Homestay

Guides to Choosing a Homestay in Europe

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Location: You can choose a vacation rental located in the city center or central area, with a maximum distance of 3 kilometers from the city center.

Room selection: Please choose a suitable room type based on the number of guests. If you need more than one bedroom, select the number of independent bedrooms you require. Otherwise, you may end up with temporary sofa beds in the living room. If you have a larger group, consider vacation rentals with multiple bathrooms.

Facilities: Washing machines and microwaves are common facilities in vacation rentals. Having a washing machine can be convenient, especially if you plan on long-distance travel and need to do laundry. Additionally, a microwave is essential if you plan to have meals at the vacation rental. As for kitchen facilities, choose based on your personal needs.

Check-in and check-out time: Please note that most vacation rentals have check-in time between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM and check-out time between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Consider your arrival and departure times to ensure they align with the rental’s schedule. During the off-season, you can negotiate the check-in and check-out times with the host.

Check-in methods: Vacation rentals offer both assisted check-in and self-check-in options. Assisted check-in requires you to schedule a specific time, and the host will be present at the property to welcome you. Self-check-in involves using a key box or a lock with a password to access the rental.

Cancellation policy: If you anticipate potential changes in your travel plans or the need to modify your reservation due to visa applications, make sure to filter for vacation rentals with free cancellation policies. Pay attention to the specific deadline for free cancellation, usually before a certain date.

Luggage storage: It’s convenient if the vacation rental offers luggage storage services, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out. If the rental doesn’t provide this service, you can communicate your needs with the host in advance or look for nearby luggage storage facilities.

Power outlets: In Europe, the main type of power outlet is the European standard, but other countries like Italy have different standards. It’s recommended to purchase a universal adapter plug so that you can meet your power outlet needs in various locations.

City tax: Many countries levy city taxes on accommodation guests. Usually, hotels collect the city tax together with the room rate. However, some vacation rentals may require cash payment for the city tax, while only accepting online payment for the room rate. Therefore, it’s important to communicate and prepare accordingly before making a reservation.

Costs: Vacation rental costs generally include the room rate, cleaning fee, and platform service fee. The room rate is calculated per day, while the cleaning fee and platform service fee are one-time charges. Therefore, if you plan to stay in the vacation rental for an extended period, it can be more cost-effective.

Write A Comment