How to Choose the Right Holiday Apartment

How to Choose the Right Holiday Apartment: Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Vacation

The holiday apartment you book might surprise you — unfortunately, fake listings, misleading photos, or non-existent accommodations often leave travelers in trouble.

Planning a vacation is exciting, but also demanding. The range of holiday apartments is vast, and it’s hard to know right away whom to trust and what to expect. Here are some practical tips on how to choose the ideal apartment and ensure that the information matches reality.

Check the Platform Where You Found the Holiday Apartment

Reliable websites like Booking.com or Airbnb verify listings and protect guests. If you contact the owner directly, be cautious and double-check all details before bypassing a trusted platform.

Location Is Key

• City Center: Higher prices, instant access to restaurants, bars, and nightlife — but expect noise
• Outside the Center: Lower prices, more space and comfort for less money, quieter, often closer to the beach.

Location often plays a crucial role in the quality of your vacation. Staying in the city center means higher costs, but also added convenience — everything is within reach. Step out of your apartment and you’re already at the nearest café for breakfast, with no need for transport or taxis. However, be prepared for nighttime noise, as summer months in the center are often filled with events and concerts.

On the other hand, outside the city center, prices are usually lower, and for the same amount you’d pay in the center, you can get twice as much space and comfort. If peace and relaxation are more important to you, such a location might be the right choice — especially if you want to be closer to the beach and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Check the Details

• Apartment capacity – for 2, 3, or more people
• Apartment amenities – does it have a hairdryer, coffee machine, large balcony, or sea view
• Condition of the apartment – is it recently renovated or last updated 15 years ago
• Check which floor it’s on and whether there’s an elevator, if that matters to you
• Is parking included or guaranteed
• Measure the distance to the beach or city center using Google Maps.

Guests often book a 2+1 or 2+2 option, which typically means one bedroom plus an additional bed. Be aware that the third person will likely sleep in the living room on a sofa bed. Consider whether that setup suits you, or if you’d prefer more comfort with two separate bedrooms. The apartment might be on the fourth floor without an elevator. Or it might lack a balcony, which could be important to you. If free parking isn’t provided, that could also increase the overall cost of your stay. Do you want something modern and luxurious, or is that not a priority?

Read the Reviews – Pay Attention to the Date

Check reviews across multiple platforms and focus on the more recent ones. These reflect the current condition of the apartment. It’s best to consult several sources — Booking, Airbnb, or Google Maps — to get the most objective impression. Keep in mind that on Google Maps, reviews can be posted without an actual stay, so always verify the credibility of the comments. Pay special attention to cleanliness ratings.