There are so many advantages to renting a holiday home vs. a hotel room, but there are also a few important questions to ask during the booking process. Read here to find out more.
1. Is the price you're giving me all-inclusive? This may seem like an obvious question, but you'd be surprised at how many people don't ask, and are then left with a sour taste in their mouths (a recent survey in Spain, for example, showed that over 70% people STILL don't read the small print and go ahead and sign for almost anything). Good companies or experienced individual owners will make this all clear, but if you're unsure, it's best to ask. Is VAT included, or charged apart?
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2. Is there a charge for a late arrival? Many low-cost flights can be low cost, as they have the unsociable hours and often arrive at the airports which are a little further out from the centre. If this happens to you, it's worth checking if there will be any extra charge. Often companies have normal office hours, and any arrival outside of this may incur a charge. Or if it's a private owner, then they may have to get up and go to work like a normal day, and if you don't arrive until 1am, they may feel they need to charge you a small amount to compensate. Either way, it's a good question to ask.
3. Are sheets and towels provided? It's always best to check, as some rentals expect you to bring these things. The majority of rentals will be serviced apartments, so clean bed linens and towels are usually included. Those that don't tend to be rural houses/cottages. Also check things like a hair-dryer, and things that could save you space whilst packing/planning.
4. How do I get to the apartment? If you're visiting a city for the first time and are not familiar with the different neighbourhoods, ask for detailed instructions of how to locate your property - there's nothing worse than traipsing the streets with suitcases after a journey. OK, there is - if it's raining.
5. How do we collect the keys? Again an important one as it could influence the time you would like to arrive. Do you need to go to an office? Will the owner or a representative meet you there? Many people forget about this arrangement when booking, just glad that the booking is over and done with, so don't forget to ask, preferably before booking.
6. What time is Check-in and Check-out? Most apartments adhere to the hotel rules, which is normally check out at 11am, or sometimes a little earlier, and check in at 2pm or 3pm - with the time in between to clean. Obviously a hotel room is easier and quicker to clean as it's smaller. A whole apartment may need more time. If you arrive before check in time, it's worth checking if you'll be allowed to check straight in or not. There may be clients leaving on the same day you leave, for example, and they won't want to be turfed out early, just so you can get in.
7. Can I bring my pet? This is almost always clear from the start, but if you don't see any specific preferences, you can always ask.
8. Can I pay with a credit card? Bear in mind that most apartments do not have credit card facilities as you would have at a hotel reception. Unless you have paid for your stay up front (not the usual process with apartments in my experience) then you will more than likely have a balance and returnable damage deposit to pay - often in the currency of your destination. Carrying cash is not always the preferred option, so check the possibilities. Will the owner accept traveller's cheques?
8 Questions You Should Always Ask When Renting a Vacation Apartment
David writes about Barcelona apartments and Cheap barcelona apartments
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