| Everyone needs a little guidance when planning a | | | | important question for beach front homes...there is |
| vacation, or trying to decide on out of town | | | | nothing worse than tracking in sand to your beautiful |
| accommodations. Hopefully this will help a bit...especially | | | | clean rental. |
| if you are new to the vacation rental experience. Here | | | | * What is the bedding configuration? How many does |
| are some things to consider and questions to ask | | | | it sleep, exactly? Have a print out of the floorplan and |
| yourself before you pay that deposit: | | | | make sure that it will work for you and your group. |
| * Are the photographs accurate? Make sure that you | | | | You do not want to arrive and realize that one couple |
| are seeing is what you will actually get. Keep in mind | | | | has to sleep on the floor. |
| that anything can be done to photographs these days, | | | | * What happens if there is a problem with the rental, or |
| inaccurately portraying what a home may really look | | | | we are unsatisfied? Find out what the procedure is if |
| like. Ask if the photos are up-to-date and if not, ask | | | | there is a problem or maintenance issue with the |
| what exactly has changed. Also ask if there are any | | | | rental...will the company switch you to something else? |
| additional photos that can be sent. | | | | Refund you part of the rent? Do nothing? |
| * Are there guest reviews? Are these in house or | | | | * Are the rentals owned by the rental company or by |
| third party? Before renting a place, you should always | | | | individuals? Many times, if rentals are owned by the |
| read reviews of guests who have | | | | rental company, things are kept up-to-date and issues |
| actually823a-dining-view3 stayed in the property you | | | | are resolved faster, as the company does not have to |
| are thinking about. If these reviews are from a third | | | | go through an owner to get approval for things. You |
| party reputation manager, FlipKey, you can be 100% | | | | are also dealing with the first party rather than the third. |
| certain that the reviews are unbiased and true. | | | | * What is there to do walking / short driving distance |
| In-house reviews (collected by the management | | | | from the rental? If what you want is an excluded |
| company) are probably true and accurate as well, but | | | | home miles from anything, then you don't have to |
| do not have that third-party verification. | | | | worry, but if you want to get out and explore the |
| * How close is the rental to the sand? Many | | | | surrounding areas, find out how accessible everything |
| companies tell you that their rentals are "on the sand" | | | | is. |
| or "beach front" when in fact, they are across the | | | | * Is there a catering service or private chef offered? |
| street. Find out exactly where the rental is in reference | | | | Most companies can recommend caterers and private |
| to the sand. | | | | chefs for your use. |
| * Does the rental provide WiFi? TV(s)? DVD Player? | | | | * Is the property wheelchair or pet friendly? If you |
| Stereo? Find out exactly what sort of entertainment | | | | have specific needs such as pets or a wheelchair, |
| amenities will be provided, so you don't come | | | | make sure you inquire about these things. |
| expecting something and find that it is not there. | | | | * Is there a return customer discount? If you book |
| * Does the property management company offer | | | | once with a company, you'd hope they would |
| rentals such as bicycles and surfboards? Are beach | | | | welcome you back year after year with a great |
| chairs and boogie boards provided? | | | | customer discount. |
| * Are there outdoor showers? This is an especially | | | | |