Holiday Flat Rentals

You could talk to a travel agent about it or search for any type of accreditation good agents will have. Some ferry companies (like Brittany ferries, who go to Santander and Bilbao, also offer holiday lets with approved partners.

We have used holiday rentals which cover many countries and chez nous, mainly France, oh and owners direct. Have never had any problems.

We've used Owners Direct with no problems, although I believe it's now called Homeaway if I am not mistaken.

We've booked apartments and par hotels all over the world.
I've used the owners sites or recommended accommodation but make sure you are getting exactly what you want before paying your deposit.
If you would like a sunny balcony and you get one in the shade you'll not be too pleased.
If you intended cooking ask for a complete list of the appliances etc.
Will there be a cleaner and how often do they come.
Will this include changes of bedding and towels.
Is there WIFI and English channels on the TV.
Is the area near to shops/bus stop/restaurants/beach.
If you are staying for a few weeks it can make the difference between a good holiday and a great holiday.

Continued
You may know this but just a thought.
If you use the Internet and the apartment does not have it or the cost is very expensive like it so often is in hotels this is what you can do.
Check out the best Service provider for coverage in the area you are staying or travelling in.
Purchase from them a dongle,this slots into the USB port in your laptop. This will provide monthly services 24/7 while you are there.
We have used this method in the Canaries, Egypt in hotels and apartments and Australia (while travelling in a camper van.)

Doris who tells you scare stories about Air BnB? We rented a fabulous Air BnB apartment in Palma two years ago and again in Devon a month ago. Our experience has been that the Air BnB rentals are of a high standard.

The way Air BnB works, the guest rates the host, and the host rates the guest and both are transparent, which is a very good system for ensuring that you get what you see. And of course you also get what you pay for in terms of budget.

On the other hand, I've had a really disappointing rental in the UK via Sykes.

Jeannie that is a very good tip re wifi. I've paid a small fortune in wifi in the past in Spain, using the one in the apartment.

Hi Doris,
We've been in Tenerife last year and used tranio.com/rent/spain/ to rent a nice and cozy villa. I have left a request and they've reached me quickly. I can suggest it for nice rental options.

Grannyknot Airbnb is very unpopular round here. Its led to so many short term tourists who make life hell for others in neighbouring flats. As well as that, their short term letting potential means that long term let availability for people who have to live and work here is very much reduced leading to all sorts of problems. I gather that some cities are banning Airbnb as its ruined the quality of life in town centres eg Barcelona.
That's one reason for Airbnb being unpopular but I don't suppose tourists care.

Jane10 totally agree with regards to Airbnb, I haven’t and will
never use them. I have family who live in Spain and the Airbnb market is making it impossible for locals both Spanish, ex-pats and seasonal workers to find long term accommodation.

I have friends who have a holiday rental business for privately owned villas and apartments which is based in Estepona on the Costs del Sol.
If you're intending to go in Winter you would probably have better weather on the Southern Coast of Spain.
I can recommend Estepona as I have visited friends there several times a year for over 30 years.
It has a lovely old town to wander through and a modern Port and is not a very touristy place like Fuergirola.
There are plenty of car rental places and a good bus service along the coast. If you're driving, it's only about half an hour from Gibralter.
They have everything from 10 bedroom villas in Marbella to one and two bedroom places all along the coast.
Their website is Time in Spain.com and they also have an office in Estepona Port.
If you're doing a months let, ask if they'll give you a special price.
Most of the properties are empty in Winter so I should think that they will be very happy for your custom.

I would follow Buffybee's advice. Owners Direct or a reputable agency would definitely be advisable when looking for a first time let. We "wintered" in Spain for many years and once you have tried it you will be hooked. Spain is a wonderful country to explore and from Malaga by air/train/or bus you can travel all over. If you choose anywhere on the Costa del Sol as your base you will realise how easy it is to get accommodation over the winter and you will be able to see the property before committing yourself.