As for Florence, Jessica Spiegel, the Italy expert for the BootsnAll Travel Network (italylogue.com), suggests Cross-Pollinate.

With luxury residences seemingly dominating the serviced apartment scene, Cross-Pollinate is the summer sleeper and economic foil. A network of vacation rentals and self-catering apartments across the Eternal City, guests have their pick of location, amenities and apartment configuration. For example, Casa Alice (sleeps four people, €160 a night) is in the very centre of Rome, literally up the street from the Pantheon and nestled off the Via del Corso. It provides everything a family of four could want in Rome – private balconies, rooftop views and neighbourhood ambience. Affordable chic with a smattering of eco-cool is Cross Pollinate's vibe, so expect to clean up after yourself.

One way to get the better of Rome's inflated prices is to avoid hotels altogether and book an apartment. It makes a lot of sense if there are 4-6 of you in the party, and you'll get a more central location for your money.

Sûrement la meilleure alternative en famille : la location d’appartement. Déjà propriétaires de The Beehive, charmante auberge cosy et lumineuse, idéale pour familles nombreuses, (très joli jardin, café, chambres triples, dortoirs agréables), Linda et Steve ont monté Cross-Pollinate, un système de réservation online rapide et efficace, avec, en sus, l’assurance que des gens en chair et en os veillent à la qualité des réservations, des prestations et de l’accueil. Large choix de guest-houses,B&Bs et appartements privés de qualité.

Try the apartment finder Cross-Pollinate, which focuses on short-term stays of no more than 14 nights. This website lists more than 200 apartments, guest houses, and B&Bs at the typical tourist stops for the

I just wanted to thank you for all your help over the past couple of weeks. We had a really great time in Rome, something that was certainly due in part, by your admirable efficiency. Our lives were made so much easier as a result! I hope to speak to you again in the future.

I'm just writing to thank you for all the help you gave us to make our vacation a success. Everyone in my family had a marvelous time. I really appreciate the transportation to and from the airport. My kids thought it was really cool that there were two men holding placards with my name on them. The drivers were prompt at both ends; waiting patiently for us. The apartment was more than we could ever have imagined. It was so beautiful. The city was just out of sight. We had a full itinerary and put every waking minute to good use. We hope to someday go back to Rome again and spend a little more time.

This is the fourth season we've been working with Steve and Amy from Cross-Pollinate, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Not only have they been extremely professional and courteous, but they've also consistently shown themselves to be trustworthy, fair, and personally dedicated to each and every reservation they make.

As a guesthouse owner I could not ask for more. And I can honestly say that a great part of Frank's House success has been having the continued support and assistance of Cross-Pollinate. I know that if there is ever any problem they will be there to help us resolve it.

Quality. I also know that Cross-Pollinate visits each and every guesthouse they recommend. I trust them so much so that I've even used them myself when seeking accommodation for friends when we did not have the space to put them up ourselves. They are hands down the best rental agency in Rome. - Frank Cappiello of Frank's House Rome

I very much appreciate your organization, from the care with which Steve described my house, to the punctuality with which Amy replies to my e-mails, and to the kind girl who accurately calls me for some last-minute reservations. You succeed in being professional, and still remain people we can turn to. I think this is the spirit of Cross Pollinate, which differentiates it from other sites. The quality of your organization is reflected in the guests, so far all friendly people, grateful and respectful of my efforts to make the house comfortable and to facilitate their stay. - Cecilia of Appartamento Coppedè