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Short-term Rental Tips
1. Book early
To get the best possible prices and selection, try to reserve at least a months before your trip.
2. Numbers game
How many people an apartment can sleep is not necessarily the same as how many it sleeps comfortably. Find out the number of full rooms and beds a place has before you commit. Don’t rely on photos, which can be deceptive, to get a sense of the size of an apartment. The square footage is a more precise measure (one square meter is approximately 11 square feet). Finally, ask about elevator service, especially if you’re traveling with anyone who may have problems climbing several flights.
3. Cooling agents
Inquire about air-conditioning, which isn’t standard in most European apartments, and beware of the agent who talks up the wonders of cross-ventilation.
4. Call before you commit
Although Web sites can be a handy research tool, talk to an agent directly before pulling out your credit card. Agencies often have more apartments than they list online, and you can tailor amenities more easily over the phone. You may even be able to drive the price down.
5. Read the fine print
To ensure that your vacation isn’t a horror story of confused dates and false promises, read the contract carefully before signing.
6. At your service
Most rentals include a onetime housekeeping fee, but if you are staying more than a week, you may want to arrange for additional maid service. Some agencies can also arrange for the kitchen to be stocked prior to your arrival.
7. Phone home
Telephones in rental apartments are often restricted to local service. If you plan to make long-distance calls, get a country-compatible cell phone with prepaid minutes, or a phone card.
8. Plan ahead
You will be exploring on your own—exactly the fun of renting an apartment, but also the challenge. Unless you plan on using a private concierge service, no one will be there to score you reservations, so book restaurants and theater tickets far in advance and come with good guidebooks and maps.
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