Patrick

Actually, Wesley, all three of the Italy rentals are first times for me this year -- but are based on the recommendations of others here, and the idea of owner/manager was a big plus for me.

Regarding that Palazzo Olivia Ikea decorating. I saw a comment about that recently and it kind of threw me. Not the impression I get from the pictures. And although I like a lot of charm or character, the beams and things make a big impact. And if those are Ikea interiors, I'd put them a good step above most of the pictures I've seen of other apartments in similar price ranges -- with their futon sofas, and college dorm looking furnishings.

Holly_uncasdewar

You sure don't miss an opportunity to slam Venice Rentals every chance you get, do you, Patrick? Interesting, since you've never actually had any personal experience with them.

Also interesting is your aversion to futons and slip-covered sofas, considering one of the choices you made for your next trip.

wesley

Patrick, you're clearly one of the fodorites who is willing to do the research to find the owner/managed properties and take less risk on a first-time venture. Good for you.

At one time I owned two Manhattan properties that I rented out for visitors so I know what it takes to play the game. Many agencies wanted to list my properties but I refused. I knew nobody could offer the level of attention that made me and my properties famous. When I couldn't do it anymore, I sold them both.

I enjoy relationships with apartment owners in Paris, Rome and Venice. Before that, I put in hours of research to find just the right place. My home away from home has to be better than my home here in New York. I never rent an apartment unless I visit for at least a week. Sometimes I want to be "served" by the best in the business and experience the "hot" hotel of the moment.

With a decent selection of antiques and some good-quality fabric, Palazzo Olivia could be a real charmer. It's pretty easy to find that in a boutique hotel which charges 200 Euro a night. Why can't PO?

Patrick

I agree that it would be nice if they would do some antiques and nicer furnishings, but while that hotel with a single small room is charging 200 euro a night, I'm only paying 135 euro a night for a three room apartment. For that savings I'll guess I'll live with the cheaper Ikea furnishings -- even though I'd prefer something nicer.

ecat

Boy this post opened a whole can of worms ( a phrase that could go under the Things that make you go hmmm)....

I want to know why Holly is being so harsh to Patrick. I never read anything about him slamming Venice rentals in fact I find he's quite diplomatic in his post.

Holly_uncasdewar

I'm not being harsh on Patrick. Just do a search on Venice Rentals and then read Patrick's posts. I think he's been rather unfair about an agency with whom he's never dealt, which has maintained a pretty good reputation with almost all of those who have dealt with them.

wesley

"I'm only paying 135 euro a night for a three room apartment. For that savings I'll guess I'll live with the cheaper Ikea furnishings"

Palazzo Olivia has increased their rates for 2004. In High Season, your one-bedroom apartment is now renting for Euro 195 a night. If you stay 7 nights, the rate drops to Euro 167 per night. Maybe with the price increase, Signore Sbordoni will invest in more deserving decoration.

Palazzo Olivia offers a wonderful location and is a great choice for visitors who don't mind Ikea furnishings. Even at 135 Euro a night, I don't want to sit in a chair that arrived unassembled in a box and put together with a simple screw driver. I happen to be 6' 3" tall and built like a football player. There is good reason why this place is so popular: it's one of the best apartment rental options in the city center for visitors on a budget.

lvitaly

Patrick- As i told you before you are making a wise choice with Palazzo Olivia. He will be there to greet you no matter what time of the day, evening or early morning hours. I have heard his "other source of income" is a great restaurant near by.You are given his cell phone number to call him at any time if need be. He will make phone calls for you if you need to check on existing reservations somewhere else or any other situation that comes up. If he needs to switch you to another apartment in his building i can bet you will be upgraded, not downgraded.As far as the Ikea furniture goes- dont worry. The place has warmth, charm and character. You dont even notice the few pieces of furniture. The couch is comfortable, not a futon.The apartments are very clean. The evening of departure he will contact you to check out. He can do this by credit card.You will leave Palazzo Olivia feeling like you made a friend.You have also educated yourself knowing the downside of it with no air conditioning and with the windows open it can be noisy. Other than that you know you will be welcomed, taken care of and be in a fantastic location.

Patrick

Wesley, interesting comment, but I'm not sure when Palazzo Olivia changed their rates. My contract issued about a month ago is for 950 euro for a full week, June 5 to 12, 2004. That's 135.70 euro per night.
It is a one bedroom, I wasn't even thinking of comparing a two bedroom apartment to a one room tiny hotel room.

And Holly I have no idea what you are talking about. When one thread started questioning any concerns with Sleepsnitaly, I may have mentioned a post on another thread. Then I checked that out and corrected myself that the thread I was talking about was Venice Rentals. That is the closest I have ever come to a slam that I know of regarding this firm which I clearly admit I have no personal knowledge of. Please forgive me for giving a correction to an incorrect statement,and giving a heads up to someone who was asking about potential problems with rental companies. Also I'd be curious where you ever got the idea I have some sort of aversion to slip covered sofas? That borders on the hysterically funny. I do freely admit I'm not a fan of a futon being used as a supposed comfortable sofa in a living room. Sounds like YOU have some sort of problem. Mind telling us what it is Holly? Have I done something to offend you? And are you suggesting somehow (and trying to be snide about it) that futons are wonderful high end and luxurious furniture but brand new IKEA is somehow trash?

Patrick

OK, Holly I did what you suggested. I did a search on Venice Rentals and this is what I found -- for those who don't want to do the search:

Posted 10/29/2003 by Patrick:
"Interesting comment on another thread about Venice Rentals. They waited two hours for the agent to show up, found the apartment needed cleaning, and couldn't get any assistance with information from the agent."

Is this the "every opportunity to slam" you're talking about. When posters are asking questions specifically about a particular agency, I see nothing wrong with bringing to their attention other posts which might be relevant. I did not try to indicate I had any personal knowledge. Wow, you really must be sensitive about this issue.

suzy

We were a little concerned about renting an apartment abroad but, thanks to postive reviews on this forum (particularly from Statia - think that's the name), we rented the Alberti apartment at the San Lorenzo Apartments in Florence.
Staying at the Alberti was a delight. It was a 2 bedroom apartment, but we were given a reduced rate because there was just the 2 of us.
The apartment was very clean, quiet, and well located (near the Duomo). We were 4 flights up (no lift).
There was a washer (no dryer), microwave, etc. (no hair dryer).
The owner, Gianna, was very responsive to all e-mail inquiries.
We paid a deposit (1/3rd) by credit card and the balance when we arrived at the apartment (also by credit card.)
I highly recommend the San Lorenzo apartments in Florence.

Statia

Suzy, I'm so glad that San Lorenzo apartments worked out well for you. We stayed in the Lepri apartment there in July and were very pleased. We will rent from Gianna again, given the opportunity to return to Florence.