If you have not used our site, or rented from a private owner before, this page should answer any questions you have about doing so. HolidayLetsOnline.com want to make your rental experience as enjoyable and easy as possible - we try to make the booking as relaxing as the holiday should be!
These are probably the most frequently asked questions, however, if you have a specific enquiry that is not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact the owner of the property who will be more than happy to assist.
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What does the website comprise?
HolidayLetsOnline.com gives you details and photos of the actual properties available. Where possible we do not give examples or artists impressions of properties as we feel it is only fair for the potential guest to know exactly what they are getting for their money and the facilities on offer. Each property is listed by the owner themselves and we encourage them to give as much information as possible within the listing. Please be patient with the owners as some of them do not have English as their first language and this could well be reflected in the property descriptions. If you are in any doubt or need further details, the best way to forward is to contact the owner by one of the methods listed on the site outlining your questions in simple terms.
The site consists of various search criteria to find the type/place of holiday accommodation with a short list facility to enable you to draw up an on-screen list of favourites and contact all the owners at once. Alternatively, you can use the individual 'contact owner' icon situated on each property listing to email the owners direct. Some of the listings have a web site address that is maintained by the property owner, if you use one of these links, please be sure to tell the owner that you found their property on our website initially.
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Explaining rental properties?
We define a rental property, yacht charter or holiday let as somewhere to stay which has its own living room, bedroom(s), bathroom(s) and kitchen. The vast majority of our accommodation is privately owned and is furnished according to the owner's taste and individual style. The descriptions we list are given by the owner or agent, however, the accommodation featured should operate to any safety/letting regulations of the country the property is in. HolidayLetsOnline.com wish to point out that standards and regulations may vary from country to country and may not necessarily be at levels enjoyed in the UK or EC. If in doubt, please contact the owner of the property who will give you further information and hopefully put your mind at rest.
Service/Utilities: We have asked owners to specify utilities/services available at the accommodation.
Charges: Please check with the owner if there are any charges for services or utilities, including air conditioning if this concerns you.
Air Conditioning: We have asked owners to specify if the accommodation is equipped with air conditioning - some owners may charge extra for this or operate a "card" meter for its use.
Maid Service: If this service is provided it is specified under accommodation in 'further details.' The level of service may vary between accommodation and countries and you should ask the owner for specific details if you have any queries regarding the level of service being provided.
Satellite/TV/Video etc: If the accommodation specified has satellite TV then you should be able to receive at least one free to air English speaking channel. Standard TV will only receive local channels and videos/DVD's etc may also be supplied in local languages.
Pools/Garden/General Maintenance: If these services are provided it is specified under accommodation in 'further details.' This service may vary between accommodation and countries. You should therefore ask the owner to specify details if you have any queries on the level of service to be provided. You may also wish to check if the pool is chemical or salt water, heated, private or shared and if any lifeguard is on site.
Personal Effects: We advise all holiday makers to be vigilant and take care of all their personal possessions. Should you suffer any theft, damage or loss whilst on holiday, we advise you to report it immediately to the local police, property owner and your travel insurance company as necessary. Please ask the agent/owner to specify whether there is a safe or safety deposit box available.
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Why choose us?
Choice, value for money and booking at your leisure from our extensive database of holiday properties is top of the list! From a cost perspective, as you are often booking direct from the owner, you can expect to get an extremely good deal whilst staying in a fully equipped home or yacht with the flexibility to do things at times to suit YOU. Book from your home or office and avoid spending lunch hours or weekends in travel agency queues! If you are unsure about any aspect of the holiday or booking procedure, or if you would like to take advantage of our Tailored Travel Concierge service, please email for advice and further details tailoredtravel@HolidayLetsOnline.com mark your email "concierge" and give a detailed account of your requirements. A member of the Concierge staff will endeavour to call you back or email you as soon as possible. Please note that the Concierge service may run on reduced staffing at weekends and you email or call may not be returned as quickly as it would be Monday - Friday. Don't forget to look at our list of flights, ferries, car hire etc. More money can be saved by booking these direct from our site or asking our Concierge to do this for you! Full details of the Tailored Travel Concierge service can be found on the Tailored Travel tab at the top of the webpage.
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Climate and currency
July and August are what we often think of as 'summer holiday time', the reason is obvious for those of us in the UK, but some of our accommodation will offer lovely warm temperatures in the middle of the UK winter! Also, parts of Europe will have comfortable temperatures in November and December whilst there will be skiing in other parts! Our weather link gives you an insight into climate and conditions worldwide - from this you can make a choice of when and where to go. Our currency converter will help you avoid the complication of working out exchange rates! Whilst it is probably advisable to take the bulk of your currency in the form of Travellers Cheques, it may be advisable to carry some local currency with you for when you arrive at your destination. Where a security deposit is required on arrival at the property, be sure to agree in advance whether this needs to be paid in currency - this will ensure you have the correct amount with you when you arrive. Property owners can advise you of the local banks and bureaus for making cash withdrawals etc.
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Searching the database to find the right holiday
Don't be phased by our extensive database - we have devised a very simple, straight forward way of finding the right holiday for you and your family.
Using the different search facilities
You can search for a property by using the “Country” lists on the home page. These are found on the left hand side of the page. Simply click the country you want to go to, then if necessary, click the area and then complete the drop down menus/tick boxes at the top of the next page and press “FIND”. You do not have to enter information in the tick boxes if you don’t want to but these are useful when catering for specific needs and narrow down the properties. The less boxes ticked the more properties will be found.
If you are looking for a specific type of holiday, for example, “winter sun”, then you may wish to search using the above method. However, by far the quickest way is by clicking on the relevant picture icon at the bottom left hand side of the home page. In this case “winter holidays” will bring up a list of all the properties available offering that kind of holiday. You can still narrow down the search by ticking the boxes at the top of the page.
Clicking on the “Special Deals” link will give you a list of properties that are offering a discount. Some will be reduced because of “last minute” availability and others will be listed here because the owner is promoting at a reduced rate.
Availability: the site shows availability on the property listing page but please be aware that this may not be up to date, or in some cases, the owner may choose not to use it at all. The best thing to do is send an email to the owner via the link on the property page - when you send your email or make contact via fax/phone, you can outline the dates you hope to travel. The owner will be able to let you know almost immediately if your chosen dates are available, or give you the closest alternative. Owners will also be able to advise you on local amenities and the best route for getting to the accommodation etc. When you contact the owner, please be sure to mention that you found their property on HolidayLetsOnline.com and if possible quote the property reference number also.
Equipment: For all activity holidays you will need to take your own equipment unless otherwise specified. If you are unsure of what is offered or the hire charge of any equipment provided, please contact the owner/agent of the accommodation for further details.
Meals/Catering: Some accommodation may offer meals or catering in the overall price of the holiday. This is very likely with the skiing holidays. However, be sure to check with the owner exactly what is included. If you have any special dietary requirements or have young children/babies it is worth telling the owner well in advance and maybe taking some suitable food with you - this can be especially useful for late arrivals when local shops may be shut.
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Short listing holidays I like
Once you have done the initial search and get to the point where you want to shortlist properties, all you do is click on the 'add to shortlist' icon and the shortlist will be made automatically for you. You can print this off, select properties to email or send a 'one email to all' by filling in the 'message' box at the bottom of the page and pressing 'contact owner(s)'. In your email be sure to include preferred dates of travel/holiday duration, number in your party etc. The owners will contact you via your chosen method as soon as they can.
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How do I contact the owner?
All the advertisements give you contact details of the owners or agents letting the property/yacht. To contact an owner simply choose phone, fax or email. If emailing, simply type the message and press 'contact owner' to forward the email directly to them. If you choose to telephone or fax, please be considerate of any time difference! It is often best to make initial contact by email and establish a mutually convenient time for calling the owner. Please ensure that the information you give is accurate.
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Booking process
Each property owner has their own method of taking bookings and HolidayLetsOnline.com is not involved in the booking process. However, usually, when you have discussed the details and are ready to proceed with a booking, you will be asked for a deposit. This is paid to the owner (they will specify how they prefer to receive it and how much - WE ADVISE YOU NEVER SEND CASH IN THE POST!). When you are a few weeks away from the holiday (often this is 8 weeks prior to departure) you will be asked to pay the balance. You should ask for a receipt from the owner for your records when making any payments. In addition, you may have to give a security deposit, either with the booking or on arrival - the owner will notify you of any amount and how it needs to be paid (often in cash on arrival) - it is worth making sure that you get confirmation of this prior to booking. The security deposit will be returned on or after your departure, less the cost of any damage or metered charges for telephone and electricity etc if they are not included in the rates - check with the owner exactly what is included before booking. It is also advisable to check the cancellation terms with the owner at the time of booking. We recommend that potential guests, or their agents, confirm all the terms of the letting contract in writing and in advance of the rental. Please note that HolidayLetsOnline.com can take no responsibility for monies, or their return, paid to agents or owners. If you are unsure about what to write in your booking confirmation or deposit letter, for your convenience we have some example correspondence that you can copy, click here to access the letters.
Building Work: This is sometimes unavoidable as the demand for tourism increases. There is always a possibility of building work or construction being carried out by local authorities, private developers, or neighbouring properties. For further details or assurance on the level of work being carried out, we recommend that you contact the owner/agent directly. Some owners may significantly discount their property during any building work to compensate for any inconvenience.Aircraft Noise: In areas close to airports, it is not unusual to experience aircraft noise. Please ask the owner/agent for further details if this concerns you or consider staying further away from the airports if night flying is an issue.
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How will I get there? Travel arrangements/car hire etc
The owner will be able to advise you on the best way of getting to the property from the airport, coach station, railway etc. Please see the list of services in our Holiday Essentials section for car hire, flights and other deals. If in doubt, contact Tailored Travel Concierge who will be able to assist you further.
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Before you leave home
Make sure you have the full address and good, clear directions to the property, that you have informed the owner of your arrival time and that you have clear instructions about meeting the person with the key if it is not being forwarded to you in advance.
Make sure you have the name and telephone number of someone at the location who you can contact in the event that you are delayed
If you have to pay a security deposit on arrival, this may be in cash, local currency, cheque or travellers' cheque. Make sure you have the means to pay the security deposit with you.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that holidaymakers take out adequate travel insurance. Ensure that any existing travel insurance is up to date (see on our Holiday Essentials section to view special offers for travel insurance). We advise all holidaymakers to seek advice from their GP if they have any health concerns before they travel. Your GP can also advise you about inoculations that may be required prior to visiting some countries.
Don't Forget To Check That Your Passport Is Up To Date!
Inoculations/Insects/Animals: You should ask your GP for advice regarding inoculations. Mosquitoes, ants and other insects are usual in warmer climates. Please take advice on repellents from your local pharmacist. In many countryside areas wild life may be sighted around the garden and in nearby fields as can local dogs and cats, unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this. Check with the owner of the property if anything concerns you.
Infants/Cots/Highchairs: If stated or requested cots and highchairs may be provided. Please remember that standards may vary from that which one would expect within the UK. It may be wise, for reasons of hygiene, to take cot linen with you even if it is supplied. If you have small children or babies please remain vigilant with regard to balconies, swimming pools, animals, insects etc. Do not forget to protect children from heat and cold with the relevant clothing and sun protection. It may be wise to take sterilising equipment with you if you have a baby.
Contact in an Emergency: Each owner is required to specify the name of someone who will provide assistance in an emergency. Please make sure you have this information from the landlord/agent before you leave for your holiday destination.
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On arrival at the holiday property
Please ensure you make specific arrangements with the landlord/agent regarding keys. Some owners send you a key in advance, some actually live on or near the site and will meet you, some arrange for an agent or representative to meet you at the property. Make sure you are given details of someone you can contact if something goes wrong. If you are delayed, it is courteous to inform the owner if you can. We suggest you take a torch, toilet roll and maybe something like a packet of biscuits or other suitable sustenance for late night arrivals! We ask that each owner specify the nearest supermarket and takeaway along with opening times but it is better to be prepared! When stating your arrival time, please don't forget to allow for any time differences, travelling time, transfers etc to try and give the owner/agent a clear time of arrival and thus avoid any confusion!
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Problems whilst on holiday
If you have a problem get in touch as soon as you can, with the person whose details you have been given. They have the local knowledge to sort things out quickly and efficiently. Owners will be pleased to assist you as this forms part of the high standard of customer service that they provide.Complaints about Accommodation: Although we cannot be held responsible for accommodation, if we receive 3 or more complaints of a similar nature about any residence, that contravenes their advertising statement, we will terminate our contract of advertisement and only allow re-advertising at such time that any defects or problems have been suitably rectified.
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Vacating the property
The owner or their representative should check you out of the property, and assuming there is no damage, refund your security deposit, either on the spot or within the specified time. Although unlikely, if you have any problems or concerns that have occurred during your stay it is best to get an agreement of any compensation etc in writing from the owner/agent before your departure.
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Example letters for booking your holiday
- Initial contact via email
- Sending a deposit letter
- Sending the balance due letter
- Complaint letter
