One of the most important factors in ensuring a successful holiday is choosing the right place to stay. In fact, it can be even more crucial than the destination itself and can have a major impact on the overall quality of the trip. A hotel with poor service, a guesthouse far from the center, or an apartment with inadequate cleanliness can easily ruin the entire experience.

In recent years, as tourism has surged, the number of vacation rentals has also increased, with supply keeping up with demand. However, this growth in availability doesn’t always translate to better quality. Therefore, booking your stay requires some careful research and a sensible, responsible approach. To assist you in navigating this sometimes tricky process, we've compiled a set of simple, easy-to-follow tips to help you choose the best accommodation for your holiday.

 1 – Analize the Property Reviews

Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to evaluate a service or product, but if you can’t get feedback from someone you know, online reviews are a great alternative. Whether on vacation rental platforms or Google, you'll find reviews from past guests for nearly every accommodation. While some reviews may be biased or unfair, it's important to read, assess, and compare as many as you can. Focus on those that seem credible and relevant, helping you form an informed opinion about the accommodations you're considering for your holiday.

2 - Assess your Real Needs

There is a wide range of vacation rentals available on the market, with various types and additional amenities. However, it’s important to focus only on those that meet your actual needs. For example, an apartment with a fireplace might seem like a great choice, but if you're traveling in the summer, how relevant is that? Before you begin your search for the right accommodation, make a list of what you truly need. This list will help you narrow down your options, making your decision-making process easier and more efficient.

3 - Study the Location

The location of a vacation rental is crucial to the success of your holiday. Before making your decision, always consider where the property is situated, how far it is from the city center, and what amenities are nearby. For example, if you’re not planning to rent a car and are considering booking a place in the suburbs, it may not be the most practical choice, as it will limit your mobility. While properties further from the center may be cheaper, the convenience of getting around is equally important. Therefore, weigh both factors carefully and keep this detail in mind when making your choice.

4 - TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CURRENT PANDEMIC SITUATION

The current coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed our lifestyle habits, including the way we travel and spend our vacations. It's true that the situation is reasonably better, especially since the start of the vaccination process, but it's still essential to take into account the current public health contingencies. And this should also influence your decision when booking your vacation accommodation. Local accommodation is always a great way to ensure greater privacy and social distancing from other guests, but there are more details to consider. For example, make sure you choose a place with the Clean & Safe seal, which guarantees that it complies with all the standards recommended by the Directorate-General for Health; try to avoid areas of the city that are very touristy, i.e. densely populated; and find out how the accommodation complies with all hygiene standards.

5 – Try to Book Directly with the Host

There are many online platforms available for booking holiday accommodation, which are great for researching, comparing, and analyzing your options. However, when it comes time to make a reservation, booking directly with the property can often offer better terms. This is because you eliminate intermediary fees, potentially securing a better price. It’s a more cost-effective option that can benefit both parties. While this may not always be the case, it's always worth checking if direct booking is a viable option before resorting to a platform.