RomanHomes Dr Abate
 

I would like to hear about anyone <BR>who had the experience of dealing <BR>with Dr Abate or RomanHomes.com

Wind up, no?

Jean, you must be new to the forum! <BR>Just do a search on Dr. Abate and you'll gets lots of entertaining reading!

Howard: Yes Jean is new:). Jean posted about RomanHomes Friday on rec.travel.europe. I e-mailed her yesterday and recommended that she post over here with both RomanHomes and Dr Abate in the title. I remember that thread that Fodors deleted about RH & Dr Abate and hopefully some of those posters who dealt with him are still around and can give Jean a 1st hand account:). ~Daniel~ <BR>

Jean, We rented an apartment from Romanhomes in March 1999 and had a perfectly satisfactory experience. It was near the Pantheon, in Via del collegio capranica.

Jean <BR> <BR>the straight answer is that somewhat before my time onthsi board there wasa flame war between Dr Abate's fans and his detractors, in which war he articpated hugely. <BR> <BR>It got out of hand and Fodor's withdrew it. But someon has topped a subsquent thread for you. My own take as an outside observor is that I wouldn't touch the man with a bargepole. I express no reasons as to why other than life is too short to be bothered worrying whether or not one has a problem

Jean: We rented a super 2br, 2ba apt w/ LR and small kitchen from guestinitaly.com. The name is Piazza Monte de Pieta. That is their "deluxe" B&B accomodation, altho. it is more of an apt. They have single rooms, also. We were right off the Campo di Fiore in Rome, but they also have other locations both in Rome and Italy. Thought this might offer you an alternative. Regards, Sally

Jean, my experience with him and with the apartment I rented were great. Specifically, what do you want to know about it.

Sorry for the anonymous post, but I don't want get stuck in the middle and get spammed or worse. <BR>Jean, this is sticky issue. One of the elements of the now-famous Dr. Abate melodrama discussed above was the claim that Dr. Abate had gotten his cohorts, friends or whomever to post endorsements of him on the forum. The question is: Are the above endorsements genuine or are they friends of the doctor?

Is justtrying really trying to be helpful with an anonymous post? <BR> <BR>Time after time people on this forum are attacked. Repeatedly anyone who has a kind word to say about them is accused of being a "confederate" of the person attacked. <BR> <BR>Fodor's continued policy of permitting unconstrained use of anonymous pseudonyms makes it impossible to judge the merit of what anyone has to say on this forum ... ESPECIALLY those who post with fictitious names.

My endorsement (see above) was entirely unsolicited. I simply found RomanHomes while searching for apartments in Rome and my dealing with Mr. Abate were very pleasant. I would sincerely recommend him to anyone. I live in Alabama and could hardly be considered a "cohort."

Here we go again. These frequent attempts in this forum to spoil the reputation of serious professionals, such as Roman Homes and Dr. Mauro Abate are sickening. <BR>I have lived in Rome years ago, I return regularly and rent usually from this company. I can only praise their diligent and courteous work, precious in a town where everything is very complicated to say the least. Dr. Abate is a person you can trust, and he is a gentleman. Year after year I appreciated his dedication at work, but also that that he is very congenial, and knowledgeable of Rome. <BR>I wonder why instead of believing the good words on this company the mob here seems to trust entirely the jerks that people in the travel industry come across with every now and then. I too rent a couple of homes of mine in San Diego to vacationers and occasionally I come across with unbelievably ugly and aggressive guys that nobody could possibly satisfy or have any sort of civilised relation with. I imagine what it meants running a vacation rental agency with many properties and customers. <BR>So friends let's use our brain here, making this forum again a place of competent and honest Fodorites, and nothing else, please.

OK, I was going to stay out of the fray, but the lovefest posted above makes me feel obligated to share my limited, but unpleasant experience, just to balance things out. I was inquiring from several Rome apartment websites, one of which was romanhomes.com. Their inquiry form is entirely fill-in-the-blank, and after all the normal questions, there was a blank asking for feedback/suggestions on the website. I provided two modest suggestions--one regarding the city map, and one regarding the slow loading graphics. I received a timely response, but in addition to the info on the apartment, Dr. A got rather snippy about my suggestions (which were SOLICITED, remember). He suggested his map was the finest available, and that the slow loading was due to my computer (I have a DSL connection, so not likely). But, trying to avoid being the ugly American, I wrote back saying I was very interested in the apartment, I had just been trying to provide the feedback he'd requested, and was sorry if my comments had offended him (btw, I've never gotten that kind of defensive response from a customer-service type question. Have you?). I chalked it up to cultural/language differences, apologized profusely, and assumed it was over. He wrote back AGAIN, and said, essentialy, that he wasn't 'offended', but I should be ready to defend my position if I was going to criticize his site, and he had the best site around, etc. <BR> <BR>That was enough for me. I wasn't looking for a fight. I wanted a worry-free vacation, and if the guy was this goofy/aggressive via e-mail, I had no desire to do business with him. I later ran across the old Dr. A posts on this forum and thanked my lucky stars I'd run away. <BR> <BR>I don't doubt that many people have had good experiences with that Roman Homes, but, for what it's worth, I found it an odd business. <BR> <BR>I rented from a different company (mentioned elsewhere in this thread) and had a perfect holiday.

Who, nameless, would you expect to pay attention to someone who hasn't the gumption to use their name? <BR> <BR>

Ed, I'm usuallty 100% with you on your postings (using my real name and address, I might add). But, you're way off base here with your high-and-mighty postings. Considering the subject and the past history of the subject at hand, I don't blame anyone for posting anonymously (including myself) for feared of being spammed or worse!

I agree with zzz. I mean who's to say that Jane is my real name?

I'm beginning to think Dr. Abate is a fictional character.

Ed: I can't imagine anyone going to the trouble to make up the fairly complicated story "nameless" told if it weren't true. It sounded completely legitimate to me. Given the nature of many recent posts on this site, it's a wonder everyone doesn't become "nameless."

St Cirq, zzz and others: <BR> <BR>I'm sorry, but I dont'see a need for total anonymity. What is the "nature of recent posts" that lead you to believe anonymity is good? Do you think some of those anonymous posts might not have appeared if the poster had to show their "face" and indentity, at least to the editors? I think not. <BR> <BR>It's my experience, here, and elsewhere, that hiding behind anonymity leads to coarseness and deceit. Are all anonymous posters coarse and deceitful? No ... of course not. Are all coarse and deceitful posters anonymous? In almost every case, yes. <BR> <BR>Would you trust advice from someone who doesn't want you to know who they are? I'm sorry if my reaction is "high and mighty"... but I have no confidence in faceless voices whispering in my ear.

I think that Ed and Brent are quite right. Moreover the case of "nameless" shows that this forum is crammed with slanderers attacking from under cover. <BR>Now, he/she reports to have enquired with Roman Homes, and in the feedback/suggestion space he/she says to have made suggestions on the map and on the slow loading graphics. <BR>Well, the Roman Homes site (www.romanhomes.com) is as a matter of fact one of the best you find in its category. It is very complete, prepared with knowledge and evidently with care for visitors. It also has the best map of Rome I came across with. It is hosted in one of their satellite sites: <BR>www.romanholidays.com/rome-map.htm <BR>(though it can be reached from links all over the main romanhomes.com site). <BR>If "nameless" truly had DSL, she would have no problem loading the pages, as I do with my normal connection (and mind you, Roman Homes warns that given their detailed nature the map sections can download slowly). However, it must be determined the nature of her "suggestions", which brought someone of Roman Homes to reply. There are more than one persons replying, and I don't believe at all that "nameless'" message was so "apologetic" as she claims, or that Dr. Abate's reply was "aggressive". Why? Because I have been enquiring with Roman Homes for more than a year, corresponding with Dr. Abate. I also clarified to him that I wasn't even sure I was even going to visit Rome, let alone rent one of their properties. Well, for *one year* he replied to my queries with very informative and cordial messages. I was quite impressed by his competence and kindness. Moreover in my business I frequently come across people enquiring who are rude uncalled for, from the very first time they contact me, and one thing I've learned for sure is that when they report their side of the story they twist things giving a completely differenct picture of what actually happened. <BR>Now I wonder why only in Fodors you have such detractors. It seems that many can't help feeling somehow interesting by bashing or giving a negative report on someone or something <BR>(and they don't even sign their messages). <BR>However, FYI, after a long and fruitful correspondence with Dr. Abate (I didn't expect it from such a popular site), I finally rented one of their properties, and I was very pleased with the unit and the service. Unfortunately I could not meet Dr. Abate but his helpful staff. He called me twice at the apartment anyhow to check that things were going well. <BR>To conclude, Roman Homes and Dr. Abate are serious and courteous professionals. I have visited nearly any site on Rome, and theirs stands high above the crowd. I was very impressed and pleased with the service. <BR>I would only suggest that they be cautious when coming across with potentially negative tenants, also during the enquiry stage. They should not be replying to all messages they get. Sometimes not responding means avoiding problematic customers. <BR>It remains unanswered how making this forum again a meeting point of those seriously interested in experiencing other countries and their cultures, without spicing it up with uninteresting stories. <BR>

Guys: <BR> <BR>I've been an ardent supporter of the "no anonymity" concept since I found this board a couple of months ago. It certainly would have cut back on or eliminated numerous off-the-wall and slanderous posts directed at me, among other things. On the other hand, I do understand why some people might not want to "expose" themselves to the wrath and bitterness of OTHER anonymous posters. Yes, the problem feeds on itself, and I don't like it - but I don't automatically reject as untrue posts by anonymous posters. This one seemed legitimate to me. You make some good points as to why it might not be. Bottom line - we'll probably never know.

Does anyone else think John Young's English rather stilted? <BR>"However, it must be determined the nature of her "suggestions", which brought someone of Roman Homes to reply". <BR>"It seems that many can't help feeling somehow interesting by bashing or giving a negative report on " <BR>Interesting...

My, my, my...what are you up to? Give us a lead, Mr. Interesting. <BR> <BR>John

All this "Dr. Abate" stuff happened before I found Fodor's Travel talk. The postings pique my interest (in addition to confusing me regarding who was real and not!). So, I did a search on "Abate" and found some of the original posts. Very interesting! I would recommend any new browsers to do the same it they are interested for a complete understanding of the issues and the history. <BR> <BR>By the way, my name IS Ger, I always post under this "alias", but this is not my e-mail i.d., as I don't want any more spam than I currently get, and I have no issue with registering with Fodors and committing to posting under no other "alias" then this one. <BR> <BR>Regards <BR>

ed @ TWENJ.COM wHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME AND EMAIL???????????????????

Dear x ([email protected]): <BR> <BR>Do you have any reason to doubt that's a real address. Or is this another case of an anonymous poster slyly casting aspersions on others? <BR> <BR>Why not send a message to the address, being sure to include your real address, and see if you get a reply. Fortunately for you you'll find that no portion of the address is upper- or lower-case sensitive.

We are going to Rome in a few weeks and will be staying at a Roman Homes apartment. I'm looking forward to it, the place looked great on the web. The best part about the reservation is that Abate faxed a full page head shot with the other reservation documents. Funny. I'm always up for adventure.

I followed the original "Dr Abate" posting with amusement and I did not participate. I will let everybody decide for themselves. My only comment is that those who post anonymously (sp) seemed to be saying they do so because of "spam or worse". Well I've been posting for at least three years under my real name and as far as I can tell, I've never received spam one time. I don't get it. This post may open the floodgates however!!! Paul J

Shelly, since you will be staying at a Roman Homes apt. shortly, perhaps then you can write us about it once back home. <BR>I don't understand what you mean by "Abate faxed a full page head shot with the other reservation documents". When I rented he sent me the rental contract, and before the arrival I was given the arrival and payment instructions. Please inform. <BR>Also, which is your unit? <BR>There are a few persons in this thread who rented an apartment from this company. Perhaps they will be able to advise before, and compare after. <BR>The apartment I rented was: <BR>http://www.romanhomes.com/monti-bernini.htm <BR>It was in a quarter I knew little about before renting, but which I loved once there. What's your location? <BR> <BR>Brent.

What is this nonsense about those who post anonymously? <BR>EVERYBODY on this board uses an assumed name. <BR>Apologies to Ed Fodors if that's your real name, I just doubt it somehow. <BR>Are we all supposed to turn up at your house to ask if we can post? <BR>How about posting your real name and house address then? Nothing else is real here. <BR>Please stop accusing people of being "sly".It's unpleasant and not needed. <BR> I find it cute that you can "judge the merit of what anyone has to say on this forum" just from knowing their "real" name. <BR> I use phrenology, obviously I'm not as advanced as you - are you eviscerating chickens?

This just gets funnier. <BR>"Brent Lawstone"is even better than "John W. Young" <BR>Next up? <BR>Clark Kent? <BR> <BR> <BR>

Wow. I'm very sorry that this caused such waves. I simply meant to provide a counterbalance to the conversation. In fact, Ed, I have posted under my 'real' name several times, and have appreciated your helpful responses to my questions, but this topic seemed so inflammatory that I didn't want to open myself up to unpleasant e-mails. Your point is well taken, and in the future I'll opt not to participate if the subject is this touchy. <BR>Again, I'm not saying that Roman Homes is a bad company. Clearly, some of our fellow travelers have had great experiences. My experiences were odd enough to make me move on, and I simply shared them in response to the original post. If others think the events were trivial, by all means, use the company, and enjoy your trip. <BR>I didn't mean to stir things up this much. Please accept my apologies to all for my portion of the controversy. <BR> <BR>I reviewed my e-mail correspondence, and for what it's worth: <BR>Excerpt from John Young's above posting: <BR>"It also has the best map of Rome I came across with. It is hosted in one of their satellite sites: www.romanholidays.com/rome-map.htm <BR>(though it can be reached from links all over the main romanhomes.com site)" <BR> <BR>Excerpt from an e-mail from Dr. Abate: <BR>"If you looked better, you would have found that we have the best map of <BR>Rome, linked from many links in the site. Although you have access to it from our site romanhomes.com, you will find the map though at this address: <BR>http://www.romanholidays.com/rome-map.htm" <BR> <BR>Is it just me, or is the language and message surprisingly similar? <BR> <BR>

Three observations: <BR> <BR>1. I think it is kind of rude and unnecessary to question the bona fides of someone like the person who shared his/her negative experience re this Dr. Abate. If a person wishes to remain anonymous, readers can take that into account and give that fact the weight they wish it to have. <BR> <BR>2. Ed, you keep harping on your wish that registration be required. OK. We got it. Enough, OK? Some of us don't agree. Personally, I like to post anonymously on contentious threads. That way, people snipe at me less when I choose to post under my "handle" as a usually do when offering pure travel advice. Honestly, I don't see why you should have such a problem with that. <BR> <BR>3. Is the e-mail suspiciously similar to the testimonial above? Yes.

What a hoot! How could anyone believe that long testimonial contradicting nameless? <BR> <BR>If someone posted something negative about a business that you liked, you'd probably just ignore it or maybe post something specific about your own experience. You probably wouldn't take the time to research the website in question to make point-by-point refutations of someone else's experience. <BR>

Now I see what you guys are after, you suspect that the doctor suggested what I should write, or what? <BR>What got my attention when reading "nameless" message was that in one of my first queries to Roman Homes I asked them where I could find a map of Rome. That's were I got the internet address of my previous posting (I went back and read their reply, which I kept - might been influenced by the doctor's writing - made a small manual for my Rome visit out of his messages). <BR>Now speaking of interesting things - something Mr. Interesting or Unknown surprisingly missed - I can see that this thread was started by someone practically asking references on Roman Homes. Previous tenants wrote recommending the company, but then someone (xxx, nameless etc) showed up with insinuations, also attacking whomever endorsed the company. Strangely, someone recommends "as alternative" another company, and Nameless says that he / she eventually used this company and had a "perfect holiday". Mmh... see what I mean? <BR>And if this is not the case, it would be interesting to read not only the doctor's reply to Nameless, which seems normal to me (not snippy at all), but his /her message in reply to him as well. Chances are that he/she was aggressive or rude with the doctor, but that of course we will never know, right Nameless (or is it Truthless)? <BR> <BR>John

XXXXX, <BR> <BR>You would have done it too had you experienced the dedication and hospitality that the guys of Roman Homes - not only Dr. Abate - had for me.

Jean-- <BR>In response to your original post, if what you're looking for is apartments in rome, here's a few references from old discussions: romanreference.com, rentvillas.com, guestinitaly.com, domulintl.com, parkervillas.com. italianitineraries.com, vbella.com, initaly.com <BR>None of them seem to have either the fans or teh critics of Dr. Abbate's services. <BR>Trying to steer this discussion back to something useful.

It is fairly predictable that on any attack thread StCirq, who is famous for her aliases, will claim she never uses them and join in the fray. <BR> <BR>That she knows nothing about the subject has nothing to do with it. She gets her jollies by fighting with people. <BR> <BR>It seems to me that we have here one poster with a bad experience and with an alias. Without a "real" name, I rate his posts with a big shrug.

Yes, StCirq always has her six shooter at the ready to slam someone--even when she knows nothing about what is going on. <BR> <BR>Then, when someone slams her back, she is wins the Academy Award for playing victim. <BR> <BR>I freely admit to knowing nothing about romanhomes.com, but, if StCirq dislikes him that much, I'd rent from him.

This St. Cirq person is all over the board. She is very opinionated and thinks she knows everything (it's always the person who does not know that much who acts like that). I started seeing her name in France-related threads, now in Spain, where is she going next? It's good that a lot of people in this forum travel a lot and can correct her "declarations and exaggerations" right away. This person is the worst we had in this forum. Watch how when you see her name, the thread becomes a World War III or a pissing contest.