Monday, January 26, 2009

Picking a Vacation Rental

More and more people are finding that vacation rentals by owners are the new way to vacation. Weather you rent from a property owner or property management service here are some very important things to help you select the best vacation place in the listings.

The number one thing when making a vacation rental decision should not be the price. You get what you paid for is still the theme to remember here. There are a lot of different vacation rental accommodations by owners and selecting the perfect one is not hard. If you do your research, ask the right questions and follow the below you will be fine and have a great vacation.

Look for vacation rental accommodations that have plenty of pictures of their rentals. You should only deal with owners that are willing to call and speak to you. Owners who like to qualify their potential guest are ones who care about who stays in their rentals. This is a good thing since they are concerned about keeping their rentals in prime condition. They want guest who will take care of their place and things.

You want to rent from someone who has plenty of testimonials from prior guest. This is your best source of information about the accommodations, services and the general area where the rentals are.

Always look for rentals that offer parking off the street and offer safe secure comfortable accommodations. The testimonials are a great place to confirm this is true.

If you are still note sure speak to the owners and ask if they can provide you with references and or review the testimonials for emails and names of prior guest and ask for permission to contact them.

Price should not be the determining factor in your selection. If you have a price in mind, speak to the owner and negotiate with them. Always remember that the more inquiries they get for the same time period and the more popular their rentals are the faster you need to move to secure said rental. Ask them if they have availability and if there are other inquiries for the same time period.

If you have never been to said destination ask questions as to how the area is during the time of year you will be visiting. A lot of beachfront rentals will get a lot of local traffic during high beach season for said area.

Look for rentals that have their rentals listed on multiple paid for listing sites. Better yet look for rentals that have a professionally build website. The website should have their contact information. Look for owners that take credit cards even if you pay by check. This guarantees you are renting from an establish rental owner. You should always be able to pick up the phone and contact then and not just via email. Never rent from an owner who will only deal with you via emails! Never pay for a vacation rental via Western Union, as these funds are not traceable.

Communicating with the owner and asking questions is the best way to guarantee you get a safe, clean, secure and proven rental accommodation. Always read the rules and regulations in advance and know exactly what you are paying for. Know what the amenities are, these should be clearly listed on the website. Prices should also be clearly listed on the website along with information on the area and attractions.

The final price should be in writing in an email and always insist on a payment confirmation with every payment made. Owners that have property managers who meet and greet you and show you the rentals are always a nice touch. They will usually be your point of contact. Owners should also provide you with a phone number you can contact them at in the event you cannot reach the property manager.

Always do your research and contact the owners at least four to five months in advance. The decision process should take three to four days of back and forth telephone conversations after the initial email. Most owners will email you information and follow-up with a phone call to review the details on the email and get to know who they are renting to. Always provide a call back number and the best time to call you back.

What you will finally get is a great vacation rental accommodation that will be like a home away form home with all the comforts of home. Vacation rentals are great for a family of three or more as you will have room to rest and relax in after a day of exploring, hanging out by the beach, whatever the area has to offer.

Vacation rentals are a lot better than cramp hotel room that you will probably pay twice as much for as you will for a vacation rental. Plus you will always have the option of eating in or going out for your meals.

Another great thing about a nice vacation rental with a master bedroom is that you will be able to spend some private time with your loved ones after the kids are tucked in for the night.

Enjoy you next vacation rental and visit Rentalbot.com for all your vacation rental destination needs. If your destination is Puerto Rico check-out VillasdeCostaMar.com for the best beachfront vacation rental apartments in Dorado Puerto Rico.