Has anyone ever booked a flat or studio in Rome with www.rome-accom.com ?Rome-Accom.com It seems fine and they seem to have a good track record but I am nervous about paying a non-refundable 100% deposit (payment in full) on spec.

Is this normal for tourist apartment rentals in Rome? Anyone have any experience?

Thanks.

No way would I a pay a 100% non-refundable deposit, regardless of the website.

I have used italyby.com in the past for rentals but always make sure I agree with the deposit/refund/cancellation policies before booking.

Ya, it made my back go up a bit. No other reservation system works like this. Anyone else have experience with them?

Depends on how far in advance the booking is. Most apartments have rules something like deposit at time of booking and full payment 30 days before arrival. Many flats are totally non-refundable and some refund a bit if they are able to re-rent the place. Apartments aren't like hotels. If you cancel, they lose out completely.

Is not unusual at all to have to pay up front . . . .

I reserved an apartment through sleepinitaly.com and only had to pay a 50 euro deposit. No way would I pay fully up front with no refund!

Hi! Actually is the property that decide the payment and the cancellation policy and not the Website. But using www.ItalyBy.Com you have a direct contact with the accommodation provider so you can discuss about the payment/cancellation policy. Every property has a different cancellation/payment policy, so you can choose the property that has the best cancellation/payment policy...and of course the best price ;-)).

I have an apartment booked in Rome with Dolce Roma and only put 25% down. Maybe you should check with Natalia who owns the aparments. http://www.dolceroma.it/