Have a question about exactly how a vacation rental works? Chances are, someone else has already asked it. Here’s a list of some of the most-asked questions from our clients:
- What time can we arrive at the property and what time do we have to leave?
In most cases you are asked to arrive late in the afternoon on the day your rental starts, between 4-6 pm. You need to leave no later than 10 am on your departure date. We appreciate your respecting these times to allow adequate preparation for your arrival and for those who follow you.
If you know in advance that you will not be able to arrive by 6 pm, please let us know your arrival time so we can make alternate arrangements. If you are delayed en route and will not be able to arrive by 6 pm, you would need to call the keyholder or local representative to advise them of your new arrival time.
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How do we find our way to the property and how do we get in?
Approximately 6 weeks before your scheduled arrival, At Home in Spain will send you a departure packet with complete information about your stay at the property. It includes exact directions, the property address and the keyholder/owner’s name and telephone number. The packet also includes general information about your rental and stay in Spain.
In most instances, you will be met at the property by the owner or keyholder who will show you around and give you the keys.
To best follow the directions, we suggest buying a Michelin map of Andalucía. In our opinion, Michelin publishes the best European maps available. The map of the entire region is #578. And there are other smaller maps of individual regions. We can tell you the specific map number you will require. Michelin maps can be ordered in the United States from specialty book/travel stores, such as Travel Essentials. Or, you can buy a map immediately on your arrival in Spain. They are readily available in bookstores and newsstands at about half the price charged in the United States.
- How will the property be furnished and equipped?
Your house will be completely furnished and equipped with blankets, pillows, dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, pans, small appliances, etc.
- What about major appliances like washing machines?
Most of our properties have washing machines and dishwashers. European appliances function quite differently from those in the States, and operation may not be evident. Best to ask the owner/keyholder to give you a demonstration. Or if there is a local representative, you can call and ask questions about appliance operation.
- What types of household and food items will be supplied?
Although the renters before you may have left a few things, you are expected to supply your own provisions. You should stock up on all food, including condiments and spices, and household items such as bath soap, toilet paper, detergent, etc.
Services and shops in most villages and small towns are closed on Sunday and some on Monday morning. Since most rentals start and end on a Saturday, we suggest you stop at a local market on your way to the house for provisions to last until Monday.
- Will the sheets and towels be similar to those we have at home?
Probably not. European towels in particular are usually not as large or as thick as ours and may seem flimsy to you. Europeans also don’t use as many towels as Americans do and find it quite normal to have just a couple of what we would consider smaller towels. Feel free to ask for more towels, which can usually be provided at an additional charge. Or you may want to bring along a bath towel and wash cloth from home.
- How much should we expect to pay for utilities?
Electricity in particular is much more expensive in Spain than in the U.S. and is not included in the rental price unless specified. Charges depend on the size of the house and the time of year and can range from $25 to more than $100 per week. Houses with central gas heat are more economical than those with electric radiators for winter rentals. Air conditioning is usually electric and when used, you may incur supplementary electricity charges.
- Will the property have a telephone?
Telephone service is not provided at our properties in Spain. If you require phone service during your trip, we suggest bringing or renting a cell phone. You can start by calling your cell phone provider to see if service is available in Spain. For international cell phone rentals, we suggest contacting PlanetFone (www.planetfone.com) or toll free at 1-888-988-4777. We have found its equipment and services very dependable. And its rental rates and terms are among the most competitive in the industry.
If you plan on using a phone infrequently, there are public telephones in all the villages and towns. They operate with a calling card. For calls within Spain, it’s most economical to use a Spanish calling card which can be purchased at airports, train stations, newsstands, supermarkets and phone service stores. For calls to the United States, you can use a US prepaid calling card from any of the major American companies. Be sure to call the company and ask for its access number for calls made from Spain.
- Can special services such as cleaning, cooking and babysitting be arranged?
It may be possible to arrange special services. However, it depends on the property. When we can arrange special services, they are always at an additional charge payable locally. If you require these types of services, please ask us about them before you reserve a property.
- Can we rent bicycles during our stay?
Most of our properties are within 30 minutes driving of larger villages and towns with bicycle rental shops.
- How do we find out about weekly markets close to the property, good restaurants, nearby shops and services and the most interesting tourist attractions?
Most of our properties have "house books," loose leaf notebooks with a variety of practical and tourist information. You’ll usually find the open air market days for neighboring towns and villages, emergency telephone numbers for doctors and pharmacies, recommended bakeries, restaurants, and information about many tourist sights and points of interest. Once you arrive, you can also visit the local Tourist office for tourist maps and brochures.
We also recommend the Michelin Green Guide to Andalucía and to Spain. In our opinion, these guidebooks are invaluable resources for planning your trip. They provide a wealth of historical and cultural information, detailed maps and itineraries. And they include all the sights and points of interest, listed in alphabetical order and rated by a star system. So you can review all the possibilities for day trips and prioritize them based on your personal interests.
- What do we do if there are problems at the property?
If there are problems with the house upon your arrival or during your stay, be sure to speak up. Call the owner/keyholder or local representative and tell them what’s wrong. Usually, problems can be remedied easily and will make your stay that much more enjoyable. We regret that complaints cannot be reviewed after your return if the keyholder/local representative has not been notified and allowed to resolve the problem while you are in residence.
If the problem is not resolved by the owner/keyholder or local representative, you can contact At Home in Spain in the US. Be aware that there is a 9-hour time difference between Spain and the west coast. We will respond as quickly as possible.
- Does the property have to be spotless when we leave?
The property is cleaned before you arrive and again when you leave. At departure, you are responsible for leaving it in an orderly fashion. Dishes should be washed and put away and all trash and bottles removed and deposited in the designated receptacles.
If more than average cleaning is required to prepare for the next renter, charges for extra cleaning will be deducted from your security deposit. See the Rental Conditions on your booking form for details.
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Spanish Vacation Home Rentals