "Parker villas in Italy".

This was the discussion I tried to post.

Ok, I read the referenced post, but am still confused. Clearly everyone is saying that they are very reputable and a high quality company. The issue is whether you want to pay for them. I don't see a rip-off here. We have used them twice and have been extremely pleased. I'm sure we could find something less expensive, but the prices were not an issue for the properties we rented. We also did the cooking school in Abbruzzo, an absolute steal!

We booked an air conditioned one bedroom apt in Montepulciano through Parker at a cost of only USD $770.

I certainly don't feel that I got ripped off.

I'm glad everyone that has dealt with Parker has had a good experience. I dealt with them as well and had a good experience, but found out later I could of done much better.

HOWEVER, some people are missing the point. For example, Dick said he paid $770 for an apartment rental and doesn't feel he got ripped off. Fine.

But how would Dick feel if he could of rented the exact same property from company xxxx for $500?

That is all myself and others are saying. Yes, Parker is a reputable company. I'm not saying they're a ripoff. All I'm saying is shop around, you can probably find a better deal.

Mark,

fist I tried renting form other companies and had difficulty getting them to respond.

Also, keep in mind that I didn't just pay for the apartment. I paid for the service. I also paid for the piece of mind that the rental would be ready, clean and as described.

My rental fee also included a contact number in Italy incase of a problem.

Certainly, I would like to have saved money..but I would still like to keep the service aspect of the rental.