The evening before check out, the owner Paolo telephoned to check when we were leaving the next day and offered to take us to the train station. I accepted his gracious offer. Much to my surprise the next morning as we were leaving, the owner, Paolo, told me we had to pay utilities based on the meter reading. The total due was 63 Euros, which I did not have enough cash to pay, so he accepted 50 Euros. I kept insisting this utility fee was not in the property description and he kept insisting it was and not his problem if I could not see it. I should have called VRBO’s 1-800 number immediately, but we were in a hurry to catch a train. This payment was certainly not expected and I feel it should have been described in the property description if he meant to charge this. I also feel if it were to be charged we should have seen the meter reading upon check in, the reading upon check out, and the rate per kilowatt hour. In addition, 63 Euros seems quite high for the time we stayed in the apartment considering we were only using it at night and early morning. I think it would be best to up the daily rate and this way the traveler knows exactly what the price is and pays it upfront with a credit card.
As far as the apartment, it is very spacious and very well appointed. Many past travelers mention the stairs, but I do not think this should deter anyone from this property. The appliances work very well (washing machine, TV, WiFi). There are two bathrooms. They have small showers, but this is typical for Italy. The bed was a bit hard for me, but this is a personal taste, probably fine for most people. I suggest bringing a white noise machine for sleeping because the bedroom faces the street. Despite the great sound insulating windows you can still hear cars and motorcycles at night. This is something you will find in most places unless your bedroom faces an inner courtyard. The location of the apartment turned out to be a bit further from the city center than I would have liked, but keep in mind this is reflected in the price. A place closer to the city center would probably have been more expensive. My great disappointment with this property is unexpectedly having to pay utilities at an unknown rate upon checkout. If it is not listed in the property description, the owner should not be charging this fee. I telephoned VRBO upon returning home and they said I should not have paid and should have called their 1-800 number available 24 hours. Good advise.