| read write ride roam home | ||
|
Rachel F. Elson Brooklyn New York rachelelson@yahoo.com 415-336-5262 |
From Budget Travel magazine
Make a Match Online: Condo Rentals When New Yorkers Danny Choriki and Marj Brown went looking for a getaway in the Catskills last fall, they had one demanding guest in mind: their miniature dachshund, Darby. "We had tried a website that lists pet-friendly hotels but weren't happy with what we found," said Choriki. "We wanted something that was more out in the country." They turned to Cyberrentals.com, a condo-booking site that flags dog-friendly units with a terrier-shaped icon. Their condo worked so perfectly that for a second trip with friends they used the site to find a larger unit, which also served them well. Renters like condos for the same reasons that owners bought them in the first place: They generally come with kitchens and more space than a hotel room, and sometimes include the use of on-site gyms and pools -- and perhaps even a comfy spot for your pet. For a broad range of properties, try Cyberrentals.com or Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO.com). Essentially classifieds with multiple pictures of units, the sites let you browse by region and by other preferences (number of bedrooms, pet-friendliness, wheelchair accessibility). You can sometimes check availability with online calendars; otherwise you'll need to e-mail queries. All transactions are handled with the owner. You may wind up sending a half-dozen e-mails before finding the perfect condo, but it's much less painful than playing phone tag and reserving condominium units sight unseen. If you'd rather not deal with individual owners, a broader booking service may be a better fit. Property management companies such as ResortQuest.com, which handles more than 20,000 units around the world, take care of all aspects of the rental experience. Another service, ResorTime.com, predominantly books time-shares in resorts that often have pools, fitness centers, golf courses and spas. Because these full-service sites have more control over the booking process, they're able to offer special promotions and discounted prices, particularly for last-minute and off-season reservations. They may throw in the sixth night free at a beachfront condo, or perhaps free ski rentals or lift tickets at a mountain resort. Locals always know the lay of the land best, and contacting a regional specialist has its virtues. Vacation Station, for example, works exclusively in the Lake Tahoe area, with condos at 19 properties (vacationstation.com). If you use Condominium Rentals Hawaii, you'll get a card for the coveted locals' discount at the grocery store -- you might pay $3 for a loaf of bread rather than $5 (www.crhmaui.com). Most condo booking services charge a fee to condo owners, not renters, but be sure to clarify the situation before reserving. Also be aware that condos usually have minimum-stay requirements and strict cancellation policies -- most require at least 30 days' notice for a full refund. Ask if cleaning services and admission to the resort's pool and fitness club cost extra. And be sure to get specifics when talking about condo location. The term "beachfront" could be used to describe your room -- or it may simply refer to the resort itself. In a large development, that might mean you're a 15-minute hike from the water. -- Rachel F. Elson From Budget Travel magazine |
|