My daughter, my mom and myself are looking for a place to rent in Italy for the month of April 2011. Would like it to be an urban area, access to shopping/services. Thanks!
For a month in Italy, I would start looking in Rome. The city has years worth of interesting things to see and do, and there are many places close enough for daytrips. And there is a major airport there.
Kristen, much depends on where you have been previously in Italy, and what interests you may have. I really agree with the Rome idea, if this is a first time. It has so much to offer, and has good transporation options, internally and externally. I would also consider a two week rental in one town, and a two week rental in another. The best option would be four one week rentals. We always use VRBO.com and Homelidays.com to find our apt rentals in Europe. Please note that the first floor is actually the second, and that many places may not have elevators.