Hello All, I found this "Helpline" today. It seems many of you are expert travelers and I have found your information useful. We will be traveling to Italy in April 2013. VRBO has several rentals in Venice. I have found one and received a estimate for 1800 euro (About $111 per night for a 3 Bed, 3 Bath, overlooking the grand canal). My question: How do I know if this is a reasonable rate??? Is it too much? Average? Am I expected to negotiate/is this customary??? Having never used this type of rental, I am at a disadvantage? Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10715 posts
How long will you be there? At today's rate, 1800€ is $2231.65. For a one week rental that is $318.80 for a 7 night stay. If you will be there longer, of course the price will go down. Venice is expensive, so I would say that is a reasonable rate for an apartment of that size on the Grand Canal. I have used VRBO for a number of rentals, both in Europe and the U.S. Does this place have reviews?
Posted by
OP
Fairfield, CA, USA
37 posts
Thank you.
More information: We are a group of 5 and will be in Venice 4 nights.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2429 posts
Hi Savannah I found an apartment thru homeaway.com in the san polo area of venice. do your homework, email owners to ask questions. couple other sites are: the beehive cross pollinate free reservation research research after you get info and find what you want
ENJOY ENJOY!!!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10715 posts
For only 4 nights you will be paying, at today's exchange rate, $557.91 per night. Even in Venice I think that is pretty high. You were not clear in your question that $111 was per person, per night. You can try to negotiate if you want, but be prepared for them to not change the price for you. The good news is you have plenty of time to find a place, so there is no reason to jump into anything. In addition to VRBO I use homeaway.com for apartment rentals.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
There's generally not any negotiating. As far as the price goes, you usually (but not always) get what you pay for. For what you have been quoted, I would expect a fairly high end luxury style apartment with a great view. You can probably find places that are even higher in price and lots of spots that will be just a workable for less to a lot less. You could probably find a property for less than half of that. We usually go through agencies in Venice. Here are a couple: www.veniceapartments.org
www.viewsonvenice.com Remember in Italy, the floor numbers are one off. They go Ground then first, second etc. So a first floor flat is really on a US second floor. That cute little spot on the 4th floor is really five flights up. Most properties do not have a lift. The one your are looking is probably premium for the interior space available, the view on the Grand Canal and the baths for each bedroom. A similar property on Dorsoduro but facing the Guidecca canal should be a bit cheaper.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17580 posts
Venice is a great place to rent an apartment; there are many available both on VRBO and from the rental agencies, which offer good service. You could compare the price for that apartment with similar ones offered by the agencies to see if it feels right. Ran gave you a couple to check; also look at TrulyVenice and Venice Red House. I am only familiar with one-bedroom apartments and weekely prices so can't really judge, but that price looks OK for a luxury apartment right on the Grand Canal. Be sure to check the reviews.