Accomodation....how to go about it?

[Aussielion]

Im looking to get some accomodation in Zapohyrze for about a fortnight. What is the best way to go about it?

Do I find a place once Im there? Do I book online beforehand? What sites are reputatable? Am I right in denying my lady's request to look for a flat for me? Her prices seemed higher than what is out there, but not crazy.

[Shadow]

I would book in advance, as by the time you arrive you do not want to run around looking for a place to stay.

There are  number of online services and they vary in price. If you have the address of an apartment for rent (or the street) by using search engines you might be able to compare pricing, as the same apartments and hotels are offered through different sources.

If your lady wishes to help you, it should be no problem. However if you notice the same apartments are offered for less, there is a chance she is getting a cut of the money, which should make you wonder.

[Vinnvinny]

You should definitely book in advance, asap. As Shadow said, it should be easy to find some reputable agencies to rent one from. If you want some advice then let me know and I will point you in the right direction.

As for letting your lady choose you a flat then the critical question is have you actually met her yet? If not then IMO you should book accommodation independently. If you have then for the sake of a few $’s (but not much more than a ‘few’) then let her arrange it as it will save you time and hassle.

[Jumper]

you should pre arrange ,,

If you need assistance,
one psoibilty is to PM a member here  Jack,
  as he would be able to arrange a flat in Zap or any other logistics.

[Faux Pas]

Im looking to get some accomodation in Zapohyrze for about a fortnight. What is the best way to go about it?

Do I find a place once Im there? Do I book online beforehand? What sites are reputatable? Am I right in denying my lady's request to look for a flat for me? Her prices seemed higher than what is out there, but not crazy.

If you haven't met her yet, regardless of how much you think of her and trust her, it is highly recommended you book your flat independent of her. Should things not work out the way you'd both hope, you wouldn't want to have her controlling your accommodations. Just as a precaution in case things do not go as planned. You should deal directly with the apartment renter/company.

[Tim22]

I'd suggest do a google search for apartments in the city/town you're interested in and then book online beforehand. Also you may be able to speak to the agency you choose on the phone. Good luck!!!!!

[ML]

I'd suggest do a google search for apartments in the city/town you're interested in and then book online beforehand. Also you may be able to speak to the agency you choose on the phone. Good luck!!!!!

Yes, of course it is a good first step to do the google search.  But the whole process of renting an apartment in a city in a foreign country is fraught with virtually unlimited risk.  So after, or during your google search, try, try, try to find someone from the west who has rented apts in that city and get their input and recommendations.

Then, even with a good recommendation from someone who has rented without problems from the person they recommend, there can still be problems with your specific rental.  It is just a fact of life, and a risk you must take if you proceed.

So have backup plan here also; i.e. names of hotels where you might have to stay for a few days until you find an acceptable apartment.

I have been to FSU many times and rented many apts in many cities.  There has been an unexpected problem every time; except that I do expect there to be a problem.  I just never know what the problem will be.   

[Shadow]

I have rented an apartment only once.
There was no problem, they provided the driver on the airport, apartment was exactly as described.
The one thing missing was the requested invoice, for obvious reasons.  :evil:

Having someone on the ground in fact can be helpful. You choose the apartment and company, but a gf might check out the office and see if the people are looking responsible and can be trusted with your cash.

[GQBlues]

Im looking to get some accomodation in Zapohyrze for about a fortnight. What is the best way to go about it?

Do I find a place once Im there? Do I book online beforehand? What sites are reputatable? Am I right in denying my lady's request to look for a flat for me? Her prices seemed higher than what is out there, but not crazy.

In addition to what you already received from the membership, I would also suggest Virtual Tourist. You'll get a fairly concise info from travelling members, or even from the natives themselves.

Add: If you have no idea how much places are where you're going to, how do you know your lady's suggestion is in fact higher? Just curious...

GregfromGA and even Jack are fairly versed with Ukraine, you may want to drop them a PM for suggestion/s.