Category: Travel

Renting a condo for your vacation is a great idea. The advantages are many: the accommodations can be more tailored to your specific needs; you don’t have to worry about housekeeping or other services typically required of owners; and many properties offer all sorts of amenities, from pools to beach access.

 

But before you go out and rent the first hotel edwards that crosses your search engine, be sure you’ve done your research. That’s why we’ve put together this post full of tips for finding quality property at an affordable price. You need to know a few things before you start your search, so read on.

 

1. Start With the Internet

The Internet has made the world of vacation rentals much smaller – and more convenient. If you want to find the perfect condo for your stay, start with the Internet. The association websites are your best bet for finding information about your community and pricing and availability at individual properties. There’s no need to call or visit each property personally – look through what’s out there and see what works for you.

 

2. Look for Amenities

 

Amenity-rich condos are in high demand – and since the market is tight, they’re often rented at higher rates. So if you’re hoping to get a condo with a pool, beach access, or other popular amenities, you’ll probably have to pay a premium. If this doesn’t bother you, then by all means, book a place with all the bells and whistles. But if you’re looking for something more affordable, visit the association websites and look through the property descriptions. Many include pictures of the unit and its various features – so use these pictures to your advantage.

 

3. Be Flexible on Dates

 

If you want to save money, then be flexible on dates. The longer your stay, the more you’ll pay per night – so consider booking a shorter stay if cost is a significant concern. Similarly, if you’ll be in the area during peak season, it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance. You can get a better deal or even avoid specific rate hikes (like the spring break rush). As always, do your research and know what other properties in the area are going for during various times of the year.

 

4. Know What You’re Getting

 

Once you’ve researched what kind of place you’d like to stay in, contact the association – or the owner – directly to get more information. Then be sure that you fully understand what’s included (or not included) in your reservation. Even if it’s a condo, there might be unexpected fees (like cleaning fees). Be sure you’re clear on all of this before booking.

 

5. Book Directly With the Association or Owner

 

The condo association has a right to protect itself from unscrupulous owners and renters. That means most associations have specific requirements for who can rent out their units and how much those units can cost.