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Vacation rentals are an increasingly popular lodging option for travelers around the world. With more space, amenities, and privacy than traditional hotel accommodations, they provide more flexibility and unique charm. Whether planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, group trip, or extended stay, picking the right vacation rental can make all the difference. Equipped with the necessary information, you can confidently find the ideal vacation rental for your travel style and group.
This guide by The Lakeshore Club PC covers everything you need to know about choosing a vacation rental property. First, we’ll explore the advantages of vacation rentals. Then, we’ll provide expert tips for selecting a location and property type, what amenities to look for, how to read reviews, important rental policies, and best practices for booking your vacation home.
Vacation Rentals Key Advantages:
– More Space and Amenities: Vacation rentals give you more room to spread out than a hotel room, often with multiple bedrooms, living rooms, outdoor space, and a full kitchen. This extra space works well for families and groups.
– Feels More Like Home: Staying at a vacation rental can provide a homier atmosphere than a hotel room. You can lounge on the couch, cook meals, and settle in. All this can make for a more relaxing vacation.
– Save Money: Having a full kitchen can save you money by letting you prepare some of your meals. Vacation rentals with laundry can also help you avoid costly hotel laundry fees. So, rentals can provide more value, space, and amenities for your dollars overall.
Location Considerations
Location is one of the most critical factors when choosing a vacation rental. Here are some things to consider regarding the location:
Proximity to Attractions and Conveniences: Consider what attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, and conveniences you want to be near. Do you want to be within walking distance of the beach? Close to amusement parks? Near downtown bars and restaurants? Make sure to research the neighborhood and map out distances to places you want to frequent.
Safety: Look into the safety of the area and check crime reports. Tourist hotspots sometimes attract petty theft. You’ll want to feel comfortable and secure during your stay. Avoid isolated areas if possible.
Noise: Determine potential noise sources like traffic, bars, nightlife, etc. Read reviews to see if past guests have complained about noise. Look at whether the unit is close to busy roads. Consider renting on a higher floor in buildings if concerned about street noise. Earplugs may help light sleepers.
Choosing a neighborhood that meets your needs will allow you to enjoy the rental and destination fully. Make sure to research location when comparing properties thoroughly.
Vacation Rentals Property Types
When booking a vacation rental, one of the first decisions you’ll make is what type of property you want to stay in. The most common property types for vacation rentals include:
Apartments: An apartment rental offers the conveniences of a home with amenities like a full kitchen and living room. Apartment rentals are great for extended stays or for accommodating a group. They usually have stricter group sizes and noise policies, though.
Houses: House rentals give you a standalone property detached from other units. That offers more privacy. Houses come in different sizes, from cozy one or two-bedroom cottages to spacious homes that sleep 12 people or more. Houses allow you to spread out. Check out these listings for an example.
Villas: Villas are luxurious, upscale homes perfect for a special occasion. Villas have high-end amenities like home theaters, private pools, and views. These lavish rentals work well for multigenerational trips or group retreats.
Cabins: Cabin rentals provide a woodsy, rustic vibe with exposed beams and natural materials. Cabins allow you to connect with nature and often have a fireplace, hot tub, and beautiful surroundings. Cabins can range from very rustic to luxuriously appointed.
Condos: Condo rentals are like owning a vacation home without the hassle. Condos offer amenities similar to apartments and hotels, such as a pool, fitness center, and front desk. Condos provide a residential feel with household conveniences. They work nicely for families but usually have strict HOA policies and require reserving time slots to access the pool, Jacuzzi, and Gym ahead of time, especially during high seasons.
When selecting a vacation rental, consider the space you need, what amenities matter most, and the setting that aligns with your vacation vision. Each property type offers unique advantages.
Amenities to Look For
Every traveler has their own unique set of must-have amenities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, here are some popular vacation rental amenities to consider:
- Private pool or hot tub
- Outdoor patio or balcony
- BBQ grill
- Fully equipped kitchen
- High-speed internet
- Cable or satellite TV
- Washer and dryer
- On-site parking
- 24-hour security
Make a list of important amenities to you and prioritize them based on your needs. This way, you can easily narrow your options and find a vacation rental with the comforts and conveniences you desire.
Reviews and Ratings
Reviews and ratings from past guests can give you great insight into a vacation rental property. Check the rental listing for reviews left on the site promoting the property. Social media can also help find recent guest photos and comments. Travel forums like FlyerTalk and Reddit are other places where people often post detailed reviews of their rental experiences.
Sort reviews by the most recent first and look for trends and consistent issues mentioned. Be cautious of places with few or very few reviews. Make sure to read the bad along with the good. Complaints about cleanliness, noise, misleading photos, broken amenities, and unresponsive owners are red flags. Look for reviews that mention specifics like the view, bed comfort, ease of check-in, and the listing description. That will give you a well-rounded perspective. Cross-reference reviews on multiple sites to corroborate information. Evaluating ratings and reviews from various sources will help you make the most informed decision.
Policies
Before booking a vacation rental, look at the rental policies carefully. That will help avoid any surprises or confusion later on. Here are some key policies to look out for:
Cancellation Policy:
– What is the cancellation timeframe – 24 hours, 48 hours, one week, etc.?
– Will you receive a full or partial refund if you cancel?
– Are there any penalties for last-minute cancellations?
You must understand the cancellation policy upfront if your travel plans change unexpectedly. Be sure to look for flexible policies that allow cancellation with full refunds within a reasonable time frame.
Pet Policy:
– Are pets allowed? What type of pets – dogs, cats, others?
– Is there an extra pet fee?
– Are there pet size or breed restrictions?
If traveling with pets, a pet-friendly policy is a must. Make sure any fees or restrictions work for your pet.
Smoking Policy:
– Is smoking allowed? Where on the property is it permitted?
– Are there designated outdoor smoking areas?
– What is the smoking cleanup fee if smoking inside?
Both smokers and non-smokers should review the smoking policy closely. The fees for smoking inside can be steep.
Minimum Stay:
– How many nights do you need to book? Weekends, weekdays?
– Are discounts offered for extended stays?
The minimum stay policy is critical for shorter weekend trips. Make sure it aligns with your intended length of stay.
Security Deposit:
– Is a security deposit required? What is the amount?
– When is it due – at booking or check-in?
– How is it refunded – timeline and method?
Other Fees:
– Are there cleaning, service, or facility fees?
– When are they due? Are they refundable?
– How much are tax rates?
Watch for extra fees that may not be obvious at first glance. Make sure to factor them into your total vacation rental cost.
Reviewing the rental policies in detail provides peace of mind. You’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises about restrictions, fees, or refunds.
Booking Tips
Booking a vacation rental requires a few extra steps compared to booking a hotel room. Here are some tips for a smooth booking process:
– Contact the Owner with Questions Before Booking: Vacation rentals are often unique properties, so contact the owner with any questions not answered in the listing. They can provide details on amenities, local attractions, getting around, or address any other concerns.
– Confirm Rental Details in Writing: Once you’ve decided on a property, confirm all details with the owner over email or messaging. That includes rental dates, number of guests, fees, policies, access instructions, and more. Get any agreed-upon details in writing before paying.
– Use Secure Online Payment: Owners often require an upfront deposit or payment in full to secure your dates. Use a credit card or online payment platform like PayPal, which offers fraud protection. Avoid unsafe payment methods like bank transfers.
– Consider Trip Insurance: Since some vacation rental payments are non-refundable, consider travel insurance to protect your trip from unforeseen circumstances. Some policies cover cancellation, interruptions, damage protection, and more.
– Get Instructions for Check-in/Arrival: Vacation rentals often use lock boxes, smart locks, or other methods for check-in. Confirm the procedures with the owner so your arrival goes smoothly. Ask what to do if an issue arises after hours.
– Inspect the Property at Check-in/Arrival: Do a walk-through of the rental upon arrival, making note of any damages or missing items. Address any issues right away with the owner to avoid deposit deductions later.
Proper communication, confirmed details, and preparation will lead to a smooth booking and an enjoyable vacation rental experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to owners with questions during the process.
Conclusion
A vacation rental offers travelers a unique lodging experience with more space, amenities, and convenience than a hotel room. With some savvy research and planning, you can find a rental property that perfectly matches your vacation needs and expectations.