There’s something special about staying in a vacation apartment – it feels like stepping into a new home, even for just a few days. Instead of hotel hallways and standard room service, you get a cozy space to call your own, complete with a kitchen, a living area, and sometimes even a balcony overlooking a city skyline or a serene beach. 

But to make the most of it, you must know how to rent an apartment for vacations: find the right place, book it safely, and ensure it meets all your expectations.

Finding the Right Vacation Apartment

With so many options available, how do you pick the best one? Here’s what you need to consider.

1. Start with a Trusted Booking Platform

Websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offer thousands of vacation rentals worldwide. They provide guest reviews, detailed descriptions, and secure payment methods, making them safer than random listings you might find online.

What you can do is:

• Compare listings across platforms to find the best price.
• Check cancellation policies – some offer full refunds if plans change.
• Look for places with Superhost or Premier Host status, which means they have consistently high ratings.

2. Consider the Location Carefully

It’s tempting to book the cheapest apartment, but if it’s far from the places you want to visit, you’ll waste time and money on transportation. If you are traveling for sightseeing, make sure your rental is near public transport or within walking distance of key attractions.

What you need to check:

• Public Transport Access – Look for nearby metro, bus, or tram stops.
• Grocery Stores & Restaurants – Having shops within walking distance makes your stay easier.
• Safety & Noise Levels – Read reviews to see if the area is safe and not too noisy at night.

3. Read Reviews – The Most Honest Source of Information

Never book a place without reading at least a few reviews from previous guests. The photos may look stunning, but the real experience can differ.

When reading reviews, look for:

• Cleanliness – If multiple reviews mention dirty sheets or foul odors, stay away.
• Accuracy – Check if guests felt the listing description matched reality.
• Noise Levels – If you want a peaceful retreat, avoid places with nightlife noise complaints.
• Communication – A responsive host can make a huge difference, especially if something goes wrong.

4. Pay Attention to Amenities

Not all apartments come with the same perks. Some might have a washing machine, a coffee machine, or even beach gear, while others provide just the basics. Before booking, think about what will make your trip easier.

Must-have amenities:

• WiFi – Essential for work, entertainment, and navigating a new city.
• Air Conditioning or Heating – Check if the apartment has temperature control depending on the season.
• Kitchen Supplies – If you plan on cooking, ensure the kitchen is fully equipped.

Laundry Facilities – Beneficial for more extended stays.

Booking and Payment: Stay Secure

Once you’ve found the perfect rental, it’s time to book it. But before you enter your payment details, remember these security tips.

1. Never Pay Outside the Platform

Legitimate rental platforms have built-in security measures to protect guests. If a host asks you to send money through bank transfer, PayPal, or another third-party service, it’s a red flag.

2. Double-Check Fees

Some listings have hidden fees that only appear at checkout. Look out for:

• Cleaning Fees – Some are reasonable, but others can be excessive.
• Service Charges – Platforms take a percentage, so compare across different sites.
• Extra Guest Fees – Some hosts charge per person after a certain number of guests.

3. Communicate with the Host Before Booking

Send a quick message to the host asking about anything unclear in the listing. A good host will happily answer your questions and provide extra details.

How to Find the Best Deals on Vacation Rentals

A vacation apartment can save you money compared to hotels, but you can save even more if you know where to look and how to book. Prices fluctuate based on demand, location, and time of booking, so getting the best deal requires strategy.

Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to vacation rentals. If you travel to a popular summer destination, booking 3–6 months in advance ensures lower prices and better availability. However, last-minute bookings often come with discounts for off-season stays, as hosts lower rates to fill vacancies.

What you can do is:

• Track prices over time using platforms like Google Travel or price alerts on Airbnb and Vrbo.
• If your plans are flexible, book mid-week instead of weekends—rates are often lower.
• Look at shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for cheaper stays in high-demand destinations.

Compare Prices Across Platforms

Not all booking sites list the same prices for the same property. Some hosts offer discounts on one platform but not another, while others list their properties directly on their website.

What you need to do:

• Check Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and HomeToGo for price variations.
• If a host has a personal website, compare their direct rates with booking platform rates.
• Be cautious when booking directly—while you might save on platform fees, you lose some buyer protection.

Ask for Discounts

Most people assume vacation rental prices are fixed, but in many cases, hosts are willing to negotiate. If you’re staying for a week or longer, message the host before booking and ask if they offer a discount.

Here’s how you can phrase it: “Hi [Host’s Name], I love your apartment and would love to stay for [X] nights. Since I’m booking a longer stay, do you offer any special rates?”

Look for New Listings

Apartments that have just been listed often have lower prices to attract their first guests and build reviews. If you are comfortable being among the first to stay in a property, this is a great way to save.

What to check before booking:

• Does the host have other listings with good reviews?
• Does the listing have detailed photos and a well-written description?
• Is the location safe and convenient?

Arriving & Making the Most of Your Stay

Your booking is confirmed, and your bags are packed—now what? Here’s how to ensure a smooth check-in and an enjoyable stay.

1. Confirm Check-In Details in Advance

Many vacation rentals use self-check-in with keypads or lockboxes. Others require you to meet the host in person. Make sure you know:

• Check-in time – Some places have strict times, while others are flexible.
• How to get the keys – Ask for instructions in advance if it’s a lockbox.
• Host’s Contact Info – Have their phone number saved in case of delays.

2. Inspect the Apartment Upon Arrival

When you step into the apartment, take a few minutes to check if everything is as expected.

Look for:

• Cleanliness – If it’s not up to standard, contact the host immediately.
• Amenities – If something important is missing, report it.
• Any Damage – Take photos so you won’t be blamed for pre-existing issues.

3. Be a Good Guest

Leaving the apartment in good condition helps maintain your guest rating, making future bookings easier.

Tips to follow:

• Follow the house rules—some apartments have quiet hours or recycling guidelines.
• Take out the trash before leaving if required.
• Leave a review to help future travelers (and encourage hosts to keep high standards).

Avoiding Common Scams & Mistakes When Renting a Vacation Apartment

While most vacation rentals are safe, scams do exist. Knowing what to look for can prevent significant headaches.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Some warning signs indicate a listing may not be legitimate:

• The price is significantly lower than similar properties in the area.
• The host asks for direct payment via PayPal, wire transfer, or cash instead of through the platform.
• The listing has no reviews and limited details.
• Photos appear too perfect or seem to be stock images.

How to Verify a Rental Before Booking

If a property looks good but has no reviews, do extra research.

• Reverse image search the listing photos to see if they appear on multiple websites.
• Read the host’s profile to check if they have other listings with reviews.
• Check the address on Google Maps to ensure the building exists and matches the photos.

What to Do If You Arrive and the Rental Is Not as Expected

Even with careful trip planning, things can go wrong. If the apartment is not as described (unclean, missing amenities, etc.), your first step is to contact the host. In most cases, they will fix the issue or offer an alternative.

If the host is unresponsive or refuses to help:

• Contact the booking platform’s support team immediately.
• Take photos and videos as evidence.
• Request a refund or relocation assistance if the place is unlivable.

Why Choose a Vacation Apartment Over a Hotel?

A vacation apartment is your best bet if you love the idea of waking up in a neighborhood instead of a tourist district. It gives you more space, often at a better price, and lets you live like a local.

• More Space & Comfort – Whether traveling alone or with a group, an apartment offers more room to stretch out, cook your meals, and relax without the confines of a single hotel room.
• Cost-Effective – Hotels charge per night, while apartments often have discounted rates for weekly or monthly stays. You’ll also save money by cooking your meals.
• Live Like a Local – Staying in an apartment means being surrounded by neighborhood cafes, bakeries, and local markets instead of chain restaurants and tourist traps.

But, to enjoy these benefits, you must know how to choose the right rental and avoid common pitfalls.

Renting a vacation apartment gives you the freedom to explore a destination at your own pace while enjoying the comforts of home. 

FAQs

What should I do if my rental doesn’t match the listing?

Contact the host immediately. Contact the booking platform for support if they haven’t resolved the issue.

Is it better to book directly with the host or through a platform?

Using a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo provides security, verified reviews, and customer support in case of issues.

Are vacation apartments safe?

Yes, if booked through reputable platforms. Always check reviews and avoid listings that ask for payment outside the platform.

Can I negotiate the price of a rental?

Sometimes! If you’re booking an extended stay or traveling in the off-season, message the host and ask if they offer discounts.

How do I know if a vacation rental is in a good location?

You can check the map provided on booking platforms, read reviews about the surrounding area, and explore the neighborhood using Google Street View.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Cancellation policies vary by rental. Always read the terms before booking, and consider rentals with flexible or refundable options.

Can I trust photos on rental listings?

Photos can be misleading. Read reviews for confirmation, and if in doubt, ask the host for recent, unedited pictures.

Are vacation rentals cheaper than hotels?

In many cases, yes – especially for extended stays or group travel. Plus, having a kitchen helps save money on dining out.