[bkor]

Ah right, I had one bad experience. If on booking.com, I expect an apartment to be an apartment building (meaning: loads of apartments and a reception). It seems difficult to see the difference on booking.com. I booked an apartment where it was really like an Airbnb. Meaning: call this local number. Fortunately they had whatsapp as well. This in Europe, were finally I can call to my own country from elsewhere in Europe, but calling to the local country is still crazy expensive (special rate for mobile phones -- which small companies often use).

Unlike Airbnb the apartment did want me to pay the tourist tax. Strangely, I paid a bit less than what booking.com said I should've. I mentioned it but the guy ignored it (oh well).

Usually I do check around (see if I can find a cheaper rate by booking directly).