When we began renting homes in Soriano, we had to make a decision: Did we want to rent cheap homes, or did we want to provide a first class experience? We chose the later. Most vacation rentals are simple places with the bare minimum. When you get there, you are completely on your own. We elected to provide a different experience, which is a hybrid between a vacation rental and a first class hotel.

When you arrive, the first thing you will notice is that we have made an extra effort to make you feel welcome. In all likelihood, you have just gotten off a very long flight, and made a 75 minute drive to get here. We have started to help you rest by getting your bags to your home for you. When you arrive, we assume you may be tired and hungry... in need of a calm, soothing atmosphere and comfortable surroundings. So when you walk into your home, you will notice the temperature is just right, and there is soothing music. On the table, you will find fresh local pastries, fresh fruit, local cheese, and local wine. There are drinks in the refrigerator, fresh bread on the counter, and fresh flowers on the table. We even turn your beds down for you upon your arrival. These are all complimentary, but it is a significant weekly cost for us. Most rentals only give you keys to the place and a few basic essentials.

Most rentals don't offer Internet access, and when they do, it is merely a dialup account with a free provider. We go the distance. Not only do we provide free dedicated broadband DSL in each unit, but it includes wireless 802.11g service for your laptop. If you don't feel like lugging your laptop all the way to Italy, you will be pleased to find an up-to-date Hewlett packard computer with flat screen LCD monitor in your unit. It is pre-loaded with Windows XP, Internet Explorer, common Instant Messengers, a VOIP Softphone and much more. It even has a multi-format flash memory card reader and DVD/CD burner to transfer your pictures. Finally, we provide you with the ability to upload your pictures to our secure server so that you can download them when you get home. All of this is costly in terms of service and maintenance, and it is included in our weekly rate.

You will find beautiful furniture and decor, modern appliances, Television with satellite service and DVD player, comfortable beds, plush pillows, fresh and comfortable linens.... everything comfortable and in good condition. We use the 1st class hotel approach: If it is getting worn, replace it. Most inexpensive rentals use furniture they would have otherwise thrown away, old and uncomfortable beds, hard pillows, etc. We invest to make sure everything is just right, rather than outfit our rentals with our discarded items.

If you are staying in the summer months, you will find powerful and efficient air conditioning in our units. Most rentals either don't offer air conditioning, or offer a sub-standard unit that hardly works. Since electricity is so expensive in Italy, many rentals that have it charge extra for air conditioning. In the winter months, you will find sufficient heating, and if your unit has a fireplace, you will find your unit stocked with firewood as well. With our homes, it is all included.

We offer cellular phone rentals at very inexpensive rates (to cover costs), DVD rentals, discounted laundry service, inexpensive daily maid service (pre and post arrival is included), and even cooking classes. We offer a full array of support services, while most rentals just give you the keys and wish you well.

All of this comes at a significant cost to us, which we naturally pass on through our weekly rate, but we are certain that when you weigh it all, you will agree that it was a bargain.

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