Top 3 tips for booking a perfect holiday apartment

If you’ve decided against a hotel in favour of a holiday rental property, there are lots of perks that come with the choice. Not only can vacation apartments be great value for money but there’s often more room to move and the bonus of a kitchen for self-catering.

But as no two holiday apartments are the same, how do you find one that’s right for you and your group? In this article, we’ll share some of our top tips for finding and booking the perfect holiday rental, no matter where in the world you are traveling.

It all begins by using a trustworthy holiday rental booking site. If you’re looking for a place to start your search, Rentola across Canada and beyond. Whether you want to be in the heart of all the action in Gastown or bunk down in one of Yaletown’s family-friendly abodes, there are Vancouver rentals online to meet all tastes and budgets.

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1. Identify your “must haves”

Before you start your search, write down what your budget is and any “must have” features of the holiday rental that you aren’t willing to compromise on. Maybe it’s the number of bedrooms and the inclusion of high-speed Wi-Fi or perhaps you really want a swimming pool to cool off in during the hot, summer months. Other popular facilities include off-street parking, self-catering kitchens, and child-friendly amenities.

By understanding your priorities (and that of your group), you can better target your search. Rather than spending hours scrawling through the seemingly endless number of options, you’ll be able to identify a handful that meet your needs and choose accordingly. Remember, the earlier you book, the wider range of properties that will be available, so don’t leave your search to the last minute!

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2. Be fussy about your location

When we talk about location here, we’re not referring to the destination – the town, city, or region – you are visiting. But rather, the property’s location within that destination. Where you stay and its surrounding neighbourhood can play a big role in the experience you have and isn’t something you should overlook.

If you’re traveling to a destination for the first time, you might be completely unfamiliar with its neighbourhoods and where the best places to stay are. If that’s the case, do a little online research to get some answers.

The best location may be different from one group of guests to the next or even between couples and families. Do you want somewhere that is within walking distance of bars and restaurants or is having a park and playground across the street more important?

When selecting your preferred location, consider the logistics of getting around and whether you will have easy access to public transport or if you will need to hire a car. Most holiday rental sites come with interactive maps that highlight the location and its proximity to city centres, airports, and attractions.

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3. Read the reviews

It’s easy to just skim over star ratings when browsing holiday rental sites and using these alone to make a judgment on whether a property is right for you. But the truth is, star ratings only tell part of the story and don’t offer a lot of helpful information or nitty-gritty details.

If you find a property that you like, take the time to read some of the reviews and hear about the experiences of previous guests. Did the apartment live up to (or exceed) their expectations and were there any surprises (good or bad)? In some reviews, people will explain who they think the property is ideal for and in what circumstances it might not be a good choice.

If you do read a negative review, check to see how the property owner responds (while remembering that not all complaints are valid or warranted). Are they apologetic about the issues experienced and have they taken steps to rectify the situation? Most property owners are open to feedback and want to make their holiday rentals the best they possibly can be.

Subham Majumder, Canva.com

Have a “local” experience

One of the major advantages of staying in a holiday rental apartment over a traditional hotel is that you can experience the destination like a local, rather than just being a tourist. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local neighbourhood with its cafes, restaurants, and parks while discovering hidden gems that are well off the tourist trail.

Holiday rental sites have tapped into our desire to have more authentic experiences and genuine cultural interactions when we travel. Property owners often share their favourite places to eat, shop, and relax, which can sometimes leave a bigger impression than seeing world-famous landmarks.

By doing a bit of research, identifying your “needs” and understanding a little about the destination, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable stay.