A holiday home in Croatia with no extra charges – it sounds like it should be a given, but it rarely is. Many listings tempt you with a low nightly rate, and only at the last booking step or at check-out do cleaning, tourist tax, pool heating or electricity get added. At our three villas in Kaštel Stari, the price you see is the price you pay. Here's exactly what's included – and what to look out for when comparing.
What's included in our final price
- Final cleaning
- Tourist tax – the Croatian visitor levy
- Pool heating from the end of March to October and hot tub heating all year round
- Electricity and water – even with the air conditioning or heating running
- Bed linen, towels and toiletries
- Starlink or fast Wi-Fi
- Private parking right by the house (4 at each villa)
- Cot, high chair and baby monitor – free of charge
Nothing gets added at check-out.
Comparison: included with us, often extra elsewhere
The following overview is general – not every provider charges like this, but these items keep cropping up separately when you compare holiday homes.
| Item | With us | Often elsewhere |
|---|---|---|
| Final cleaning | included | separate fee at the booking stage |
| Tourist tax | included | payable in cash on site |
| Pool heating (in season) | included, no advance notice | daily surcharge, sometimes to be ordered in advance |
| Hot tub | included, heated all year round | not available or extra |
| Electricity & air conditioning | included | charged by consumption |
| Bed linen & towels | included | linen package per person |
| Wi-Fi | included | limited or slow |
| Parking | included, private by the house | public parking or a fee |
| Baby equipment | free of charge | rental fee |
| Booking fee | none when booking direct | built into the platform price |
Pool heating in particular is underestimated: where it's charged separately, it's added in exactly the months when you need it – April, May, September and October.
What may cost extra – listed honestly
It can't be done entirely without exceptions. These are the points you should know about:
- Dog: €79 per dog per stay – shown in the final price before you book. More under Holidays with a Dog.
- Pool heating in winter: from November to March only the hot tub is heated. If you'd still like the large pool heated, you pay the electricity costs.
- Additional cleans on longer stays can be arranged on request – just ask us.
- Smoking indoors: not permitted; breaches incur a special cleaning fee of €500.
- Security deposit: €500, automatically pre-authorised on your payment card shortly before departure – not charged. This isn't a cost: it is released automatically a few days after departure.
Why we price it this way
We rent out our own houses and know how extra charges feel on holiday: you find yourself working out in the evening whether the air conditioning really needs to be on, or whether the pool is worth heating. That's exactly what we wanted to get rid of. A single final price gives you certainty when planning – and means fewer discussions for us at check-out.
How to compare offers properly
- Compare final prices, not nightly rates. Click through to the last booking page for every offer.
- Ask about pool heating if you're travelling outside July and August.
- Check tourist tax and cleaning – are they included in the price or added on site?
- Factor in your group size: our final price is for the villa, not per person.
We've calculated what a villa holiday costs overall – including travel, hire car and food – in our guide What does a villa holiday in Croatia really cost?. And why the direct price is always at least 5% below the platforms is explained on our page Rent a Villa Direct from the Owner.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – sea views, gym, EV wallbox
- Villa Just be Light – five king-size bedrooms, workspace with monitor
- Villa Just be Happy – sea views, approx. 10 minutes to the airport
Frequently asked questions
Are there any costs to pay on site?
No. Final cleaning, tourist tax, pool and hot tub heating, electricity, water, linen, Wi-Fi and parking are included in the price. We only charge €79 per stay for a dog.
Is the air conditioning really included?
Yes, electricity and water, including air conditioning, are included in the final price.
Will I definitely get the security deposit back?
Yes, in full after departure. In more than three years, we've never had to keep any of it.
Where can I see the final price?
In the calendar on each villa page – for your dates and number of guests, before you book.
Check the final price for your dates directly in the villa's calendar, or message us on WhatsApp – we're happy to work it out with you.