Studio 5 personnes Cannes • Provence-alpes-côte d'azur

I booked via Expedia so it wasn't until I was passed over to the agency handling the property that I realised I would need to pay extra for linen, towels and a bath mat! I brought my own towels but asked for linen via email in advance of my stay. I was hoping it would be waiting in the apartment but you collect it from the agency so I had to squeeze that into my suitcase.

I was handed a sheet of paper with the apartment's address but they didn't explain it very well and I didn't realise it was a huge complex. When I arrived I spent ages going round in circles looking for 'villa' and my apartment number' until I found a helpful pool guard who explained how to get to my apartment and where it was. A map of the complex with my apartment circled would have been really helpful so I knew where I was going as the place is a maze.

Apartment itself was small but functional but with an amazing view and a lovely balcony area. After having to pay for linen I was pleasantly surprised to find soap in the bathroom, washing up liquid and pods for the coffee machine. Maybe these were left by a previous guest but at least I didn't have to buy these items.

When picking up the keys I explained my departing flight was early and wanted to know how to return the keys. I was told I'd be given a code to put it in the box outside the office. Noone showed me where this box was and the day before I left I still hadn't been given a code so I went into the office to speak to someone. She didn't speak English and my french was limited but I was able to explain I'd received no code and where was I supposed to leave keys. She advised I put the keys through the letterbox. Late on the eve before I was due to check out I was given a code - still no idea where the box was to put this code into as having looked outside the front of the building it's not clear where this box is, so I explained that I'd gone into the office and asked and was told to put it in the letter box which was met with a thumbs up emoji.

From trying to find my apartment and worrying about getting the key safely back and how long it would take to get my deposit back (noting I didn't use the kitchen and put all the cushions back, emptied bins etc so was spotless) I wouldn't book if I had to go via this agency again as it wasn't a great experience.