New Hire Agents

Group of 5 Assessment
Industry context
(10 min to read / 10 min to write and send the email)
Candidates will receive the reading and the link and 10 minutes to read.
“Rental vs. Hotel: When is an Apartment Smart? By Rick Steves”
A short-term vacation rental — whether an apartment, house, or room in a local's home — is
a popular alternative to a hotel, especially if you plan to settle in one location for several
nights.
Options for apartment and house rentals run the gamut, from French gîtes to Tuscan villas to
big-city apartments. Prices vary depending on the season, size, location, and quality of the
accommodation. For stays longer than a few days, you can usually find a rental that is
comparable to — or even cheaper than — a hotel room with similar amenities.
Renting a room in someone's home is another alternative that can be much more affordable
than a hotel, homier than a hostel, and just as comfortable as either. Depending on your host,
you might also get to hang out with a local — and maybe even make a new friend.
The rental route is not for everyone. First off, you are generally on your own. While the
apartment owner or manager might offer some basic assistance, do not expect all the services
of a hotel reception desk. If you like daily access to a breakfast room, fresh towels, and a sheet
change, stay in a hotel. In a rental, breakfast is up to you, and your apartment or room likely
will not be serviced or cleaned during a one-week stay unless you pay extra.
Some rentals, especially rooms in a local's home, are very casual affairs, without the
professionalism (or privacy) you would expect in a more formal hotel environment. Rentals
often require a minimum-night stay and long lead times on cancellations. Choose a hotel
instead if there is a decent chance your plans might change.

Apartments and Houses

Whether in a city or the countryside, renting an apartment, house, or villa can be a fun and
cost-effective way to delve into Europe. In general, if you're staying somewhere for four
nights or longer, it can be worth considering an apartment or rental house (many rentals
require minimum stays — typically 3–7 nights; anything less than that isn't worth the hassle
of arranging key pickup, buying groceries, etc.). If it works with your itinerary, consider
settling in a rental for a full week. This gives you an opportunity to really get to know a town.
Renting an apartment can be a particularly good strategy if you are choosing a home-base city
from which to take day trips.
Apartment or house rentals can be especially cost-effective for groups. Two couples traveling
together can share a two-bedroom apartment, which often ends up being less expensive than
a pair of hotel rooms. Groups of backpackers find that splitting the price of a cheap apartment
can cost even less than paying for several bunks at a youth hostel. Having a place to cook can
further your savings. Stock your kitchen for breakfast and lunch, taking advantage of the
colorful markets that pop up throughout European cities and towns, and save your money for
nice dinners out.
For families, an apartment or house is a huge benefit. Kitchens make it easier and cheaper to
dine in and feed picky eaters. Laundry machines are especially handy. With more than one
room, parents of younger children can hang out and chat while their kids slumber (as opposed
to being trapped in a hotel room with the lights out at 8 p.m.).

Single and Shared Rooms

Most people informally renting out rooms are in it to make a few extra bucks, not to run a full-
fledged lodging business with the infrastructure and expenses that drive up costs. If you are
willing to accept a very small space, a shared bathroom, or other "inconveniences," you will
be able to find remarkably affordable deals.
Renting a room in someone's home is an especially good option for those traveling alone. You
are more likely to find true single rooms — with just one single bed, and a price to match. In
addition, if you are up for sharing a room with fellow guests — whether those you are
traveling with or strangers — you can find a bed for a price that is lower than the going rate
for hostel bunks. Some room-rental arrangements also include use of the house's kitchen and
laundry facilities.
Some places allow you to book for a single night. Moreover, since you are often staying in
someone's house when they are home too, you will not need to pick up a key. Just arrive at
the appointed time and knock on the door. If you are staying for several nights, you can buy
groceries just as you would in a rental house, or you can rely on restaurants, treating the room
like a hotel room.
While you cannot expect your host to also be your tour guide — or even to provide you with
much info — some may be interested in getting to know the travelers who come through
their home. It will likely be clear from the listing whether the hosts might be up for some
socializing. (If you are interested in staying less as an anonymous lodger and more in the spirit
of cultural exchange, see my tips for bunking with locals.)

Rural Rentals
Having an entire farmhouse, countryside cottage, or villa to yourself is a wonderful way to
immerse yourself in rural Europe. Often the owners have renovated an original rambling
farmhouse or medieval estate into a series of well-constructed apartments with private
kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and individual outdoor terraces. They usually share a
common pool and other amenities, and breakfast may be included.

Many of these vacation properties (casas Rurales in Spain, Ferienhäuser in Germany, gîtes in
France) are available only for a traditional Saturday-to-Saturday rental. Especially for stays in
July and especially August, when much of Europe is on vacation, it may be difficult to rent a
place for a shorter time. Europeans often reserve their favorite spot a year in advance, so you
may have to hunt around to find an opening. (Fortunately, for Americans, the British are some
of the most avid seekers of weekly rental property in Europe, so there is usually plenty of
English-language info.) It is wise to book several months in advance for high season (late April
to mid-October).
Although a week might seem like a long time, one of the joys of staying that long in one
location is il dolce far ninety (the "sweetness of doing nothing"). Settling in one spot gives
you the chance to let the days unwind without a plan. A walk at sunrise may find you in the
company of the local farmer as he trims his grape vines, or the neighboring grandmother who
is lovingly tending her small garden. In the evening, breathe in the fresh air as you sip your
wine, and perk your ears and nostrils to the sounds and scents of the countryside. This is your
chance to slow down and enjoy.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/vacation-rental-or-hotel

Writing exercise: Participant are going to have 10 minutes to write and send the
email with the following instructions.
Write and email to a property owner with the benefits of the vacation rental industry and
inviting them to be part of this business, include the type of guests that might arrive to
apartments and houses; Single and Shared rooms and rural rental.