Read This Before Booking That Vacation Rental: 9 Common Mistakes To Avoid

“Your home away from home” — this is how a vacation rental should look and feel. A vacation rental can be a humble apartment space, an independent house, or even a villa. Though they come in different forms, they have a few things in common: they’re spacious, homey, and furnished with everything you’ll see in a home, like a living, dining, and kitchen space. 

Vacation rentals like Bali Villas are great alternatives to hotel accommodations in terms of size, price, and homey features. But just like in booking other forms of accommodation, there are a few mistakes first-timers make that keep them from having meaningful experiences. 

1. Judging by the vacation rental photos alone

Home-sharing sites are pretty much like dating apps and social media. You see properties at their best, thanks to great lighting, angles, filters, and staging. They show what they want you to see, but not everything you need to see.

Make sure you see all the pictures of rooms in the listing. If you’re wondering why bathroom photos are missing or they’re angled in a way that doesn’t show the window view, they might be hiding some eyesores. 

And even if they look okay, photos alone shouldn’t be your booking basis. Take the time to read through everything the rental has to offer. Read reviews too and manage your expectations. 

2. Misunderstanding the location 

So your prospective vacation rental says they’re close to the attractions you want to experience. The question is, how close? Does “ten minutes away” mean by foot or by car? What’s the difference between “oceanview” and “oceanfront”? 

Many rental platforms don’t offer the exact address until you book due to privacy reasons. That said, make sure to inquire if you have specific expectations. 

The ideal accommodation is near local landmarks, shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and transportation services. Aside from proximity, you should also inquire about noisy neighbors and ongoing construction projects that may disrupt your vacation.

3. Expecting hotel-like services in your vacation rental

Vacation rentals come in different forms and sizes. They can be fully-furnished houses, apartments, mansions, and villas. They can also be as humble as trailers and treehouses. 

It’s safe to say that there are no housekeeping and turndown services every day. 

Research the property thoroughly. Know what you’ve signed up for and manage your expectations. 

If you want a hotel-like property that’s bigger and equipped with homey features, you may opt for serviced apartments. These accommodation options are tastefully decorated suites or apartments, but come with hotel luxuries like a reception, security, and housekeeping services. 

4. Disregarding your other options 

Don’t say “yes” to a vacation rental right away, especially if it’s the very first accommodation you came across. Shop around and explore as many options as you can. Shortlist at least 4-5 leads and compare their prices, amenities, and services. 

Also read: Ireland Don’ts: 10 Touristy Mistakes To Avoid In Ireland, According To Locals

5. Not using a major platform

Don’t get scammed! While there’s a wide array of vacation rental services available today, we suggest you stick to ones with a solid track record. Avoid community-driven forums and look from trusted property management companies or established travel sites. These reliable platforms have a process for verifying homes and hosts. 

6. Not looking at recent reviews

If you’re looking for the most insightful source of what your stay will be like, then find answers from the ones who’ve actually stayed in that vacation rental. Their reviews bring the most relevant and updated information about the property, based on their stay. Reading feedback can also tell you a lot about the hosts, whether they respond to criticisms professionally or they’re rude or unresponsive. 

7. Failing to research how secured the property is

Aesthetics and amenities might be essential for your dream holiday rental, but safety is just as important. Research the neighborhood where the vacation rental is located and consider searching crime reports. You want to feel safe and comfortable about leaving your stuff in your room when you go out, or about walking home from a day trip. 

If you’re booking apartment rentals and security is a big concern, we suggest going for serviced apartments instead. Just like self-catering apartments, serviced apartments are spacious and fitted with a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The only difference is they’re often located in a safe neighborhood and you’ll get 24/7 security service and assistance. 

8. Breaking the house rules

Perhaps the biggest advantage these rentals have over hotels is they feel more like home — because they are. They are someone else’s home, and their owners (a.k.a your hosts) have their set of house rules and expectations. 

Respect your host by thoroughly reading the rules. These include curfews, COVID-19 measures, age requirements, arrival and departure times, and simple courtesies like not inviting guests that aren’t formally registered. In most cases, you’ll get a hunch if the place is fit for you just by reading the regulations. 

9. Not making the most out of the amenities 

Just because they’re not hotels doesn’t mean you’ll just assume the bare minimum. Vacation rentals come with a list of amenities you should take advantage of. All you need to do is ask your host about them before your arrival. 

These might include iron and ironing boards, desk or workspace, extra bedding, linens, coffee and condiments, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and even amazing facilities like gyms, pool, and parking.  

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who loves exploring the great outdoors. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES Birmingham.