Newbie With Question

[sess7397]

Ok, I'm sure this is a really stupid question but here goes: Why are the pool homes as cheap as (sometimes cheaper) than the hotels in the area? Don't get me wrong, I prefer a private home/condo (especially with 6 people) but is there something I'm missing?

[kilee]

I think because if they made the prices too high than nobody would rent them. They have to remain competitive. I'm sure most owners have a bare minimum they need to get to make it worth running their home. Now you'll hear a lot of rumblings on what that might truly be (and it's really neither here nor there as far as this forum is concerned). It's a matter of letting the property sit empty and making nothing-- or renting it and making a least a little bit over operation costs.

[spiceycat]

hotels have things that homes don't - room service, bell services, etc - that type of things.

some condo have nicer pools, bars or lounges on site, others have restuarants on site.

these all add to the costs.

in a home be prepared to eat all your meals out or do cooking.

lots of the ladies I know - will NOT cook on vacation. they are on vacation too and cooking is not on their schedule.

I do - but I have food allergies....

[sess7397]

I was just concerned that perhaps there was more to these than "meets the eye" like some of the condos that offer great rates but require you to sit through a timeshare sales pitch or maybe the "10 miles to WDW" really meant air miles rather than driving a vehicle on a road LOL.

Has anyone here ever had a bad experience with renting a place through an owner (vrbo or fabvillas) ?

[kilee]

I've rented through www.vrbo.com for both the Disney area and elsewhere. I've also used www.orlandovillas.com and www.onlinefloridavillas.com too. If you are renting direct from the owners then you won't have any timeshare presentations or anything. When you do inquire ask about things such as--

Is Tax included, will there be an additional cleaning fee, how much extra will it be to heat the pool/spa, and is there a refundable damage deposit (I find it's 50/50 on the additional deposit). Most of the owners are really great and don't mind the questions.

We have yet to cook in a villa-- I rarely cook at home much less on vacation. So having a kitchen really has nothing to do w/ cooking in the grand scheme of things. I, for one, like the personal pool that comes w/ a home, the washer/dryer for longer trips, and room to spread out a little. 7-14 days in a small hotel room can start grating on everyone's nerves after awhile.

[isla bonita]

I am a home owner. With that said here are my views. We have a great product and some rental home communities offer amaenities that others do not, just like the hotels and condos. I would say like the hotels and condos some people have been unsatisfied that have left a bad taste in their mouths. I do think on the whole they are a good deal for what you get. We have to be competitive but resonably priced. Just like Disney there are different prices for diferent reasons. Amenities, proximity etc. Some communities have clubhouses, pool play areas, gated, and so on. Renting a pool home is not for all. They are just another option people have. If you are thinking of trying it keep asking the questions on the forum that are specific to what you are wondering? Many people have both sides of the experience and you can find out what exactly sounds right for you. Here is a map of the area that gives you some ideas of where the communities are located.
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm
For us it is the bomb. We come home after a long day and our pool is always open. When we want a snack we have a kitchen full of food. Every morning we eat breakfast and it saves us time and $$. We also have fun with the people we go down with. I think that is one of the best parts of our vaca. My children have spent special time with there friends and family. That is priceless as they say. Ask away and get the whole picture. Leave no questions unanswered.

[minnie29uk]

I am a homeowner too and youre right - great vacation homes are good value for more or 4 guests.There are lots of homes to choose from,yet there are lots of visitors dont realise they exist or how to find us.
So sites like this are great - there are no hidden costs,all will be explained in your booking form.
Have a great holiday,
Lynn

[mbb]

Ok, I'm sure this is a really stupid question but here goes: Why are the pool homes as cheap as (sometimes cheaper) than the hotels in the area? Don't get me wrong, I prefer a private home/condo (especially with 6 people) but is there something I'm missing?


And welcome to the Dis, too:)

We do our best to verify that the home we're about to put a deposit on:
a)does exist
b)is available for rent, by the person renting it
c)is actually the home represented

How do I do that?
Start off with searching some of the sites mentioned here. We prefer to deal directly with owners, and skip the management company rental arrangements. This does not mean the home doesn't have someone in the Orlando area for you to call in the event of an emergency..it just means that rather than paying the mgmt.co's rental rate - it means you can *usually* save some considerable $$$.

Next, I check other rental sites for the home/s we've shortlisted. Yes, means some work, over a few evenings for a few hours..but eliminates some second guessing on your part (and you get to see what the mgmt companies might be charging to rent the very same property)

That - and the owner's prompt replies to any and all questions we have - before we rent - and if the house in under construction, I would be asking for the developer's phone number (and calling it to verify purchase, and completion date)..and if you really feel like you should, you can search the property records online as well - makes me feel okay with sending the deposit.:)

Or! www.orlandovillas.com has a whole free forum just for asking questions to verified homeowners...and a search feature that allows a "General Inquiry" for your wishlist for a vacation home.

That just makes it easy:):)

Sorry that was so long - but we understand the whole "too good to be true" feeling..and privately owned villas are a wonderful way to vacation.

HTH!!

:sunny: