Before You Book: 8 Things to Check on a Holiday Rental

Photos sell a listing, but a handful of practical details decide whether the stay actually goes smoothly. Here's what's worth two minutes of checking before you book.

1. A registered tourist licence number. Legitimate short-term rentals in Andalusia must display a tourist registration number on the listing. Its presence is a quick, useful signal that the property is operating properly.
2. Real, recent reviews — not just a high average. Read a handful of the most recent reviews specifically, not just the overall score. A property with 200 five-star reviews from three years ago tells you less than 10 honest reviews from the last few months.
3. What's actually included, not implied. Air conditioning "available" can mean one unit in the living room. Confirm bed configuration, air conditioning per room, and whether towels, linens and a starter pack of essentials are included.
4. Exact location, not just the zone. "Fuengirola" can mean beachfront or a 20-minute walk inland. Ask for the precise address or check the map pin before assuming walking distance to the beach.
5. Cancellation policy, spelled out. Flexible, moderate and strict policies vary hugely in what you get back and by when. Read the actual terms, especially if you're booking months ahead.
6. Who to contact if something goes wrong. A responsive local manager (not just an app message that goes unanswered for a day) matters far more than it seems until you actually need one, at 11pm, because the AC stopped working.
7. Check-in and check-out logistics. Self check-in with a lockbox, or an in-person meet-up with fixed hours? If you're landing late or on a budget airline with unpredictable timing, this detail can make or break your first evening.
8. Parking, if you're driving. Not every property includes parking, and street parking in central Marbella or Fuengirola in August can turn into a real headache. Confirm it explicitly rather than assuming.

Why book directly with ARA Vacation

Every property on ARA Vacation is managed by our local team, not scattered across independent hosts — that difference tends to matter once you're actually on holiday.

• Local teamBased on the Costa del Sol, not a call centre abroad.
• Directly managedEvery property is professionally maintained, not just listed.
• One contactFrom booking to check-out, one team to reach.
• Real coverageMarbella, Fuengirola, Mijas, Benalmádena & Estepona.