You’ve finally arrived in Minsk. The journey is behind you—whether it was a flight, a train ride, or hours driving down the M1 highway. You pick up the keys, step into the apartment, and your only desire is to drop your bags and collapse onto the bed (or head straight out to Zybitskaya Street for a drink). We totally get it!
However, experience tells us that a quick inspection in the first 15 minutes can save you hours of time and plenty of stress later on. This isn’t about paranoia; it’s about “smart travel.” To help you feel completely in control, we’ve put together a simple checklist for checking your short-term rental.
1. Connectivity & Access: Don’t Get Stuck Offline
First, check the things that connect you to the outside world and ensure you can actually get into the building.
- Wi-Fi. Don’t just locate the sticky note with the password—actually connect your phone and laptop immediately. Test the speed: open YouTube or try sending a large file via a messenger app. If the signal is weak, it’s better to find out now rather than 5 minutes before an important work call.
- Keys and Locks. Try opening and closing the door from both the inside and the outside. The lock shouldn’t stick. If there are multiple sets of keys, test them all.
- Intercom. Find out the code or test the key fob. This is especially important if you plan on ordering food delivery—couriers in Minsk are fast, but they hate waiting outside a locked building entrance.
2. The Bathroom: Water & Strategic Supplies
The bathroom is where comfort is tested most strictly. Minsk has high-quality tap water, but there are nuances regarding seasonal maintenance and plumbing.
- Pressure and Temperature. Turn on the shower. The water should drain quickly, and the pressure should be stable.
- Boiler (Water Heater). If you are visiting in the summer (during the period of planned hot water maintenance), make sure the boiler is plugged in and you know how to use it. In BelaTravel apartments, we usually set everything up in advance, but checking the indicator light never hurts.
- The Basics. Towels (a full set per guest), toilet paper, soap, and a hairdryer. Make sure the hairdryer actually turns on and blows hot air.
3. The Kitchen: From the Fridge to the Corkscrew
Even if you don’t plan on cooking complex dinners, the kitchen will remain the hub of your morning routine.
- Refrigerator. Open the door—you should be greeted by cold air, not strange odors. Check that it is empty (leftover food from previous guests is bad manners).
- Kettle and Stove. Check the inside of the kettle for cleanliness (no limescale). If the stove is induction or gas with a tricky ignition system, ask the manager or host how to turn it on immediately.
- Dishes. Are there enough cups and plates for all guests? Is there a corkscrew (a crucial item for romantic evenings)?
4. Sleeping Area & Microclimate
Your sleep is the key to a good impression of Minsk.
- Windows and Noise. Open and close the windows. If the apartment is in the center (for example, on Independence Avenue), street noise should disappear when the windows are shut. Check for mosquito screens if it is summer.
- A/C or Heater. During the “shoulder season” (when central heating hasn’t been turned on yet or has just been turned off), apartments can get chilly. Make sure there is something to warm you up or cool you down, and that the remote control is in plain sight.
- Bedding Cleanliness. This is a marker of quality. Linens should be fresh, perfectly ironed, and smell clean—not like heavy laundry detergent.
5. The “Safety” Inspection
This step is necessary to protect your security deposit and your reputation.
- Visual Defects. Do a quick scan of the furniture and appliances. Do you see a scratch on the TV, a stain on the sofa, or a chip on the tile?
- Take Photos. Simply snap a picture of these flaws and send them to the manager or landlord via messenger with a caption: “Found this upon arrival.” This absolves you of any responsibility when you check out.
A Word from BelaTravel Experts
«We often hear a question from new guests: “Do I really need to check all this with you?” At BelaTravel, we have implemented a ‘Welcome-Check’ standard. Before every check-in, our housekeeper and manager go through a 30-point checklist: from checking light bulbs in floor lamps to testing the A/C remote.
We strive to ensure the guest doesn’t have to think about household trifles at all. But we are always pro-mindfulness. If you notice something we missed, tell us right away. Our 24/7 support team isn’t there just for show, but to promptly bring an extra blanket or help you figure out the coffee machine. Guest comfort isn’t just a soft bed, it’s the confidence that someone is looking out for them.»
By spending 15 minutes on this check, you are buying yourself peace of mind for the entire trip. Don’t be shy about asking questions at check-in—it is better to ask “how do I turn on this shower?” now, rather than Googling instructions at 1:00 AM.
Looking for an apartment in Minsk where inspections are flawless and the service reminds you of a high-end hotel? Browse the BelaTravel apartment catalog — we have already prepared everything for your perfect visit.
