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