One of the tougher, more invisible challenges of booking a private rental is getting there.
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Imagine you’ve found the perfect hilltop villa overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in Sicily or a bungalow tucked away in the Riviera Maya’s jungle or a remote ski lodge in Idaho with fresh powder. You’re in for a great trip… but how do you actually get there?
Although many luxury rentals offer transportation to and from the airport, or offer tips on how to get there, the journey is rarely simple.
Hoppa is a ride-hailing provider that works with popular companies like Lyft, Bolt, and Cabify to let you book direct airport pickups. Just tell them where you’re going, when, and how many people you have with you. From there, select your car size and comfort level, then let them get you from Terminal 2 to your dream rental.
Though the company launched in the UK, it’s now available for Americans who need airport pickups in the United States. The company also has a few tips about how to nail your rental experience.
Even if you consider yourself an Airbnb pro or a Vrbo veteran, you might want a few reminders on what to look out for. Here are five easy-to-forget mistakes that could catch you a fine after leaving your rental.
5 mistakes that could cost you after checking out from Airbnbs, Vrbos, and other private rentals
Remember: Every private rental has its own set of rules. Even if you’ve booked dozens of Airbnbs, Vrbos, or rentals from similar platforms, take a moment to read through any descriptions, clauses, or messages from hosts.
Normally, rental rules are clearly stated in profiles or, if you’re working with a members-only rental company, during sign-up. Look for these details before making your booking. Aside from the five mistakes listed below, look for things like quiet hours, trash disposal, pet rules, and other finer details.
Aside from that, Hoppa reminds you to look out for these five mistakes:
- Late check-out: Check-out times can be difficult to honor, even when you’re staying at a hotel. What’s a little ten-, twenty-, or thirty-minute delay? Unfortunately, at rentals, hosts are often aware of late check-outs. Some might even have measures in place to make sure guests leave at the correct time. Smart locks, for example, log each entry and exit. Exterior cameras will also capture your exact departure time.
- Property damage: Once upon a time, my partner was in a luxury rental in Frankfurt on a work trip. Things got a little rowdy one night, and a lamp was knocked over. A luxury lamp—that had a $12,000 price tag. Fortunately, Airbnb’s insurance policy covered the lamp, meaning the guests and hosts didn’t pay for the damage. However, even small issues like cleaning makeup on white towels or smoking in the unit can damage property. In smaller cases like this, you’ll foot the bill.
- Extra guests: Private rentals have capped capacities. In some cases, the cap isn’t about charging per head—it’s about respecting local ordinances. You inviting over a few extra guests could break local laws. From occupancy limits to zoning, guest count is important. Going over could cause fines, even if it’s just one person who comes over.
- Unauthorized parties: I like to think it’s obvious that guests shouldn’t throw parties in private rentals. (See: Tip #3 about extra guests and Tip #2 about property damage.) Still, it might be hard to differentiate between a little gathering and a party—especially if you’re renting a large villa that’s made for hosting a little fiesta. Aside from damage and extra guests, parties also create other problems like noise complaints and even road congestion.
- Parking restrictions: Speaking of road congestion, if you’re renting a car to drive to your rental, make sure you double-check parking instructions. Some areas, especially in cities, use resident parking passes. If you don’t have one visibly placed inside your car, you might be fined or even towed. Be mindful of street parking, as well. Even if non-residents are welcome to park there, don’t forget to look for scheduled no-parking times, like for street cleanings or garbage collection.