Apartment Rentals in Europe??

[alligatormtn]

We have finally gotten our route figured out and now we're doing some serious research on how to save as much $$ as we can (we're college students here...) without sacrificing our trip. I've been looking on vbro.com and have found some really neat places in Belgium and Hungary (Budapest) that have apartment rentals for cheap. Anywhere from 60EURO a night to 85EURO a night. Considering Hostel rates are per person we figure that if its going to be 30-40EURO a person for a bed in a hostel, why not put the money towards a hotel or apartment flat.

Does anyone have any experience with this?? My mother just returned from Paris and they have a fabulous apartment not far from the Eiffel tower and she said they loved it - they had a great size place and were able to have a real experience in Paris and got to avoid hotels. Of course she paid nearly $1,000USD for her portion of the week long stay. She also said it was hassle free, which was nice.

We are looking at getting an apartment in Budapest, or getting a hotel room - we definitely want to avoid a hostel at all cost.

Any suggestions on where to find apartment rentals or reasonable priced hotels that we can look in? We know we'll be staying in hostels in most locations but we'd like to 'upgrade' once or twice and enjoy our own bathroom and privacy.

Our route:
Paris>Rheims>Brugge>Brussels>Amsterdam>Munich>Fussen>Vienna>Budapest

[WillTravel]

Take a look at the www.slowtrav.com site - that is the best resource for finding apartments in Europe.

The slowtalk.com forum is useful too.

I've never done apartment rentals with private owners or agencies, although many have had great experiences. What I have done now, a few times, is book university student accommodation that often has shared or even private kitchen facilities, so you have a private room or studio flat plus kitchen facilities. I'm not sure if that option is available where you are.

It can depend, but I think apartment rental is generally best if you are staying 5 days or more in a city.

Of course, be aware of any possible scams. VRBO.com does not actually check the owner out, or even determine it is the actual owner, so you have to be the one who does that. There is no guarantee the testimonials are accurate, either.