Renting Apartments in Rome & Florence

Both VRBO.com and airbnb.com have lots of listings. We've used both. The apartment is only as good as the owner, not the listing service. Look for lots of reviews and recent reviews.

VRBO #68776 in Florence. I've stayed there three times. Big queen bed in the front bedroom, twins in second bedroom and day-bed in alcove off the living room. Santa Croce neighborhood -- about 6 block walk to the Duomo. Quiet neighborhood. Christina is the owner. (I should be getting a commission I've recommended it so many times, LOL!) Always stay in a hotel in Rome near the Vatican - Hotel Alimandi Tunisi. They also have an apartment in a near-by building, you might want to try them. Their "sister hotel" four stars, has "family style" rooms that accommodate 4 adults, but is pretty expensive.

I used this site (also recommended in Rick's book) and found an amazing room in Florence with private bathroom, a safe, a computer in the room, a mini fridge etc for a really god price. They also have rooms in Rome and a few other countries as well http://www.cross-pollinate.com/

We use VRBO all the time, but also try Booking.com. One advantage of Booking.com is that most of the reservations are cancellable should your plans change.

We use VRBO exclusively and have never had a problem. We have returned to the same two properties for years, but they would not accommodate 6 people.

I didn't say enough good things about VRBO 68776 the "alcove" is private, and has French Doors to close it off, and will sleep two on the day-bed which has a pull out. There is a private little yard. Large table, all marble floors, very nicely appointed kitchen, etc. There are bakeries nearby, restaurants, etc. So, the apartment sleeps six comfortably.