WEBSITE of the MONTH

Published in Travel Smart News October 2001 Vol XXVI, No. 7
Tel 1-800-FARE-OFF (1-800-327-3633)
TOPIC: Renting Chateaux, Castles, and Apartments Abroad.
DRAWBRIDGE TO EUROPE, INC www.drawbridgetoeurope.com.

Want to do more than just check in to an expensive hotel? The accommodations listed on this site make it possible to really get to know the places you visit. As president, John Spillman told us: "The drawbridge of the old world enabled one to enter the fabulous castles and fortresses in the old world. Our company enables today's travelers to enter the locals' world by staying in a home, shopping in the area, meeting the neighbors, being part of the scene."

This site provides detailed information on apartments, houses, villas, chalets and castles available for rent in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

HOW IT WORKS: Select one of the five countries and then pick a region {Paris or Provence, for example) and indicate the type of accommodation you want, the number of people in your group and your maximum weekly budget. You'll get a list of properties matching your input. Each house or apartment, its furnishings and its neighborhood is described in great detail and is accompanied by large-sized photos of the grounds or street and each room. Amenities, such as washing machine, cable TV; pool, patio, maid service are listed. You'll also find out if it's a walkup or elevator building. Many write-ups include info on local transportation and the neighborhood.

BEST FEATURES: (1) Client comments, when available for a property, are useful in spotting a home's unique advantages {well-stocked kitchen, good water pressure, charming antiques) as well as its disadvantages (located on top of a hill with parking only at the bottom). (2) The "What To Expect" page {bar at top of home page), especially helpful for first-time renters. It reviews the basics such as: kitchen staples, linens, lawn and pool care, heat and utility charges, etc.

DRAWBACK: Requesting a unit's availability involves another step - sending an email or calling the Ashland, OR-based company. However, email is generally answered the next business day and the call is toll free, Tel 888-268-1148. INTERESTING LINKS: The site has a handful of useful links. The two best: (I) Car rental information and availability, including a complete guide to Renault's program for short-term leases if you will be driving over 17 days in Europe. (2) Full descriptions and maps for metro transit throughout Europe.

Note: In business since 1996, Drawbridge to Europe is a member of the Better Business Bureau's very thorough Online Reliability Program -which means it's been in business at least one year, has a proven physical address, responds to all complaints and agrees to participate in dispute resolution.