Tips for a Top Class Holiday: Avoid Vile Villas and Costa del Construction Site

November 15, 2006 - Press Dispensary - Villa holidays can provide the ‘perfect getaway’ and selecting a property online or from a glossy brochure gives ample choice... but it's all too easy to be let down by the reality when you arrive. Bruce Gibson, owner of Brighton based accommodation agent, VillaSpain (http://www.villaspain.co.uk), gives his top tips to help holidaymakers avoid the pitfalls of private villa rentals and hunt down a heavenly holiday.

Firstly, check whether the villa is suitable for your entire party. It might have great views but is it child friendly? Or is there a set of steep steps leading to a sheer mountain drop?

Simply relying on photographs in brochures and websites can be misleading. Bruce says: “Don't be fooled by a single picture, especially if it's tiny and difficult to see. Villas all look beautiful when painted gleaming white but you should avoid booking one that doesn't show sufficient interior pictures. Examine each image closely - does the bed have a headboard or just pillows against the wall? This could indicate lack of preparation by the owner or a need for expenditure on the villa.”

Bruce urges customers to check pictures are current: “Was that view taken from the roof of the building before some development occurred next door? It's not much fun if your sea view is only from the top floor toilet!”

The camera can definitely lie… especially with the help of digital manipulation. Bruce advises: “A swimming pool can be made to look vast in a picture, so check the measurements to ensure it's not a little splash pool."

After facing the unpredictable British weather, most holidaymakers look forward to sunbathing and dining alfresco. But make sure the sun will be where you want it: “Ask whether you have sun on your terrace or will you be in shade from 1pm onwards? Checking the villa's orientation will make it clear whether it suits your needs – or must you travel miles to the beach to catch some rays?”

Small details can make or break a holiday. Bruce suggests: “Think about asking the villa owner whether the kitchenware is plastic or glass, so every meal feels like a picnic, or is it an unmixed china set? Is the sofa good quality or an uncomfortable heap hidden by a throw? What about linen and towels – could you end up sweating all night under polyester sheets? Unclean accommodation on arrival will certainly annoy you, so ensure that the villa will be professionally cleaned before you get there.”

Private villa owners may oversell their property or fail to see its faults. Bruce advises: “Look for an unbiased rating if possible. Customer endorsements can be helpful so view any feedback left on a website. Also, prices can vary a lot in the same area where private villa owners are concerned so do shop around.”

And just how private is your villa? “Some villas are built close to each other and there’s a lot of building work around the Med, so check that you’re not going to be surrounded by a construction project which will spoil your relaxing break.”

If something goes wrong in your villa or with the pool, help should arrive promptly. “Ask what service back-up is available, and if there’s a knowledgeable local person on hand seven days a week to resolve maintenance issues. If something does go wrong, a private owner with just one property may have problems relocating you, while an established company is more able to offer alternative accommodation. And watch out for double bookings, particularly with private renters – is there a system to safeguard you against these?”

However, dealing with an agency isn’t always straightforward. Bruce says: “Ask if the agency has a direct contract with the owner. If they’re not in full management control of a villa, there could be delays if something goes wrong or a double booking occurs. Ask when you’ll get your damage deposit back – this should be in writing. Always check the small print carefully for extra charges. These can include surcharges for credit card use, damage charges even if no damage occurs, and unfair administrative fees charged per person or for simple changes to a booking.”

For peace of mind, consider paying for your trip with your flexible friend. Bruce advises: “Independent travellers don’t need to worry about financial back-up if things go wrong. The consumer credit act means if a holiday costs more than £100 and less than £30,000, the entire cost is protected for customers paying by credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa.”

Whether you choose a villa from a private individual or a company, Bruce concludes: “Always ask the questions to get the information you need if it's not provided on the renter's website. You should feel completely confident with your villa choice. If you're not happy with the answers, simply go elsewhere. Your holiday is important so don't gamble with it.”

For further advice, visit Villa Spain’s website at http://www.villaspain.co.uk. The site provides detailed photo galleries and virtual tours of affordable luxury rental villas on the Costa Blanca.

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Notes for editors
Villaspain has operated for over 17 years in Brighton, East Sussex, and belongs to owner / sole trader, Bruce Gibson. The company specialises in fully managed villas located in the area between Altea and Denia on the Costa Blanca and offers a personal service to customers. Villaspain has its own local office support in Benissa, Costa Blanca.

For further information, please contact:
Bruce Gibson, Villaspain
Tel: 01273 623723
Email:
Site: www.villaspain.co.uk