Planning vacations can be challenging, and securing a great vacation rental can be stressful, but the last thing you want is to show up and learn that your rental is already booked or doesn’t have the amenities promised in the advertising. Therefore, consider the following tips for finding a great vacation rental.
Do Your Homework
Yes, your vacation rental search will probably start with an internet search, e.g., “Vacation Rentals Newport Beach CA.” However, you can’t always believe what you see on the internet, right? So, you need to do some additional homework. Therefore, do in-depth research about the person or company renting the properties you are interested in. Do they have good reputations? Are they facing outstanding complaints? You can search online reviews and social networking sites to determine what their guests are saying about them. Try to find detailed descriptions of the property from past guests as well.
In addition, you should know what rental adjectives truly mean. For example, “beachfront” does not guarantee that your condo will be on the ocean, and “ski access” means you will have to drive or ride a shuttle to the slopes. However, you should also ask for multiple photos of the property and surrounding area.
Look for Association Rentals
If you rent from a person or family and something goes wrong during your stay, you may have to deal with the issue the entire time. Let’s say you are in the south in the summer and your air conditioner goes out or you are renting a one-bathroom apartment and the toilet breaks or the sink gets clogged. If you aren’t working with an association or rental agency, it is unlikely that the owner will get over there within the hour and get it fixed. However, agencies have someone on call so you can get help immediately.
Analyze Your Contract
When you stay in a hotel, you have a good understanding of what you expect from the hotel and what they expect from you. For example, you know the room will be cleaned by the hotel staff every day and after you leave. However, a vacation rental varies significantly from a hotel. You are essentially renting someone’s home or apartment, so the terms will be different. For example, some rental managers require that you clean up after yourself or pay a hefty cleaning fee. Others require large deposits. Some allow pets while others don’t. You need to completely understand your contract before you sign anything. Pay particular attention to the fees.
A great vacation starts with superior lodging. Do your homework and find a great vacation rental.