I've been on www.vrbo.com for the last 2 1/2 days, looking for an apartment for my Rome leg of vaction. I found 2 that seem perfect...they have renter's comments, been updated recently, their booking schedule is fairly loaded and the price is right. One is near the Vatican and the second near Trevi Fountain. I made inquires about both. Any pluses or minuses about either area?

A deposit is requested by PayPal, which I'm not to familiar with (I know what it is, just never used it). It seems fairly straighforward, though. Any pointers here?

The balance is due upon arrival, in Euros. Should I stop at a bank on arrival in Rome to get the money or bring it with me? I really don't want to be carrying that much additional cash around. Thanks again!

The Trevi location is better. You'll only be across the river to see the Vatican but will be in proximity to the Trevi for most else. It also has better dining/cafe options.


What are the VRBO #s?

Plenty of PsyPal people here, but I've never used it.

Depending on how much your balance is, I would just hit an ATM on arrival. Every US bank is different but some have a $500 ATM limit per day - the amount varies again depending on which bank you have. How much is due on arrival?

I have used Paypal for deposit Rome apartments. It was painless and MUCH easier and cheaper than dealing with wire transfers, etc... Basically, you fill out a form with CC info. I have never experienced a problem using PayPal for these deposit transactions. Then again, I always go for places with positive renters comments and overall good buzz. I frequently rent from vrbo.com.

Logistically, the Trevi location is better, but that does not automatically translate to a better apartment choice. The fact, however, that there are positive renters comments is a great indicator that, in fact, the Trevi apt is a good bet. A Rule of Thumb in Rome lodging is always stay close to a Metro or bus station. Also, A/C even ceiling fans are a MUST for May-Sept stays. Have fun!!!

I agree with Viajero2 on the issue of AC. It is a must.

We recently rented an apt in Rome after laying out a deposit through PayPal. The owner insisted that we pay the balance upon arrival. However at our other rentals later in the trip(one hotel in Venice and an apt in Paris), they allowed us to pay the next day in order to get enough cash. I would ask the owner if you could pay the balance on the second day.

I brought the balance with me although it probably wasn't the most economical thing to do. I just didn't want to worry about it once I arrived. My DH and I split the euros between us and carried them in safe places. We had no problems.

Ah, the atm machine! I forgot about that. I'd rather pay the fee than risk getting pick-pocketed and loose all that cash. A/C shouldn't be a problem, since we're going the first week of October.

The Trevi area is a moot point since I just got a reply that the apartment (#16403) wasn't available. Out of the 6 inquiries, 3 were unavailable, 2 were available and one never responded (great way to do business).

My choices were #180661 and 140903. I went with the second one because there is a little more room and they mentioned they have an iron and ironing board (1 less thing to pack!)

This is gonna be great. I can actually pack half the amount of clothes and do some laundry midway through the trip.

If you are a AAA Plus Member you can buy Euros from them at the same rate banks buy it, in other words you do not get charge an additional transaction fee. For one of my rentals I had to bring in a substantial amount of Euros with me. I ordered them thru AAA. I researched this quite a bit; there was not one single bank, Federal Credit Union, Western Union, wire bank, or alternative that was nowhere near cheaper than AAA.

That AAA advice is great! Too bad I'm not a member anymore. That being said, cash is always best, and to get the lowest rate, I exchange at my local bank before going anywhere, because if you have a bank account, they often won't charge commission.

Dobermina-- I may be banking with the wrong banks because I always get quoted a commsision fee when trying to get Euros. Sure glad to hear some banks don't. Happy travels!!!

Blacknight-- I tried the numbers you listed on vrbo.com and the second does not work. I remembered looking at 180661 on one ocassion and thought it was lovely, but like you, went for a bigger place. No regrets; I loved the place we stayed at http://www.vrbo.com/175368.

Have fun; October in Rome...WOW!!

Viajero2, sorry about that. The first listing, I left a number out (164603). The one I picked is 141903. Guess my eyes were still blearry from all that research. I remember looking at 175368, but the comment about the washer put me off. I don't want to waste one minute of my vaction time fiddling with a washing machine.

But, thanks a bunch for tha AAA info about EUROS. I'm a member and will check it out.

Not a problem BN have a great time! About the washing machine on VRBO#175368, we simply walked three blocks to Via Tunisi and handed over the clothes load. An attendant there makes sure it gets washed and dried; you picked it up whenever convenient. It was very cheap and painless . I'd probably would had used them anyway, it sure was convenient.

Toni was outstanding to work with, very courteous and responsive apartment owner. He also owns 3 other apartments in Rome and I am renting from him again next time (May 2010).

BN-- I forgot to ask you (hope you do not mind the question...!): what is the daily rate for VRBO#141903? BTW, it looks lovely!

790 Euros for the week. Compared to the cheapest hotel I could find in a nice area, at just over 1700 Euros, we made out like bandits! It will be nice to have a kitchen so we can pack a lunch for those long days and train excursions.

The actual address is viale vaticsno 53. If you use Google maps, you can see the building. It's in a residential area, behind the Vatican. Not too close to the metro, but I live in Chicago and walk everywhere, so it's no big deal.

I agree that is a good deal for a nice apartment in October. CIPRO is a nice station, one of the newest on the Metro A line. Easy walk, possibly 10 minutes max from your apartment. I walked to it many times from Via Mocenigo. A taxi to Trastevere should be about 5 Euros; the best food in Rome, do not miss. Your closest supermarket is Supermercati Sir Srl
on Via Emo Angelo, 37, about 5 minute walk. I actually did some souvenirs shopping at the supermarket: wonderful biscotti, Olive Oil, and candies (very inexpensive!!).

Wow! Viajero2, thanks very much for the info. A trip to the market is first on our list when we arrive.