WARNING: Objects in Mirror Look Bigger Than They Are!
Hotel and rental apartment pictures …
I've been criticized for having a romantic view of Italy ... that everything is perfect and they're better than other nations across the board. It's not true, but I will confess that I'm still in the infatuation phase of what I hope will be a life-long love affair with Italy and its people.
That said, there are plenty of things one can comment one that could use improvement, or are a downright problem. One of them, and I give you this warning, are web sites and brochures for hotels and rentals.
It seems that the Italians have mastered the art of using the best possible lens to photograph hotel rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, apartments for rent, etc.
Go to any hotel or rental apartment web site, and you'll be amazed at the beauty, size, and splendor of such properties. There is one thing of which you can be assured. No matter how big the rooms look ... and this kinda reminds me of that message you see on car mirrors, "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear!" ... in Italy it's, "Rooms in pictures and images on web sites are ALWAYS smaller than they appear!"
As well, there are some hotels and apartments that will have pictures that you just can't seem to find the setting for when you arrive ... get the picture? No pun intended. Can you say "stock photographs"?
How do you avoid being disappointed? I have a few suggestions.
1) Lower your expectations of what you see in pictures or on the web. Expect it to be smaller or more worn. If it's not, good for you. The traders in the market call this an "upside surprise". That's good by the way!
2) The other thought is to "check out" (research) properties with someone who's been there before. For hotels, www.venere.com is a great resource since it has reviews from people like you and I for just about every hotel in Italy. You'll need to throw out the one or two people at each end of the spectrum. The people that would complain even if seated at the right hand of God (you know the type), and the people that would be happy in that shack from the movie "Deliverance" (you know this type too). But, this will give you a real good feel for the property, and its quirks. Several apartment rental sites have feedback like this as well. Additionally, you can post on the message boards on:
http://www.slowtrav.com
http://www.virtualtourist.com
http://www.expatsinitaly.com
... and ...
http://www.frommers.com
You'll be amazed how frequently multiple people will respond to your postings ... people who have stayed at the same obscure (you thought) little gem in the middle of nowhere. It's shocking, but a fantastic resource. You'll get the scoop on a place before you pay the rent, or transfer the deposit. I've also found that most folks will take a call, or exchange e-mails answering all of your questions.
Good accommodation hunting! Let me know if I can help.
I've been criticized for having a romantic view of Italy ... that everything is perfect and they're better than other nations across the board. It's not true, but I will confess that I'm still in the infatuation phase of what I hope will be a life-long love affair with Italy and its people.
That said, there are plenty of things one can comment one that could use improvement, or are a downright problem. One of them, and I give you this warning, are web sites and brochures for hotels and rentals.
It seems that the Italians have mastered the art of using the best possible lens to photograph hotel rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, apartments for rent, etc.
Go to any hotel or rental apartment web site, and you'll be amazed at the beauty, size, and splendor of such properties. There is one thing of which you can be assured. No matter how big the rooms look ... and this kinda reminds me of that message you see on car mirrors, "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear!" ... in Italy it's, "Rooms in pictures and images on web sites are ALWAYS smaller than they appear!"
As well, there are some hotels and apartments that will have pictures that you just can't seem to find the setting for when you arrive ... get the picture? No pun intended. Can you say "stock photographs"?
How do you avoid being disappointed? I have a few suggestions.
1) Lower your expectations of what you see in pictures or on the web. Expect it to be smaller or more worn. If it's not, good for you. The traders in the market call this an "upside surprise". That's good by the way!
2) The other thought is to "check out" (research) properties with someone who's been there before. For hotels, www.venere.com is a great resource since it has reviews from people like you and I for just about every hotel in Italy. You'll need to throw out the one or two people at each end of the spectrum. The people that would complain even if seated at the right hand of God (you know the type), and the people that would be happy in that shack from the movie "Deliverance" (you know this type too). But, this will give you a real good feel for the property, and its quirks. Several apartment rental sites have feedback like this as well. Additionally, you can post on the message boards on:
http://www.slowtrav.com
http://www.virtualtourist.com
http://www.expatsinitaly.com
... and ...
http://www.frommers.com
You'll be amazed how frequently multiple people will respond to your postings ... people who have stayed at the same obscure (you thought) little gem in the middle of nowhere. It's shocking, but a fantastic resource. You'll get the scoop on a place before you pay the rent, or transfer the deposit. I've also found that most folks will take a call, or exchange e-mails answering all of your questions.
Good accommodation hunting! Let me know if I can help.
posted by Mark Pukita | 9:22 AM
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