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Rome Apartment Rentals - same apartment, different agency, different rates

Rome Apartment Rentals - same apartment, different agency, different rates

Old Mar 1st, 2012, 08:08 AM
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Rome Apartment Rentals - same apartment, different agency, different rates

Finally getting my act together to find an apartment in Rome for our trip at the end of March - I know, shouldn't have procrastinated so badly!

So I am finding the same apartments at different agencies (sleepinitaly.com and roman reference.com) for different rates - such as a difference of 20 to 40+ euros per night. Looked at total price to make sure I wasn't missing a cleaning fee or VAT but for the same dates, one agency wants over 100 euros more than another. It's hard enough sorting through all the possible choices - but then to find the same ones at different agencies with different prices - ugh!
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Old Mar 1st, 2012, 08:24 AM
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It would be surprising if all businesses has the exact same rates for things, though.
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Old Mar 1st, 2012, 08:28 AM
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Agree - but surprised to see the exact same apartment renting for different rates (same exact dates). Will pick the least expensive reputable agency.
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Old Mar 1st, 2012, 01:27 PM
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This is a pretty common occurence. I agree - pick the one with the reputable agency. If the cheaper rate is still from a reputable company, take it. It is often also the case where the same apartment is rented directly by the owner and by several agencies.
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Old Mar 1st, 2012, 02:33 PM
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Same room thru differenct agencies at diff prices are not uncommon as the owners will cut different deals with each service.
I've booked twice in one trip through SleepinItaly - Rome and Venice - no problems, though customer service is non-existent. Just be prepared to contact owners or local property managers yourself and coordinate key pickup (if apartment)
Also try rentalinrome.com and romanreference.com I've used all three agencies, similar experiences. They are aggregators/clearinghouses, not much difference between them in terms of service.
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Old Mar 11th, 2012, 12:56 AM
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Well I am agree, it's common issues. Many agencies offer apartment rental which they are not actually own it. So, just be wise, for me I will pick the cheaper one
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Old Mar 11th, 2012, 03:28 AM
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It is a common practice. I've found this to be the case between VRBO and other agencies the owners use. I assume it has to do with passing on the varying costs of advertising through different sites.
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Old Mar 11th, 2012, 05:06 AM
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I have been using Sleep In Italy for years and have almost never had a problem with them in customer service. As an example, last month we had an apartment through them and right after we checked in we realized there were no towels. I sent an email to them and the towels were delivered within the hour.

dave
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Old Mar 11th, 2012, 07:08 AM
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I booked an apartment in Florence for 17 nights in May 2012. I had not been able to "locate" the apartment on any other site but one. The listed daily price included "everything" utilities, taxes, cleaning, etc. etc.... and ALSO the agency's commission.

The commission has already been collected and secures my reservation. Few people would ever consider skipping out on a reservation when a non-refundable deposit has been made. So I understand the necessity of this.

Perhaps the different prices that you see on different sites is a matter of whether taxes and commissions are included, or tacked on at the moment of booking. Also be very careful about price per person vs price per room.

By the way, I'm really looking forward to my workshop in Florence, and then to my travels through Umbria!

Happy Travels.

But I think there are a lot of other possibilities. Even airline tickets must be carefully researched to get the best price.
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