info@likelivingthere.com
Are you travel agents?
Can I call you?
What if I don’t hear from you?
Who owns these properties?
Why the focus on Barcelona and Paris?
How are you paid?
Do I need to bring anything?
How do I get there?
How do I check in?
Why don’t you have properties listed on the site?
Have you stayed in each apartment?
When should I book?
How much should I expect to pay?
How do I pay?
Will there be extra charges?
If the apartment isn’t right?
What if there's a problem while I'm here?
Can I add or reduce nights?
What if I must cancel?
Are you travel agents?
No, Like Living There was established to help open-minded travelers have a more intimate and meaningful experience abroad. We do not book airlines or other transportation, tickets or rental cars. But once you sign up to rent through us we’re happy to share tips that save time and money, or worthwhile splurges. Top
Can I call you?
Initial contact is through e-mail or a Trip Plan. We will acknowledge receipt and respond by e-mail within 48 hours with any additional questions. You will receive recommendations in the following few days.
At any time you may send e-mail to info@likelivingthere.com.
Once you’ve made a reservation we’ll provide a 24/7 phone number number as well as contact information for the property owner or manager. Top
What if I don’t hear from you?
Since our initial response will be by e-mail, it’s most likely that your Internet service provider or network administrator is blocking our reply. Adding likelivingthere.com to your address book usually will solve this. But if you don’t hear from us within 48 hours, send an e-mail to info@likelivingthere.com to alert us. Top
Who owns these properties?
It varies; some are owner-occupied much of the year and leased when the owner is traveling or living at another of their homes. Others are dedicated solely to leasing. A few are in private homes but with completely separate living quarters and entrances. Top
Why the focus on Barcelona and Paris?
We feel these two cities offer the widest range of experiences and accommodations to suit most travelers, and we have spent considerable time researching them. But we also can find and recommend properties in other parts of Europe. Top
How are you paid?
In many cases our fee is paid as commission by the property owner so you bear little or no additional cost. In others, owners keep their prices low and will not pay commission, so we add on a fee. We feel that the final price in those cases remains competitive given the service we provide. Top
Do I need to bring anything?
Properties come fully furnished, including cooking and serving needs. You may need to supplement consumables such as toiletries and paper products. Those are easily purchased in small quantities at nearby stores, but if you have a favorite brand, bring it along. Top
How do I get there?
The best method varies and we will provide suggestions based on the location, distance and size of your party. A taxi or shuttle service is often the best choice if not the least expensive because it averts dragging luggage up and down subway station stairs and along sidewalks. But if you are traveling light the subway or train may be fine. Top
How do I check in?
In most cases you will be met at the property by a greeter, who may be the owner, his or her agent or an agent of the property manager. In other instances you will need to pick up a key at the owner or manager’s office. Check-in is usually mid-afternoon but you may be able to get in earlier if the apartment was unoccupied the day before. There may be an extra fee for early or late check-in. Once your reservation and down payment are complete you will be put in touch with the manager, owner or their designated representative. This is a good time to seek suggestions about nearby restaurants, markets or shops. Top
Why don’t you have more properties listed on the site?
Many sites simply provide a list of properties and expect you to do the rest. These often are the places they make the most commission on. We’re different; our aim is to find the right place for you and your party. When we recommend properties, photos, information and pricing will be included. We gradually add properties that you can research yourself. Top
Have you stayed in each apartment?
In many cases we will have used the apartment owner or manager’s services and have found them reliable. In others we’ve taken the time necessary to research their reliability and trustworthiness, including personal visits. (The fun part of this business!) Top
When should I book?
Earlier is better when booking apartments in order to have the best selection to choose from. Early booking also may avert a last-minute seasonal premium. Keep in mind that you usually will have to pay up to half the rental cost in advance as a non-refundable deposit. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to recover those and other charges if your plans must change due to illness or other emergency. Top
How much should I expect to pay?
There is a wide range of apartments in each city we serve. Understandably, larger and more luxurious apartments command higher prices, but a couple or small family on a budget can be accommodated for little more than 100 euros a day. We also can find distinctive and spacious living spaces for those seeking a high-level experience.
Find out what the Exchange Rates are. Top
How do I pay?
We accept credit cards and PayPal for deposits; you do not need a PayPal account. You will be responsible directly to the apartment owner or manager for the balance and for a refundable security deposit, which can be several hundred euros and is usually required to be in cash, although some accept credit cards. Tip: We will ask if the security deposit can be paid in your native currency (accounting for exchange rates). That way you will not have to deal with excess euros at the end of your stay. Top
Will there be extra charges?
There should not be; the price you contract for includes all taxes and fees, utilities and services. If there is a separate cleaning fee that will be disclosed. The greeter may attempt to sell you tour, transportation, admission or other services and they may be worth the cost. But you are not obligated to accept them and you should evaluate them carefully before buying. Top
If the apartment isn’t right?
We try very hard to meet all of your expectations, based on your Trip Plan and other communications. But if the apartment is not what you were led to believe, immediately ask the agent or owner to find an alternative. You may have to be flexible on the location and pay the difference if a replacement is higher-priced. If that fails, call us and we will try to find something suitable. See the Terms and Conditions page for more information. Top
What if there's a problem while I'm here?
You will have contact information for the owner or manager and should notify them promptly if anything malfunctions. Your rental agreement requires that access be given for repairs and maintenance.
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Can I add or reduce nights?
This is completely dependent on owners. Many properties are available only certain days and weeks of the year, others will be unbooked before or after your checkout date. If after arrival you wish to stay at your destination longer, it’s best to talk directly with the owner or manager. If that’s not possible, call us and we’ll attempt to find another place for your additional nights.
Reductions, with accompanying refunds, would be solely at the discretion of the apartment owner or manager and, frankly, unlikely – you will be responsible for full payment of your original booking dates. Top
What if I must cancel?
In the event of cancellation the deposit and our fee are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to recover those and other charges if your plans must change due to illness or other emergency. You can compare providers at www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com. Top
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