Selecting a Vacation Rental Property
More and more vacation homes and cottages are becoming popular spots for those on
the outlook for unique vacation experiences, more privacy, and a 'home away from
home' feeling. Before you book that vacation rental, there are a number of things
that you have to do. First, do your thorough research online so you do not waste
your time calling people up just to find that the property doesn't suit your needs.
Most websites allow you to do a very comprehensive search about amenities, attractions,
activities and all the general features of the house. Do the research as good as
you can, study the pictures and once you decide on a house, it's time to contact
the owner.
We strongly suggest that you always contact the owner before booking a trip. You
need to ask at least a few questions and depending on the answers you will make
the final decision.
1. If the property doesn't have enough pictures or the pictures that you
see don't seem representative, request to see recent photographs of the interior
and exterior of the rental. A mere reading of descriptions is never enough since
you only have the words of the writer to go by. Besides, descriptions can be very
complimentary and misleading. So do insist on photographs.
2. Have a list of the amenities that you feel you cannot do without in a
vacation rental property. You will need to add details such as number of bedrooms
and bathrooms, full kitchen or make shift kitchenette, proximity to a beach or town
center, private pools, tennis courts, and anything else that you consider a must
have. Then use this list to eliminate properties that do not offer the amenities
that you want. You will save on time and energy. Some of the amenities most vacationers
look for include:
- Telephone service
- Internet access
- Cable or satellite TV
- DVD player
- Fully-equipped kitchen - stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cutlery, pots/pans,
dishes
- Bedding and towels (occasionally, vacation rentals require you to bring your own linens,
or will supply them at extra cost)
- Beach towels
- Soap, toilet paper, etc (some self-catering rentals will not provide these at all; others
will provide a starter supply, but you may need to top it up)
- Laundry facilities and detergent
- Air conditioning
- Barbeque
- Parking
"Self-catering" also means that there is no daily housekeeping service. If you would
like housekeeping, ask if it's available and what the charge would be.
4. Consider the distance of the vacation rental from airports or railway
stations, depending on how you are traveling. You do not want to spend a great deal
of your vacation time in commuting between the two on arrival and departure.
5. Identify the dates you want the vacation rental for, in terms of priority.
In case you do not get it when you want it, create an alternate schedule for yourself.
Also, check if you can schedule your trip when bookings are available.
6. Ask if the rental has a maid service, especially if you stay longer than
one day. Even if you stay one day, if the the owner uses a maid, chances are you
will find the house very clean.
7. Do your homework regarding the entertainment, events and other activities
set to take place in the vicinity of the vacation rental. Keep a list of preferred
activities ready.
8. Try to find someone who has stayed at the vacation rental before and can
give a good reference to the property. It is always more reassuring to get first
hand information.
9. What is the bed / bedroom configuration? Of course you want everyone in
your group to sleep comfortably! Find out how many beds there are and what size
they are. Couples traveling together may prefer to have bedrooms on different floors
or on opposite ends of the vacation home. Families with young children might also
want to know if the kids' bedroom is near the master bedroom and whether there are
cribs available. Families with teens might ask if there is a bedroom on another
floor (or different part of the vacation home) in order to give the teen extra privacy.
If you see a listing that claims to sleep 10 people, make sure you find out how
it is divided.
10. Is a car a necessity? Some vacationers like to be in the heart of the
action, where they can walk to most places. Others like the quiet country feel and
don't mind driving into the city if they need anything.
11. How close are the nearest restaurants, shops, grocery stores, etc?
12. What are the property grounds like? Is there waterfront access? Is it
suitable for young children? Is there a pool or a beach suitable for swimming? How
private is it? Will you be sharing amenities (such as a pool, patio, garden space,
etc) with other guests?
13. Is the rate quote for the entire property? If not, how many people does
it include? What is the extra charge per person? How much are taxes? Are there any
other charges?
14. Does the rate quote include the cleaning fee? Most vacation rentals charge
a cleaning fee so that the cottage can be properly cleaned and 'freshened up' before
the next guest arrives.
15. What are the deposit and cancellation policies? Individual vacation rentals
don't have as much flexibility as a hotel with multiple rooms, so cancellation policies
are usually much longer than a hotel's typical 24-48 hours.
16. Does it allow pets? Never assume that a vacation home will allow pets.
Every rental is different, so ask before you book! Find out if there are restrictions
on pets, pet rules, and whether any extra fees are applicable.
Vacation home owners are usually happy to answer any questions you have about the
property, the area, the weather, and anything else you can think of. They want you
to have a good time, just as much as you do!
Good Luck,
VacationRentalsLounge Team
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