7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now, According to the Pros
From cliffside villas with infinity pools to cozy cabins nestled in fairy-tale forests, vacation rentals have transformed the way we travel, offering privacy and that sense of 'living like a local' that hotels just can't give. However, today's rental landscape looks very different from just a few years ago. Unexpected pitfalls hidden in the fine print lurk behind each listing, including expensive fees, tacked-on cleaning prices, hidden reviews and so much more.
That's why we reached out to the Customer Care team at WhimStay, a home-booking platform that specializes in last-minute rentals. We asked them the seven things everyone needs to know before booking a rental (based on the thousands of calls and emails they field every day). From decoding listing nuances to knowing when (and how) to reach out to the host, this piece will help you figure out whether you're getting the best bang for your buck.
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1. No Neighborhood Info Is a Red Flag
If the house photos are gorgeous but there is no mention of the area it's in, including proximity to public transport, restaurants or interesting points (think beaches, lakes, hiking trails, etc.), it's a bit of a red flag, according to Jennifer Courtney, Head of Customer Service at Whimstay.
'If the neighborhood or surrounding area is not mentioned in detail, it's always a good idea to research if you're not familiar with the area,' Courtne said. 'Properties with stunning interior photos look great, but you can't know from photos whether it's noisy or in an inconvenient location.'
Courtney recommends using Google Street View to see exactly what's happening near and around the property. She also says it's imperative to read reviews for mentions of noise or safety, and check what's truly within walking distance of coffee shops, grocery stores and local restaurants (especially if the listing touts that!)
2. Reviews Are Important, but Not Necessarily Everything
Just like you wouldn't book a hotel (or even a restaurant reservation) without reading all the reviews, you absolutely shouldn't book a vacation rental without doing the same.
'Reviews are everything,' said Daniel Thorpe, Head of Customer Experience at Whimstay. 'Honest feedback—both good and bad—is one of the only ways to make an informed decision that isn't 'spun' to get you to book.'
Beyond reviews from past guests, it's also key to see how the host is responding to the feedback, whether positive or not so.
'I always look at how the host responds to previous guest questions and concerns in reviews, because this tells you what your experience will be like if something goes wrong,' Thorpe said. 'A responsive, engaged host can turn a minor hiccup into a non-issue, while an absent host can turn a small problem into a much bigger issue.'
3. Hidden Costs Are Everywhere
Beyond cleaning fees and service charges, watch for resort fees, pet fees, linen rentals, and heating or pool fees, which many travelers discover only after booking.
'The biggest 'gotchas' are cleaning or pet fees that weren't prominently displayed and damage deposits that aren't clearly explained,' Courtney said. 'Always look for the total cost breakdown before you book, not just the nightly rate.'
Thorpe also says it's imperative, as the guest, to proactively reach out about any fees or costs that are either 1) not listed or 2) vague or confusing. He suggests always asking for a final, all-in price breakdown before you commit, especially if you're booking in peak season.
3. Photos and Videos Are Your Best Friends
We live in the day of documenting everything (for better or for worse), and taking photos and videos of everything isn't just meant for family memories. If you spend any time scrolling on TikTok, you're bound to find some videos of guests showing some not-so-glamorous issues that have popped up in their rentals (everything from bubbling sewage to misleading listing photos).
'If you ever run into an issue, document with photos and videos and contact the host in writing right away,' Thorpe said.
And, as someone who has booked over 20 rentals in the past 4 years, approach taking photos of the property the way you would with a rental car. Courtney agrees. 'Be sure to document everything upon arrival with photos, including any existing damage or issues,' she said.
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4. Vet New Listings Before Taking the Plunge
Brand-new rentals can be gems (and oh-so-shiny), but they require an extra bit of vetting before you book. However, according to Courtney, no reviews on a new place don't necessarily mean bad.
'New properties can be great opportunities, especially for unique or recently renovated spaces,' Courtney said. 'There are so many amazing properties without reviews. To me, having no reviews is better than bad reviews.'
When booking a new place, there are a few things to keep in mind. To start, look for hosts with good track records managing other properties. Additionally, it never hurts to reach out to the host to get more information on the listing.
'Request live video tours, or ask directly why there aren't reviews yet,' Thorpe said. 'A responsive host who's happy to answer questions about their new property is usually a good sign.'
5. Check-in and Check-Out Times Matter
Unlike many hotels, vacation rentals rarely have 24/7 check-in and check-out times. The times for each are carefully set to ensure the rentals have enough time for a proper deep-cleaning before the next wave of visitors. However, many rental travelers—especially ones not familiar with home bookings—treat these times like a suggestion, and that causes countless issues.
'They're so important to plan around, but are often a detail that isn't considered until it's too late. Nothing ruins the start of a vacation like arriving at 2 PM for a 4 PM check-in, or having to rush out at 10 AM when you planned to sleep in,' Courtney said.
Thorpe agrees and also suggests reaching out to the host for any flexibility or transparency around these times, too.
'Ask about flexibility with these times, especially if you're flying in or have specific travel constraints. Some hosts are accommodating with timing, but you need to ask ahead of time,' He said. 'Don't just show up expecting flexibility.'
6. Play Close Attention to the Amenities
Even though the fancy amenities are often what people cling to, Courtney believes the 'boring' ones are just as, if not more, important.
'The boring stuff is the best stuff! AC and heat can make or break a stay because there's nothing worse than being too hot or cold in your vacation rental,' she said. 'Dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment are huge for people who like to cook, but these basics are often overlooked in favor of flashy features.'
For Thorpe, knowing what to look for when looking at the fine print of the amenities is key.
'Quality mattresses and thread count on sheets, reliable Wi-Fi, and adequate parking are the unsexy amenities that determine whether you'll love your stay,' he said.
To help you determine if this place will work for you, ask the host to share the actual Wi-Fi speed (Mbps) or even take a screenshot from a speed test. If you're planning to work there, also check for dedicated desks, ergonomic chairs or quiet areas, especially if you'll be hosting or taking meetings.
From double-checking the hidden fees to asking for real Wi-Fi speeds, today's travelers need to look past glossy photos and catchy listings in lieu of the real stuff that matters. Although platforms like Whimstay make it easier than ever to find last-minute deals, the rules of smart renting still apply: ask questions, read between the lines and trust your instincts.7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now, According to the Pros first appeared on Parade on Aug 9, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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