1) Not price but value

Having decided your preferred holiday dates, number of bedrooms needed, and if you require a property with private pool or prefer the idea of sharing a pool, what else other than price is worth thinking about? Like many you will have checked the web and probably considered a property rented by private owners for extra value and the following top tips should give you a few ideas worth considering when choosing a property with shared pool, direct from owners.

2) Exactly what type of property are you booking and can you see pictures

When you get quotes make sure you are comparing apples with apples. Is it the same type of property, can you pay in £'s not €'s, does the price include a welcome pack (only appreciated after the long trip), and does it include a maid cleaning service and if so how often per week? If you decide to get a lower cost flight and require to arrive and depart during a week day are you paying a premium, and if you are a golfer what level of discounts will you get by booking your preferred property? Can you pay with Paypal for extra peace of mind, and can you depart late on your last day?

Property standards vary from standard (the basic), to superior (because of location and furnishing) to deluxe; the ultimate for a luxury relatives holiday with excellent facilities, great views, and air conditioning (which will make a huge difference in the summer months). By booking direct from owners you should be able to see a range of pics so you can see exactly what you are booking. After all, do you require to book your holiday blind and by chance?

3) Location

4) Guest comments

Parque da Floresta is a large resort and although everything is easily accessible by car, you may wish to consider your preferred area. The newest is Quinta da Emcosta Velha offering a choice of 5 pools (one just for children), newest luxury restaurant, fun and games room for children, and offering deluxe properties, with new kitchens, furnishing, fully air conditioned, telephones, and the highest of standards. Some properties are close to pools so you can sit outside the property and watch your children having fun in the pool simultaneously for added safety and comfort.

Although there's numerous websites accessible, make sure you check the visitor's comments as it's late after you arrive. Get real and honest comments about an individual property, and that you will also find in the guest book in the property.

5) Talk to the owners

6) Something special

Everyone has questions when we are booking their main relatives holiday so pick up the phone and talk to the owners. This will give you immediate and hopefully honest views about the resort, rental property, location, things to see and do and much much more. If you've any special considerations like a nearby pool, wheelchair access, playing space for children etc most owners will be delighted to help.

Although not exhaustive, these tips hopefully help you in considering the right property to meet your needs and making sure your relatives holiday is extra special, truly memorable and get maximum value from every pound you spend.

Many properties at Quinta da Emcosta Velha, within Parque da Floresta offer roof terraces for relatives privacy, and all day sun bathing and five or five have been extended to provide a huge outdoor space that will probably become a relatives holiday favourite. Again check the pics, or ask the owners why else you should book their property.