Villa Tips

marmaduke..

Basically big enough group of us (8-10) planning to head away during the summer, (August perhaps), look like we're looking to rent a vila and i'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for paying as little as possible for such an arrangement, in an area relatively lout free but with some nightlife. Thinking within Spain but open to alternatives, many thanks x

Leper

A villa sounds great, provided you need a villa. Villas tend to be outside of resorts (some are in resorts, I know). If the villa is outside the resort, it is likely that you will have to rent a car to travel to the resort/supermarket/restaurants/shops etc.

Perhaps a large or two apartments together is your best best? (Perhaps, I'm wrong).

But, if you have centrally located accommodation you would be within walking distance of Beach, Supermarket, Restaurants, Shops etc. Also, you might not need to rent a car.

I point out the above just for your info and yes, I have rented villas and apartments in the past.

marmaduke..

Leper wrote: »

A villa sounds great, provided you need a villa. Villas tend to be outside of resorts (some are in resorts, I know). If the villa is outside the resort, it is likely that you will have to rent a car to travel to the resort/supermarket/restaurants/shops etc.

Perhaps a large or two apartments together is your best best? (Perhaps, I'm wrong).

But, if you have centrally located accommodation you would be within walking distance of Beach, Supermarket, Restaurants, Shops etc. Also, you might not need to rent a car.

I point out the above just for your info and yes, I have rented villas and apartments in the past.

Leper, thanks for the reply. Your point about the car is well made, hadn't crossed my mind.

We all seem pretty set on the villa though, can you or anyone else reccomend on how to go about getting the best deal? Any good sites etc?

Many thanks

Leper

I would suggest booking with a Holiday Home owner privately. But, you can google Holidayhomesdirect etc.

Be aware that it is a Renters market nearly everywhere and quoted prices are not written in stone. Be prepared to negotiate. Believe me the owner will not be too willing to let a sale go.

The newspapers here have many small ads advertising villas. It is likely that where you work people have rented villas in the past.

But, the best way (my opinion) is to decide on a particular destination. Google the destination and you will have no difficulty with a range of holiday homes for rent. Even the Real Estate agents will only be too willing to negotiate. Whatever you do, dont take the first price on offer.

Leper

Things to remember:-

1. Transfers - do you rent a car or is there a cheap public bus alternative? Does the holiday home owner suggest transfers?

2. How far from the beach, supermarket, shops, restaurants, bus-stop etc is the villa? I mean walking distance.

3. Are there any hidden extras e.g airconditioning etc?

4. How many bedrooms, beds? Is the sofa in the living area included as a bed?

5. Is patio furniture included? You will need sunbeds, parasols etc

6. Have you a sea view? Have you a mountains view? Ensure you are not looking at a dump or a blank wall. Dont underestimeate this point.

7. Is a swimming pool provided? Arrive somewhere there is no pool and your own will shoot you on the spot where the pool should be.

8. Is the local bus service (and taxis) good? Try drinking and driving in Spain and you will pay the price, believe me.

9. Dont forget with 8 people you will need a washing machine.