Booking a Holiday Apartment

BESman

I'm a complete noob and a bit stupid when it comes to anything holidays related so I need help. I'm booking a holiday apartment in Spain for a week. I've a few queries and I would appreciate any guidance:

1.) First of all, has anyone here stayed in an apartment on holiday before and could you share your experience? Do they meet you at the apartment and give you the keys? Will there be keys for each person staying?

2.) We have to pay a deposit which is returned, providing there is no damage. I presume this is pretty standard but what kind of protection do you have against them not returning it over something ridiculous? Has anyone had a bad experience in this regard?

3.) The apartment states that it sleeps 4. Would it be a big deal to book this and actually have 5 people staying? Or should I ring before hand and explain the situation. They'll probably try and force us into a bigger apartment which will be more expensive. We ain't fussy and will sleep on couch, floor, etc.

4.) We are staying in Barcelona and I am booking through http://www.barcelonapoint.com/ Anyone ever book through these guys before? I spoke to a girl on the phone there today and the website looks pretty good so it appears legit, but you never know. The reviews on the site are mostly positive but they might not be genuine.

A lot of questions but I am stressing out a bit as I am new to this and I'm just really worried about getting ripped off or scammed or something. My biggest concern is the 5 people staying in an apartment that sleeps 4. I don't wanna arrive with 5 and they get angry or something. Could always hide the fifth person I suppose.

Thanks!

Leper

1. Booking a holiday apartment and flights separately is not unusual. It probably will work out much cheaper than through a travel agent. If you are dealing with an agency or real estate agent you will probably be met at their premises or even at the airport depending on their terms. Usually, two sets of keys are given out. I would think it unusual to give out five sets of keys to five people staying simultaneously.

2.Deposits against damage is not unusual either. Look at it this way the owner of the apartment is probably taking a bigger chance than you. The apartment can be ruined by somebody burning a sofa or mattress or worktop etc with cigarette burns even by accident.

3. You should have no difficulty with an apartment that sleeps 4 people and bringing a 5th person. When apartments are advertised the agency/owner would err on the side of caution. However, I would "sneak in" the 5th person in case there is a policy of an extra charge for an additional person.

4. I have never dealt with the agency mentioned, but dont be afraid to ask questions:-
(a) Is the apartment fully furnished?
(b) Is there a swimming pool, airconditioning, television, patio furniture, fridge/freezer, microwave, cooker, toaster, washing machine, etc etc.

One other thing, the Spanish are fairly coy and if they think damage will be done, they will up the deposit bigtime and you never saw anybody like 'em for jacking up the deposit. Therefore, ensure you appear to be a "quiet" lot.

Please don't get insulted by my comments and be careful not to be pick-pocketed especially in Las Ramblas..

BESman

Thanks for that Leper, feel a bit more reassured now.

Also, I've been well warned about the pickpockets, I'm paranoid enough in Ireland so I'll do my best to keep as little valuables on me and make sure I have my wits about me.